I'm really glad you brought up the Apple Shortcuts app—it's a fantastic tool for boosting efficiency, especially in the realm of GTD. One of the most impactful ways I've integrated Shortcuts into my daily routine addresses a common challenge: managing back-to-back meetings without losing track of time.
Like many, I found myself frequently running late for my next meeting because the current one would overrun or I'd get too absorbed to notice the time. To tackle this, I got the support of a shortcut expert, he created a crucial shortcut that plays a pivotal role in my morning ritual. Here's how it works:
Every morning, I run this shortcut, which meticulously scans each event on my calendar for the day. For every meeting detected, it prompts me to decide if I want to set an alarm for it. If I choose to set an alarm, it also asks how many minutes before the meeting I'd like the alarm to go off. What makes this truly tailored to my needs is that the shortcut is designed to name the alarm label with the calendar invite's subject. This little detail makes a world of difference—it means every alarm is not just a generic sound but a specific, actionable cue related to a specific commitment.
This approach has significantly improved my punctuality for meetings, ensuring I'm always aware and prepared for the next engagement without having to constantly check my calendar or worry about losing track of time.
I'd highly recommend exploring the potential of Shortcuts to anyone looking to streamline their day and make their GTD processes more effective. It's a powerful tool that, with a bit of creativity, can be adapted to a wide range of needs and routines.
Hope this inspires you to experiment with your own shortcuts!