One of my first YouTube videos and first automations that included Drafts was about getting tasks into my task manager, which at the time was OmniFocus.
Over the years, this process has evolved to include JavaScript and Things 3; I’m happy to share the most recent version here today.
I have been an avid Mac and iOS automator for a little more than five years. It has, and continues to be, a positive influence on my personal and professional life, as well as a fun hobby.
However, it can be a tricky world to navigate for novices. Coincidently, I got interested in automation just as The Automators podcast was getting started, so it felt like I was being shepherded by the hosts. If you have the time and inclination, I encourage you to check it out from episode one.
In lieu of that, here is an overview of the Mac automation technology I use every day. There are plenty of other valid combinations and tools out there, but this set of tech is irreplaceable for me.
https://www.themikeburke.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/126-TMB-Blog-Post-Featured-Image-Compressed.jpg8571500Mikehttps://www.themikeburke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Mike-Burke-Square-Header.pngMike2024-01-17 21:22:092025-08-21 13:23:59My Triumvirate of Mac Automation Technology
https://www.themikeburke.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/124-Using-Drafts-as-a-Template-Engine-for-Things-TMB-Blog-Post-Featured-Image-Compressed.jpg13342000Mikehttps://www.themikeburke.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/The-Mike-Burke-Square-Header.pngMike2023-10-29 12:32:402025-08-21 13:24:59Using Drafts as a Template Engine for Things
As I have explained before, I try to deal with stressful situations by planning ahead, most often through checklists or automations.
Deciding to keep my sick kid home from school and communicating with his teacher(s) and the staff quickly is just such a situation. I have created two Drafts accounts to help me in those times.
While this is probably the most niche recommendation I have in the podcast world, it might be the show which has had the biggest impact on my life.
The Automators is where I was first exposed to things like Keyboard Maestro, Hazel, Drafts, and OmniFocus. Each one has had a dramatic influence on my life. I think you should give it a chance.