Sep 22, 2022·edited Sep 22, 2022Liked by Jeremy Caplan
Another trick for the 'micro-steps': If they are sequenced correctly, include all the steps in a single task, with a separator, like "xx" or "//".
So, "Send email to team xx Dupe last month's reports folder xx Update report for this month" are all the same task; as I do the first one I delete, then do the second one and delete it, etc.
Very helpful little trick to avoid littering my task manager with micro-steps. (I have been using Remember the Milk lately and am quite satisfied with it.)
And if you're into pen-and-paper, I recommend Mark Forster's long-list systems that use a simple notebook. Start with his first, Autofocus (http://markforster.squarespace.com/autofocus-system/), and then explore the others.
Hi Jeremy! Thanks for your thoughts, tips, and tools you shared 👏 I like simple to-do list apps because they help to focus on the task but not the list organizing process. For me, Tweek — https://tweek.so is a daily essential app so far. Hope you'll find it helpful too.
My work uses Microsoft Office for everything, so I use Microsoft To Do to keep track of my workday tasks. It has a helpful little "Suggestions" icon that populates with the tasks due that day, so I can move 1 - 3 at a time over into "My Day" -- that way, I'm not looking at ALL the day's tasks and getting overwhelmed. And then if I think of any non-work-related tasks, I have a little pad of sticky notes so I don't get too distracted if I need to keep focusing :)
Great information (as usual!) Like you, I have left a long trail of abandoned list utilities over the years.
I like your list of features that you need from a To Do list, but I have one more; I need to prioritize the tasks. Your two lists of Current and Someday gets partway there, and I like the rule of "only 3 tasks in the Current list."
For me, a kanban-style tool works well. I use https://kanbantool.com. I can easily slide cards from one priority column to another, I get a "big picture" of all my outstanding tasks, and I can even assign deadlines or multiple steps to tasks.
Jun 16, 2022·edited Jun 16, 2022Liked by Jeremy Caplan
I like how you have kept your suggestions also simple with the native default apps (on each platforms). After trying a few different apps over the years, I have also now gone back to the default apps.
I’ve been a big Things 3 fan for many years and still love the app, but I’m seeing so many people going back to default apps like Reminders and Apple Notes (for note taking), that I’ve been very intrigued to give it a try!
Thank you for the well-written article! If I were you, I would also add Bordio as a software, since it has great to-do lists and all kind of planners for every occasion: https://bordio.com/to-do-list
Another trick for the 'micro-steps': If they are sequenced correctly, include all the steps in a single task, with a separator, like "xx" or "//".
So, "Send email to team xx Dupe last month's reports folder xx Update report for this month" are all the same task; as I do the first one I delete, then do the second one and delete it, etc.
Very helpful little trick to avoid littering my task manager with micro-steps. (I have been using Remember the Milk lately and am quite satisfied with it.)
And if you're into pen-and-paper, I recommend Mark Forster's long-list systems that use a simple notebook. Start with his first, Autofocus (http://markforster.squarespace.com/autofocus-system/), and then explore the others.
Hi Jeremy! Thanks for your thoughts, tips, and tools you shared 👏 I like simple to-do list apps because they help to focus on the task but not the list organizing process. For me, Tweek — https://tweek.so is a daily essential app so far. Hope you'll find it helpful too.
My work uses Microsoft Office for everything, so I use Microsoft To Do to keep track of my workday tasks. It has a helpful little "Suggestions" icon that populates with the tasks due that day, so I can move 1 - 3 at a time over into "My Day" -- that way, I'm not looking at ALL the day's tasks and getting overwhelmed. And then if I think of any non-work-related tasks, I have a little pad of sticky notes so I don't get too distracted if I need to keep focusing :)
Great information (as usual!) Like you, I have left a long trail of abandoned list utilities over the years.
I like your list of features that you need from a To Do list, but I have one more; I need to prioritize the tasks. Your two lists of Current and Someday gets partway there, and I like the rule of "only 3 tasks in the Current list."
For me, a kanban-style tool works well. I use https://kanbantool.com. I can easily slide cards from one priority column to another, I get a "big picture" of all my outstanding tasks, and I can even assign deadlines or multiple steps to tasks.
Getting Things Done by David Allen 🫵👊👍
I like how you have kept your suggestions also simple with the native default apps (on each platforms). After trying a few different apps over the years, I have also now gone back to the default apps.
I’ve been a big Things 3 fan for many years and still love the app, but I’m seeing so many people going back to default apps like Reminders and Apple Notes (for note taking), that I’ve been very intrigued to give it a try!
Thank you for the well-written article! If I were you, I would also add Bordio as a software, since it has great to-do lists and all kind of planners for every occasion: https://bordio.com/to-do-list