How to practise GTD with WhatsApp?

[Stefan Godo]

as with any conversational tool (like SMS) that you cannot archive stuff in a reasonable way (search back, etc). You can forward important stuff from Whatsapp/messenger to a tool, better in this respect (like from whatsapp to email/Onenote, probably plenty of others).
it will get processed/archived/organised there.
Obviously the problem of backward info flow remains. (e.g. you keep your project notes, timeline, journal, attachements, etc in Onenote, and need to tell the guy something, tyo go back to Whatsapp and attach the stuff there again - you can do it on a PC, less on phone.

 

[Y_Lherieau]

Please share your thoughts on implementing GTD when WhatsApp is the inbox that cannot be changed

I researched a few potential technical solutions and outlined three options below. My preferred choice is option 3, although it requires a WhatsApp Business account. This approach offers the most flexibility, allowing us to tailor it to a simple workflow.

Specifically, it would enable highlighting text within WhatsApp and triggering an automated capture process. However, while the task could be created in Todoist, the WhatsApp API doesn’t support hyperlinks that link directly back to the original message in WhatsApp. The API does support the inclusion of URLs in messages, but these URLs cannot link back to a specific message thread in WhatsApp.
Instead, the API is primarily designed for business communications, automating responses, and managing conversations through tools like CRM platforms, rather than creating persistent links to individual messages.

For capturing WhatsApp messages on a mobile device and sending them to Todoist or your inbox, here are a few approaches:

1. IFTTT (If This Then That):

• You can use IFTTT to automate the process. Create an automation that triggers when a new WhatsApp message is received and sends the content to your Todoist or via email. However, WhatsApp itself doesn’t have native integration, so you’ll need a workaround like a webhook or using WhatsApp notifications.

2. Zapier:

• Like IFTTT, Zapier allows you to automate tasks. It doesn’t directly support WhatsApp but can work if you use WhatsApp Web in combination with another service that tracks the messages. This would then send them to Todoist or email.

3. WhatsApp Business API:

• If you are using WhatsApp Business, you can use its API to send message data to Todoist or email. You would need a developer to help set this up, as it requires programming knowledge to capture and forward the messages.

 

[gtdstudente]

An inbox does capture everything, but the issue with WhatsApp is the mix of casual chats and important tasks. It’s harder to organize compared to email, making it tricky to manage actionable items without getting lost in other conversations.

@lovada

"It’s harder to organize compared to email" that's a clear why even attempt ?