05/02/2026
"What if your phone did the boring stuff FOR you?"
Three months into her tech transformation, Sarah discovered something mind-blowing:
Her devices could actually DO THINGS without her.
Not AI-sci-fi stuff. Simple, everyday automation that saves 30+ minutes daily.
SARAH'S AUTOMATION SETUP:
π§ Email Attachments β Cloud Storage
Tool: IFTTT (If This Then That - FREE)
Gmail attachments automatically save to Google Drive
No more manual downloads or "where did I save that?" moments
π
Auto-Silent Mode
During calendar meetings: Phone auto-mutes
When she arrives home: Work notifications pause
No app-switching, no forgetting, no interruptions
π Recipe to Shopping List
Finds recipe online β Ingredients auto-add to Google Keep
One tap instead of manual typing
π Bedtime Routine
10 PM: Phone dims, switches to Do Not Disturb
Morning alarm: Gradually increases brightness, shows weather + calendar
THE TOOLS MAKING IT HAPPEN:
IFTTT (If This Then That): Connects apps together
Shortcuts (iPhone): Built-in automation powerhouse
Tasker (Android): Advanced automation for Android users
Zapier: For work-related automations
π‘ STARTER AUTOMATION (Try this weekend!):
Create a "Driving Mode" that:
Auto-replies to texts ("Driving, will respond soon!")
Opens your music app
Mutes non-essential notifications
Sarah's favorite realization:
"I'm not lazy for wanting my phone to handle repetitive tasks. I'm efficient." π
Your turn: If you could automate ONE daily task, what would it be? Comment below! π
Tomorrow: How Sarah helped others (and the tools that helped HER dad, colleague, and neighbor)...