I'm trying GTD again...

E

elizabethm

0
...and I need help on choosing a good GTD app for my iPod touch.

I fell off the wagon a few weeks ago, choosing to ignore my lists and go with the "flow" simply because I wasn't too busy, which was very surprising. I had time to read more than five thousand words worth of books this past weeks, and so far I've spent all my time in the library (like the avid bookworm I am).

But in those weeks, I didn't know what to do. Sure, I kept track of my due assignments at school, but those were the only things I tracked. I didn't bother logging down when I had to return my library books because I could finish a one-inch book in three hours. I absorb information a whole lot more easily in words and visual diagrams and photos.

So, in summary, I lost track of my tasks, my projects and my life. I've been drifting between "I got to get back on track!" and "Eh, I'll do it tomorrow. It isn't due for two days anyway."

And before I try to get back on the wagon, I need your help to learn. I currently have OmniFocus on my iPod touch, but that was one factor why I easily got overwhelmed by how much I needed to type down and everything. Not a problem for my small fingers, but definitely something my mind needed some time to comprehend.

I need advice on other task managers. I'm eying Action Lists as it follows GTD the closest with minimal fuss after OmniFocus, but I really do need the advice.

(I'm not affiliated with any of the apps/task managers I've mentioned above in my post. They're just products that I'm going to definitely keep an eye on.)
 
Omnifocus can be quite overwhelming. I don't think it's as powerful if you only want to use it on your iPod, then other apps might be better for you.

However, if you are using it on multiple devices I'd reconsider Omnifocus. Especially when you use it with the desktop version.

I'm not familiar with other apps since I love OF, but I hope others can help you with that.
 
Start with a paper system then migrate later

If you're going to make GTD stick you need tools without bottlenecks. Right now you don't have that with your electronic system. I strongly suggest you start with a paper system and put your focus first on forming the habits of GTD. You can always migrate your system later.
 
Toodledo

I've had a good experience using Toodledo. There's a web interface and apps for both the iPhone/touch and the iPad. Synching between the different devices is automatic which I really like. I've used a number of other apps (Inc. Ominifocus) and Toodledo is the winner for me.

Hope that helps.
 
I concur with starting with paper and really working the lists and the process first.

Omnifocus might be difficult on only an iTouch.
 
elizabethm;87382 said:
I currently have OmniFocus on my iPod touch, but that was one factor why I easily got overwhelmed by how much I needed to type down and everything.
Click to expand...

I use OF on my iPod Touch but I don't try to review or enter much data there. I use it mostly when doing ot keep me on track and as a reminder system that is portable. I do nearly all my data entry at my Mac. Review is always at my mac due to the great tools there for it.

I can't help with other task managers, I tried LifeBalance but it didn't work for me. Any cloud system is also not going to work for me for lots of reasons. OF has a long learning curve but is the most flexible system I've found.

Did you try the OF set up guide here to get going?
 
Toodledo

+1 for Toodledo.

It is my first cloud system and it's still the first one. It works well and it is more flexible than the residential one I built originally in Outlook, according to the David Allen set-up guide.

Then Toodledo has its own Ipod app or you can use, as well, some other apps on android systems to sync with. And this little devices can be always with you, with your lists and tasks!
 
Since when do you use an iPod touch? I always think about maybe adding an iPod to my range of systems, because right now I am using a BlackBerry and I am really, really happy with it but still I wonder is there a perfect GTD application for that?
 
Can there be a better system than the system you're happy with?

donnbrow;87991 said:
Since when do you use an iPod touch? I always think about maybe adding an iPod to my range of systems, because right now I am using a BlackBerry and I am really, really happy with it but still I wonder is there a perfect GTD application for that?
Click to expand...

Can there be a better system than the system you're happy with?
 
Capture vs. Review

It sounds like you are focusing on mobile in your post, so I'll try to stick to that.

You may be conflating task capture with task review in describing your conundrum.

As far as capture goes, the simpler the better. And OmniFocus on any platform is higher maintenance than most options. That said, many get along with it just fine.

Here are a couple task capture options:
  • Moleskine pocket cahier notebook. Handy for a pocket or purse. Combine with favorite writing utensil.
  • Hipster PDA. If you like a bit more organization.
  • E-mail. Easiest digital data entry point IMHO. Guaranteed to get to your inbox for processing. Or if you're fancy, you can e-mail directly into an app/service with a mail API, like Toodledo.

Here are a couple of task review options:
  • OmniFocus. Since you've already got it. Just don't use it for capture.
  • Toodledo. Syncs with a web app.
  • TaskPaper. Syncs with a Mac app.

Neither of these lists are exhaustive but it's a starting place. The important point is that your capture method does not have to be your review app. Several input sources, one master list (to rule them all, and in the darkness bind them...). ;) (What? We're not all nerds here?)

Hope this helps. Good luck.
 
I don't think a software can do what you don't.

GTD is a method that can help you if you trust it every time. GTD help you, if you use it every time you need to choose the next action. And whatever system you use it'll never betray you. ;)
 
1. Paper.
2. Things is simple and easy to use use, really short learning curve.

As simple as you can get away with (all the omnifocus users can send hatemail to....)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top