43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

How to implement GTD on a Palm: Projects vs. Tasks

Hi everyone.

I have used Palm devices since 1998, but I am a GTD newbie. Here is my question:

Using the built-in To Do application in GTD, how do you show which Next Actions are connected to which Projects? Right now, all of my To Do categories are named according to context (@Home, @Desk, @Computer, etc.).

As it is right now, I can see what I should be doing and where I should be doing it. However, I am still having to keep in my head what task is associated with what project, and the whole point of GTD is to get it out of your head, right?

Also, I am currently syncing with Outlook, which I have configured for GTD using David's instructions.

Any advice would be welcomed. Also, Merlin, I love the site.

Grace and peace,

Doug

Tetsujin's picture

I use a Zaurus rather...

I use a Zaurus rather than a Palm, but I think the basic To Do list applications are similar.

My short answer to your question is: a)I use the "notes" area of each NA item, and b)I don't worry about it.

I have a bunch of context categories such as @House, @Office, @Internet, @Phone, etc. I also have a category called +Projects where I keep my project list.

In the Notes section of +Project entries I list the actions I know I'll need to take on this project -- both Next Actions (which also appear as their own items in the appropriate @- lists) and actions that I'll have to take later but can't do yet.

In @-list next action items, I'll sometimes note the name of the project the action is part of. And sometimes I'll also make a note of the new NA that will come into play once the current item is complete. That makes it easy to get the new NA onto the right list with just a little cutting and pasting.

Is this foolproof? Maybe not. But it is enough to let me trust the system and keep me from having to think about actions and projects unless I want to, and that's my guideline for GTD: as much system as I need to keep my mind empty, but no more.

If you consistently include a note in each NA that reads PROJECT: [project name], would that be enough to keep the action<->project connections in the system and out of your head?

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »