Need
We all need to be reminded of appointments and things to do. There are so many places we have to be or things we have to do. For example students need to take classes, parents need a list for shopping or workers have appointments with their clients. We can't memorize every thing. We have to write down somewhere where we can lookup or get reminded.
Experience
A few years back, there were a lot of things I had to handle daily. I went looking for techniques to manage myself and found "Getting Things Done Fast". I liked the methods explained, and it was also working for me.I still try to use it until now, but it requires a lot of discipline. The methods don't require any high tech tool.
But since I spent more than 8 hours daily behind the computer, and have my phone always with me, I try to use these tools instead of the low tech. I put appointments, tasks immediately on the computer and get reminded by the Phone.
Tools
There are lots of tools that can be used such as agenda's, smartphones computers etc..After trying a lot of tools, I have chosen to stick with the following:
GTasks is a simple and efficient todo / task management app with Google synchronization. You can customize your to do list, set reminder, share tasks with your friends, family members or colleagues and sync with your Google Tasks perfectly. With it, you will never miss a task and focus on what really matters to boost productivity.
I use Gtask to list tasks I have to complete. Tasks can be scheduled for a specific date. They can also be put in lists. I had made lists based on the GTD methods (eg. @home, @work, Someday maybe). Gtask syncs with Google calendar and the same tasks/list can be viewed there.
- Google Calender
Google Calendar is a time-management web application and mobile app created by Google. With Google's free online calendar, it's easy to keep track of life's important events all in one place.
This is like my "Daily Dashboard". I use Google Calendar to store appointment or other important activities. I set reminders as popup or emails. If it's time I get reminded on the computer and on the phone, since I have my google account configured on my phone also. This is very handy because we forget to.
- Email
I use emails to send myself notes or ideas. I also create sub folders to organize these types of emails.
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| My notes |
- Low tech (paper)
I also write a lot on paper. I make small/ to do lists. These help me to step by step accomplish things. There is also something magical when writing down things to do.
It also gives a great feel of accomplishment when a task is finished and striked trough. Writing down stuff also reduces stress.
Even though there are so many great tools available and methods to manage myself, I still fail to do so properly. It all depends on discipline. But I still stick to the GTD methods and try it everyday ( or at least part of it). It would have been much worse without it.
