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What makes a good list manager?
April 28th, 2008 by StephenThis post provides some context for the post I entered below.
Simply GTD with Kelly: What makes a good GTD list manager?
So what makes a good GTD list manager?Key features to look for:
* Sorting lists by context - many programs have a “category” feature that will easily support this.
* Ability to assign a due date - not forcing it on all of them, but allowing it for those that need it.
* Portable for on the go access - can be synched to a handheld or printed.
* Easily accessible - less than 60 seconds to get something in/out.
* More attractive to you than repelling - you’ve got to like the system your entrusting your brain to.
* Doesn’t force priority codes - if you know GTD, you know that forcing priority codes is old news and rarely accurate anyway.
* Place to capture additional notes - attached to an item to capture relevant info related to the item.
* Ability to search and sort in various ways.
* Robust enough to handle all of your stuff.
Is there a perfect GTD list manager out there?
I do not believe that there is such a thing as a “perfect” list manager, just the best list manager for you and your current circumstances. That is the beauty (some would say the curse) of the GTD system. It is flexible enough to handle many styles of use, and robust enough to conform to most of your organizational needs.
What do you use to manage your lists? Do you make lists? Leave a comment.
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April 28th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I love GTD, but I don’t really use lists. They actually take too long to update. In the time it takes me to update my lists with all the things that changed since -yesterday-, I could’ve already done the first six new things on the “list.”
Instead, every morning, I look at the sheet of paper thumbtacked to my cork board with just the names of projects or clients and come up with a few tasks. Then I Twitter my to-do for today (usually). Makes me feel accountable, even though nobody probably cares.
When those 3 things are done, I screw off for the rest of the day. Reading blogs, writing blogs, reading and learning, whatever.
Even though I have 7 active clients right now, a product launch in the works, 3 web sites, and speaking gigs for June… I’m still waiting on people most of the time. *shrugs* I guess I’m getting things done =P
April 28th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I knew you could do it!
Good strategy. The important thing about any productivity practice is that it works for you. I do not make a lot of lists either, but the ones I do make generally get done quickly. That is my strategy.