The Top Task Management Software
I use task management software for the nitty gritty details of how I organize my life. Keep in mind, to do lists are not important as the system I use for goals management, those are the "big rocks" of my life. I use Google Calendar and Google Tasks and the cool thing is I can view it on my phone or any computer. They both are free to use, just create a gmail account. HOW I MANAGE MY TASKS: Google tasks has a default main tasks page, which always loads up first. I have the goals I use for my yearly checklist are on there. Which is perfect! It serves me as another reminder and I name the list as "Top Goals". I have my primary goals on top, then the secondary goals down below. Then, I created additional lists with the following names: @agenda, @anywhere, @call, @computer, @errands, @home, @work, @waiting for, Projects, and Someday/Maybe. The tasks with '@' in front are simple Action items. Projects are tasks that can be broken down to multiple action steps, and Someday/Maybe are things I may get around to someday but want to keep. For specific events and tasks that have a hard date, I use the calendar. The calendar date isn't a "maybe" activity, only for set dates. This works well when I do a weekly review, ideally on a Friday. I go through all the Google Tasks lists and Google Calendar to plan the next week. On a busy week, it gives me a handle on the things I want to accomplish. I got this system from the book "Getting Things Done". It's a semi-boring read but it's awesome once you get your system setup. There is a more elaborate system you can use, but this is my primary means of breaking down my tasks. HOW I USE NOTES I also use Evernote as an extension to my brain. I can attach crazy pictures, interesting links, snazzy audio files. You can download the program, which backs up your notes on your computer. Also, I use this on my phone, so I have the list everywhere I go. It's free up to a size limit, but works for me. My notes categories are: BookNotes (i read a lot), Confirmations (shop online), Gifts (for others), Ideas (business or fun), Lists (groceries, travel, etc), Misc, Recipes (cooking) and Wishlist (stuff I want). These categories will vary from person to person. Other ideas could be: random thoughts, wines, movies, song lyrics, etc. Have as many categories you feel comfortable using, I prefer less. Again, this process isn't as important as which task management software I use. That's what I use to keep myself on track for the things that are really important to me. Other To Do List Software I like: Remember the Milk - If i had an iPhone, this is the one I would probably use. I like the tabbed layout on the computer. Microsoft Outlook - The original task management software I've been using this for years. It has the calendar, tasks and notes programs tied together. If you are not comfortable saving your information online, this can be a good choice, if you don't mind Microsoft. todoist - Similar to Remember the Milk online, but has a different layout. Toodledo - Has the ability to schedule recurring tasks. Isn't as 'pretty' as others but has solid features. Ta da List - A simple task management software by a cool company, 37signals. UberNote - This is an alternative to Evernote. If you prefer a little more simplicity, this could be a good one for you. GQueues - This is a newcomer, that uses Google App Engine for very customized lists (or queues). Works on iPhones too (may be a little slow at times). Teux Deux - Unique, lightweight task list software that simplifies your tasks by days of the week and a 'someday' category. Plain Text - I would use something like Google Docs or ZoHo since I can access them on any computer or phone. However, if you are concerned about privacy, go ahead and fire up Microsoft Word, Notepad or OpenOffice. Pen and Paper - this isn't software, but for those of us who prefer simplicity, that's never a bad option. I use this sometimes when I'm feeling 'creative' or have 2-4 MAJOR tasks for the day. There are tons of task management software out there. You should be able to find something out there that meets most of your needs. |