This is a short update to my planning habit I started two months ago. Today is the last day and I believe I’ve come up with a super simple yet powerful method.
As I said earlier, in the last 30 days I tried to improve my existing system because I felt it was unproductive for me to have a big list of projects and tasks as a todo list.
After trying both paper and software solutions, I decided to stick with software because I spend most of my day in front of a computer, and when I’m not in front of a computer I’m usually already doing high value tasks.
The following system works very well for me and it’ll probably work well for you if you spend a lot of time in front of a computer.
Long term planning
I use things to keep track of all my ideas and to plan for my projects. I like things because it’s easy to create new projects and add deadlines. It also creates recurrent tasks for you. I usually open things only one or two times per day.
Daily planning
For daily planning, I use a simple software called anxiety, which is a simple and minimal todo list. I usually write 2 or 3 tasks I want to accomplish for the day. If I used thins for this, I could get easily distracted by all the other tasks.
Inbox
As my inbox, I either use things (if it’s open) or notational velocity, which is a super fast software tool to keep notes. I also use this software to keep track of imminent tasks have to do to accomplish something (for example at work)
Conclusion
While the software tools I suggested are only available for mac os x, I’m sure you can find the same functionalities in every platform you choose to use (even paper). I hope this can help but you need to try different solutions to figure out what works better for you.
Posted on October 20 2009
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I’ve been using a web based to do list at tadalist.com for the last week or so and I love it. It’s really streamlined my computer time during the day, and I have more time for other stuff. Great to read your update!
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Hey Nate, I have tried tadalist in the past and it’s a great tool! I don’t use it because I need something that also works offline but it’s a valid tool.
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Hey Oscar, sounds like you’ve got a good system for planning. I did always want to try Things, and I just read about Anxiety, which sounds pretty simple. I actually use Text Edit for my ideas and to-do lists, but I think in Things I could organize them by dragging them in there, which would be better than the folder system I have right now, is that right? Do you find it complicated? I really don’t need anything too complex, just a better way to organize files than OS X’s folder system….
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Hey Miche! Things is great for organizing stuff, and I use it because of its planning facilities. I think they offer a demo, so the best move for you would be to try it until the demo expires and see it it works for you.
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Hi Oscar.
Although I am not on a Mac, I like the concept behind these two applications, and how their names are short one-word names. I used a PC-alternative of anxiety a while back for a few days, and it was a pretty good application to use. I sometimes use Sticky Notes to write quick notes in, but might use a more appropriate application later.
That’s a good point about using software for these purposes because your time away from the computer is already high-value. I think that is the case for many who only have main distractions online.
Thanks for the update.
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Hi Armen, I don’t believe you can find a software for every platform, that’s easy. What’s hard is to find the best way to use it, and it’s something we need to learn again every day.
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Thanks for introducing the software Oscar. To think that I have no idea of it until I read your post. Btw, What’s do you recommend for PC web-based application for to-do list? Is it free only do we pay monthly?
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Karlil, as a simple todo list I would recommend tadalist.com. Unfortunately I don’t know which software are available, maybe try a few for yourself, I had to try many for mac.
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I personally love Todoist, but I can see your point on going for a service which you can use offline. Thinking about it, I would get lost if I had no internet connection.
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Yes, that’s the point Stefan, but maybe I’m just old school in this :D
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Hey Oscar:)
Thanks for the update and sharing your methods!
Personally I use a pen and notepad, very fast and simple, and no other distractions. I just have it on my desk next to my computer, and cross things off when I do them, and add any ideas or tasks to do when they come into my mind.
Keep up the good stuff!
Cheers
Diggy
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Hey Diggy, that’s something I tried, but I have procrastinated on bringing a notepad with me everywhere. It’s more easy for me to go out with a computer or with my ipod ;)
I’ll try that again in the future.
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Hi Oscar, and everyone,
Well for PC I do have a suggestion but I’m a bit biaised since I created mine (actually working with an outsourced development company).
A few flaws here and there, and apparently it doesn’t fare too well with other date management tools if you are using non-US regional settings (for now) but it works well for me.
It isn’t a todo list but a simplified project management tool. Just look for Z Planner on download.com or Google it (I really don’t want to spam Oscar’s discussions, it’s freeware btw).
Being able to use it offline is one of the perks. I also use it as a recurrent reminder tool, keeping track of late tasks, brainstorming solutions for bigger projects…
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No problem Charles, you are welcome to share the link with us ;)
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Ok then :)
http://www.2-0.biz/productivity/personal-project-management-freeware
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This is so amazing. The fact that someone is actually planing things in their daily/weekly/monthly tasks is refreshing to all those who just stroll around life hoping your day turns out ok..
These are some good ideas, but using something simple like an computer calander works just as fine.
It’s just important to write down goals,projects, ideas because that way you mind focus’ more on those things rather then trivial nonsense like entertainment or who won the game last night.
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Hey Mac, you are right, it doesn’t need to be anything complicated ;)
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Hi Oscar,
I write my tasks down using pen and paper. I find that it is much more convenient that way. Anyway any method is good if it works for you. :)
Cheers,
Vincent
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Hey Vincent, you are right, any method is good if it works for you ;)
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