What happened to the tasks?
by Quadrant IV
Some months ago (actually, more months than I care to think about), I thought it would be a great idea to trial a bunch of task management applications and services. The general idea was to find the one true task manager that would suit my needs and keep my life on track.
I did actually trial a fair few of the applications I said I would. I installed things on my phone; I got online accounts. But at the end of the day I realised that while each of the applications I tried would manage my tasks, it really came down to how I organised them in the first place, not where I put them.
So the core of the problem is this. I am inherently disorganised when it comes to my personal tasks. For things related to work, I am right on top of it. But when it comes to my private life, I’m a complete mess.
So instead of putting off the act of actually organising myself but endlessly searching for the right solution, I decided to properly deal with the problem. I am actually getting organised.
I’ve taken a bit of inspiration from Tim Ferris and am outsourcing things that need to get done but aren’t a priority for me. Enter my new ironing lady and the people doing some web design for me.
I’m also completing or giving up on all the miriad of little projects that have been hanging around in my head for years slowly driving me both insane and lazy.
Will this work? Who knows. But I really feel that before I can give any task manager, system, program or plan the attention and use it deserves, I need to close of few of the open loops and give the manager/program/system a chance.
Chelsea
August 13, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
We had to move to a different city couple of years ago and had to finally organise the massive amount of papers and tasks that had accumulated in our house and also to get organised for the new life and brand new jobs. So my partner and I both started reading GTD by Allen and followed it step by step. We also applied it to our tasks and appointments. The GTD system has truly transformed our lives. Apart from having an organised office, the personal tasks and appointments are managed effortlesly and I don’t think we can live without it now:-) Will recommend it to anyone who listens:-)
X Chelsea