#ProdChat – 01/25/2017 – Calendaring Versus Task Lists
On January 25, 2017, #ProdChat discussed the topic, Calendaring Versus Task Lists. So often we hear people talking about time and task tools and management as separate islands unto themselves, but as we discussed in this recent #ProdChat, it seemed more productivity enthusiasts found a blended approach to their system more apt. By knowing what to use your calendar for and what to use your task manager for, they become a powerful combination in any productivity system. Watch the slideshow to see what the productivity enthusiasts on #ProdChat had to say about “Calendaring Versus Task Lists.” Enjoy!
Questions:
- What is/are the fundamental difference/s between calendaring things to do and making task lists in your own productivity system?
- Do you believe your productivity is a zero-sum game with using calendars or task lists?
- Do you believe in a blended calendar and task list approach? If so, why?
- Do you think that the proliferation of digital task manager apps that track due dates and location negate the need for a calendar?
- Do you group like events on a calendar, and/or like activities on a task list? Pros and cons of each?
- Why/how is tracking long-term projects better on a calendar or task list over the other?
- Do you track goals on your calendar or task list? Which is better for you?
- What features do you look for in a great task manager (software/app, or paper/analog)?
- What features do you look for in a great calendar (software/app, or paper/analog)?
- In what way(s) do you think differently today after #ProdChat about your task list or calendar?
Resources:
Raw transcript:
| User | Tweet | Time |
| rsidneysmith | Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly chat for productivity enthusiasts! https://t.co/C40vBakDrB https://t.co/4leyGDRZp4 | Thu Jan 26 00:59:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck @xianfox Hi there, guys! How’re you today? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 00:59:14 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Doing well @rsidneysmith and you? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 00:59:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Today on #ProdChat we’re discussing “Calendaring Versus Task Lists” Join us! #productivity https://t.co/g9yhkHJE2f | Thu Jan 26 01:00:03 +0000 2017 |
| ContentStarts | RT @rsidneysmith: @SeanJoyner @OmnipoTony @caplady1225 REMINDER: #ProdChat is today, 5pm EST! Join us! https://t.co/KjseFjKQc7 | Thu Jan 26 01:00:20 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | RT @rsidneysmith: @SeanJoyner @OmnipoTony @caplady1225 REMINDER: #ProdChat is today, 5pm EST! Join us! https://t.co/KjseFjKQc7 | Thu Jan 26 01:00:20 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | .@rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck Doing well. Eating chili at Machine Shed restaurant. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:00:29 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Glad to hear, Frank! I’m great. I’m finishing a good book, work travel has been all-consuming but no complaints. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:01:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox Great to hear! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:01:26 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | Joining #ProdChat from Maryland to talk about calendars and task lists. | Thu Jan 26 01:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman Hey, Jim! Glad you could join us today for #prodchat. | Thu Jan 26 01:01:54 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | So, let’s start! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchat https://t.co/Su4D0Mf78n | Thu Jan 26 01:02:01 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Frank Buck from Alabama. I wrote, speak, and coach on organization and time management. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:02:47 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | Michelle in Virginia – productivity geek GTD enthusiast #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:02:56 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | #Productivity #GTD Coach. @Evernote Certified Consultant. Host @prodbookgrp & https://t.co/JURp9wCIas. @GoogleSmallBiz Advisor. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:02:58 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | Happy Wednesday everyone. My name is Tony and I’m an avid user of gifs #ProdChat https://t.co/zAPbjx7vhw | Thu Jan 26 01:03:52 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | IT Consultant from Wisconsin. Geek out to all things GTD and Evernote. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:03:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony Hey there, Tony! Good to have you here on #prodchat! | Thu Jan 26 01:04:06 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Thanks, Ray. Guess I should have added that I am now officially an @Evernote Certified Consultant as well! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:04:17 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Yes! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:04:41 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith Hey Ray!! Glad to be here tonight. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:04:44 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | @DrFrankBuck Congratulations! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:04:54 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | What’s a #productivity success you’ve had this or last week? #prodchat https://t.co/BhhivtOOVL | Thu Jan 26 01:05:01 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @michelle1908 Thanks! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:05:19 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | I have put in several hours of deep work this week. It’s been awhile. I feel great about it. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:05:38 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Please add #prodchat to tweets. Questions will come as Q1, Q2, Q3. Answer A1, A2, A3, for readability! https://t.co/li86FRmU0g | Thu Jan 26 01:06:01 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | #Productivity success was working w/ a great group of school administrators in Talladega who are doing a book study on my book. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:06:46 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | #Productivity Success of the Week: I sat on a #productivity expert panel yesterday in NYC and it went really well! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:06:46 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | I would have to say managing being in 2 twitter chats at the same time. Not right now though #ProdChat https://t.co/P2slXhzWmK | Thu Jan 26 01:06:51 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | I finished installing a batch of new credit card readers only to find out they won’t go into service until May 9th. :/ #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:07:02 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony I’ve been there, and that’s a challenge so kudos! (insert congratulatory GIF here..haha) #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:07:23 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox So, you’re ahead of schedule, eh?! ;-( #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:07:43 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Today we are going to be discussing calendaring versus task lists for greater productivity! First question in a cou… https://t.co/gugDH3vcUI | Thu Jan 26 01:08:01 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | Editing a short clip while chiming in… #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:08:34 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | @xianfox At least you can claim advanced credit. #ProdChat https://t.co/t5OLje12nt | Thu Jan 26 01:08:36 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith Especially making sure to use the right hashtag. Haha I already have some idea of which one would work. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:08:59 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @rsidneysmith Way ahead of schedule. Other areas are going live Feb 7th. #ProdChat Oh well, somebody else’s problem now. | Thu Jan 26 01:09:05 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q1: What is the fundamental difference(s) between calendaring tasks and list-making in your productivity system?… https://t.co/lUaP7ClYWL | Thu Jan 26 01:10:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @rogue_crayon99 Great to have you, Jay! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:10:34 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | @rsidneysmith always glad to be here! Thanks! #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:11:15 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A1a: For me, I think of calendars and task lists as fundamentally *lists*…they’re just displayed differently. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:11:27 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A1 List making is good. I use my Outlook calendar to keep beating me over the head until a project is done. I know me too well. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:11:38 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | @rsidneysmith A1: The only time tasks hit my calendar is when I’m scheduling time to specifically work on that task. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:11:52 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A1: I don’t calendar tasks. I only put appointments on my calendar. #prodchat |
Thu Jan 26 01:11:59 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A1b: Calendars show tasks as a linear, consecutive lens, while task lists are categorical and possibly non-linear. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:12:06 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A1: I restrict the calendars to reflect where I need to be and things I need to know about the day (events that may impact me) #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:12:55 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A1 honestly don’t know why I still end up doing both but for myself, it’s the time scale. Task lists = immediate, cal = long term #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:13:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A1: Lists also (digitally) allow me to sort and filter tasks according to category, or resource availability. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:13:43 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A1 I also use Outlook if there’s a task that’s done on a weekly basis. Using that reminder helps when new tasks arrive. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:14:06 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A1: And, of course, I adhere to #GTD in terms of what goes in my calendar: events, time-specific tasks, and day-specific reference.#prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:14:56 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q2: Do you believe your productivity is a zero-sum game with using calendars or task lists? #prodchat https://t.co/J8IFEN62O1 | Thu Jan 26 01:15:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A2: Certainly not. I use both for their best attributes and so utilize both tools for greater #productivity. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:15:41 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2: Not exactly sure what the question means. Can you clarify? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:16:31 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A2: I do like the fact that my task manager (@rememberthemilk) integrates with my calendar so I can see tasks in my calendar. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:16:50 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Can you only use a calendar OR task list in order to be most productive? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:12 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A1 Task lists for day-of and backlogged items; calendars for long-term plans. So, calendar items become tasks as dates approach. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:26 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A1 Task lists for day-of and backlogged items; calendars for long-term plans. So, calendar items become tasks as dates approach. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:26 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A2 they have their pros hence why I use both. For next day I like to add a post it to my computer as a reminder… https://t.co/Mtg1kqfymm | Thu Jan 26 01:17:33 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A2 it’s always tempting to say yes but eventually, quality beats quantity in terms of tasks involved/work done #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:34 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A2 A zero-sum game for me would be to *not* use calendars. Without such reminders, projects might slip through the cracks. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:41 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2: At present, I would say you need both a calendar and task list. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:51 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A2: They both serve critical roles in my productivity system. It wouldn’t be complete without both of them. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:17:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @michelle1908 That’s how I see it. I would hate to see my calendar events in my task list, and vice versa. I need the separation. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:18:30 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2b: I see the pendulum swinging to the “everything on your calendar” and AI organizing it. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:18:40 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | @rsidneysmith Me too #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:19:06 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Yes, I think @fwade might agree with you there. I’ll believe it when I see it! ;-P #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:19:09 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A2c: But I think the software would have to be told too many things in order for it to schedule correctly. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:19:21 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A2 I like going to @trello when there’s multiple tasks, needing a calendar and creating a list. #ProdChat https://t.co/uhbMsWXI1f | Thu Jan 26 01:19:38 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck I see a full calendar and naturally resist the desire to dive into tasks. Something about seeing my time soaked up. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:19:47 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q3: Do you believe in a blended calendar and task list approach? If so, why? #prodchat https://t.co/R6mBAJZP5V | Thu Jan 26 01:20:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck I believe in my autonomy, self-efficacy and responsibility…outsourcing that to a computer seems dehumanizing. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:20:41 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Yes, @rsidneysmith , I have great respect for @fwade and am interested in what he is doing with #spedpal #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:20:59 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck @fwade Yes, @SkedPal is amazing and I think they’re making some powerful strides to help #productivity! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:21:26 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A3: I prefer my tasks and calendar separate. Never found a blended solution I liked so I developed the habit of looking at both. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:21:33 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A3: No, again, I think the calendar and task list serve two different roles. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:21:54 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A3: I like clear boundaries between tasks and appointments. I don’t put tasks on my calendar. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:22:14 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A3b: When I have to assign times to tasks that don’t have to be done at certain times, I am working too hard. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:22:32 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A3: Yes, I like my calendar for #GTD hard landscape items, and also for booking Natural Planning Model and brainstorming sessions! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:22:33 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | Agree! RT @michelle1908: A3: I like clear boundaries between tasks and appointments. I don’t put tasks on my calendar. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:22:55 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A2. This. Planning and scheduling takes balance. #prodchat https://t.co/3NXJJuNUOi | Thu Jan 26 01:22:57 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony That’s great! I love me some @trello when working with teams! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:23:10 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A3: So, my task list is vital to those things that don’t go into my calendar. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:23:43 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A3 it’s what I usually end up doing, I guess the only thing I’m going for with multiple lists/calendars is redundancy #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:24:01 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A3 I’ve trained myself to use my calendar to remind me of upcoming events and to write about events past to finish stories. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:24:02 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A3 it depends on the tasks that need to be done but for the most part. I prefer them to be seperate. I go to @trello for both. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:24:09 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A3a: I would also note that “task list” is a very broad, encompassing term for anything that holds a reminder of an action to do. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:24:14 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q4: Do you think that the proliferation of mobile apps that track due dates, geolocation negate the need for a cale… https://t.co/hRZYih4IlO | Thu Jan 26 01:25:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A3b: For example, I use hotel mirrors and a dry erase pen to make a list for the next morning of things I need to do when I awake. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:25:03 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @trello For sure. I know it’s usually used for teams but let’s say I need tasks from multiple people… https://t.co/u3S6VxRQUX | Thu Jan 26 01:25:14 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A3. That works for me-but that’s me. Think of novelists. Some are intricate in the outlining stage and some are “pantsers”. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:25:33 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A4: No, I don’t #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:25:38 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @trello Totally makes sense to me. It’s visual and kanban-style and highly adaptable. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:25:42 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @rsidneysmith I like the hotel mirror idea. Just hope you clean it off before housekeeping comes in! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:26:28 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A4 Since my tasks are in the office or while teleworking connected to the office, I don’t need mobile apps for reminders. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:26:56 +0000 2017 |
| prodbookgrp | Join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion! https://t.co/n14akGBB5E #prodchat https://t.co/iGukZC0bXz | Thu Jan 26 01:27:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck *sheepish grin* Most of the time! A tissue wipes it clean as I accomplish them! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:27:09 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A4 sort of but I actually enjoy using the Google calendar app. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:27:19 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A4: Not for me. Still need that calendar. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:27:23 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A4. Personal preference, nope. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:27:48 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @trello Definitely if there’s a point I need photos from one person a link from another. I can check… https://t.co/nOfLg4W3jj | Thu Jan 26 01:28:06 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A4: I agree with the group on this, it seems. I can’t see myself without a calendar. I like to know what is “social” (with others).#prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:28:09 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A4: Big no for me. The calendar holds day/time specific that can’t happen just any ole time. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:28:46 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A4: Appointments, events…they just seem so fundamentally different to me than tasks that I need to do (usu. not with others). #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:28:52 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | I think like a lot of people, I tend to see and organize tasks a certain way #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:29:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q5: Do you group like events on a calendar, and/or like activities on a task list? Pros and cons of each? #prodchat https://t.co/66TmOUnrai | Thu Jan 26 01:30:01 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | @rsidneysmith For clarity, can you provide an example? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:30:30 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: One way that I try to group like events is that I have blocks for coaching clients. So, they’re altogether. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:30:48 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @michelle1908 Did my last tweet clarify? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:31:28 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A4 #prodchat – @rsidneysmith I use Google calendar for everything. It’s an app and a calendar. | Thu Jan 26 01:31:31 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A5: I group like activities on my task list, but not context lists (ala GTD). I batch related items so that tasks fall quicker. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:31:45 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A5 I don’t do event grouping. An event stands on its own, along with the reminder to finish activities connected to each one. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:31:55 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A5: Only to the extent that I follow family members calendars or club cals. That’s the only grouping I do. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:32:14 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A5: For tasks, I have one master Tasks list, but then tag and use saved searches to see contexts (calls, emails, errands). #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:32:16 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A5: No, I don’t group like events on either. I don’t really have multiple similar events/tasks that would make sense to group #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:32:41 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A5: I like to think of it as what’s going to keep me in a “flow.” #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:32:56 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | @rsidneysmith I do the same thing #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:00 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A5 I like to keep things separate that way there’s no way I can mix them up or confuse myself. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:20 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A5 – I color code things in my Google calendar. It helps me know at a glance what type of event is coming up. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:21 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @michelle1908 That’s the beauty of having a digital task manager, as opposed to paper. But, to each his own! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:25 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy Yes, Jennifer, I love color-coding in @googlecalendar! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:52 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A5 @JKatzaman I do the same…just so there’s a sense of urgency of what needs to be done right away. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:33:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q6: Why/how is tracking long-term projects better on a calendar or task list over the other? #prodchat https://t.co/SMfXaCnBqO | Thu Jan 26 01:35:00 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @JoysOfMercy Hold on there’s an option for color coding. I’ll be right back!! #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:35:36 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy For example, green events I need to be physically somewhere to meet someone, blue = virtual, and grey = tentative. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:35:47 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A6: There is likely to be an event on the calendar at the end of the project, but other than that, it’s on the task list. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:36:11 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @JoysOfMercy Oh, yes! It’s been in @googlecalendar for years. 😀 #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:36:16 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rsidneysmith @OmnipoTony @googlecalendar – I’d probably get mixed up without it! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:37:03 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @JoysOfMercy @googlecalendar Time to start using that option. #ProdChat https://t.co/DbfBxdmFp1 | Thu Jan 26 01:37:23 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A6: I wouldn’t know where to begin tracking long term projects on a calendar. Gant chart maybe. Calendar no. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:37:25 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A6a: I use list to keep all my projects a la #GTD, and my projects are all deadlines. My tasks are start dates. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:37:36 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A6 it boils down to what I need to know, like say, thinking about the next three days vs next three months. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:38:22 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A6b: So, the calendar isn’t involved in projects unless meeting with others about the project (planning, status, working mtngs). #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:38:25 +0000 2017 |
| SeanJoyner | A6. Visual learner. Plus, I plan in reverse. So, calendars help me plot out the details a bit better. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:38:27 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | A6: Events=calendar. Tasks =task list. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:38:32 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A6 If long term in the future, a task list might have merit. Near future, present or past, calendar reminders are where it’s at. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:38:39 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @rsidneysmith Interesting approach. Am trying to visualize that. Would love to hear more. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:39:06 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck I wonder if seeing a project deadline in my calendar would be motivating. I could put milestones as all-day events. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:39:07 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A6 with long term projects lets say something happening in a month the calendar is a perfect reminder. Lists work for the week of. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:39:07 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Think of tasks as actions toward the outcome (project’s goal)…and therefore the deadline / finish line. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:39:43 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck So, it’s like bread crumbs along the path to a destination. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:39:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q7: Do you track goals on your calendar or task list? Which is better for you? #prodchat https://t.co/bW8gcAGP5X | Thu Jan 26 01:40:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @ProSourcePrint Hi, Jeff! Welcome to #prodchat. | Thu Jan 26 01:40:21 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A6: I prefer tracking long-term projects on a task list. It might be a preference, not sure which is better #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:40:25 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @OmnipoTony @rsidneysmith @googlecalendar – School stuff = Purple; Kid stuff = Red; Production work = Blue… Very helpful. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:41:00 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A7: I use spreadsheets for my goals #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:41:02 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @xianfox I suppose you could consider a Gantt chart or a project timeline as a kind of calendar tool! Good point! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:41:10 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @ProSourcePrint Ha! You’re welcome, even when tardy for the party, here on #prodchat. 😉 | Thu Jan 26 01:41:43 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A7 I track when goals need to be done by calendar and the goals being completed via list. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:01 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A7 – I’m not much one for a task list, unless it’s in Asana with my work. So I’m always working from the @googlecalendar #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:01 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | A7: same answer here. Calendar is appointments, task list is for checking things off. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:13 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @SeanJoyner Yes, calendars are much better for reverse planning! I look at my calendar as I’m plotting, in reverse, milestones. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:28 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A7: For me a project and a goal are hard to distinguish..more of a wording preference. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:43 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @JoysOfMercy @rsidneysmith @googlecalendar I like it and definitely sounds more organized #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:42:46 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A7b Since either would have a desired outcome, I use them interchangeably. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:43:23 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A7: project goals are in my project task list. 20k+ goals are in #Evernote. Meeting goals/agendas may reside in the calendar entry #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:43:34 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: I track my goals (1-3, 3-5 year) in @evernote. Those don’t go anywhere near my calendar. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:43:55 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A7 Goials are probably better tracked on task lists because they’re handier to use for mid-year and annual reviews. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:44:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A7: I will book “family planning” time in the calendar though for short-term and long-term goals! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:44:20 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @xianfox – Is @evernote your preferred task management app? #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:44:27 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q8: What features do you look for in a great task manager (software/app, or paper/analog)? #prodchat https://t.co/LWNcCp8cOL | Thu Jan 26 01:45:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy @asana is a great tool for tracking work with others! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:45:04 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | A7: I prefer goals on a task list because often there are many steps to one goal. And I need to do one before another. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:45:37 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A8: Recurring events, tagging, multiple lists, sub-tasks, a place for notes, relatively attractive interface, ease of entry #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:46:12 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | A8: Notifications, notifications, notifications. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:46:49 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | I’ve only used @evernote for note taking and organization. Never used it as a task manager. #prodchat https://t.co/YqyWsMqNgj | Thu Jan 26 01:46:57 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A8 A great task manager is well organized and works cheap — or were you talking about equipment and not a person? #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:47:10 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Understandable. “Project” here, for me, has a start and end date, a plan. Goal has not yet been planned out yet. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:47:11 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A8 Paper for the really important stuff (STAT, pronto) and digital for everything else. Again, more or less redundant. #egghead #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:47:21 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A8: Love this one… I call it the “Magnificent 7.” Talked about it as a guest on a podcast, Will grab the link. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:47:37 +0000 2017 |
| xianfox | A8: projects, contexts, recurring tasks. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:48:23 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @rogue_crayon99 Whoever’s there has a say…otherwise, you acquiesce to the decision! Many arguments resolved this way. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:48:30 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A8b: https://t.co/ZnXccoKsph is the link #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:48:36 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | @OmnipoTony @evernote I’m an ECC and use it for many things other than note taking. Task, project and goals as well. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:48:54 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A8 I haven’t used a task manager app but if anyone has any recommendations do reply. #prodchat https://t.co/M3ByPePMWJ | Thu Jan 26 01:49:39 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A8c: Due date field (w/ ability to sort by due dates), repeating tasks, note section on each task (that’s free), cont. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:49:45 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @evernote It can be done with a strong review habit, and facilitated with a tool like @taskclone and another task app. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:49:47 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q9: What features do you look for in a great calendar (software/app, or paper/analog)? #prodchat https://t.co/1OO0JH8Q20 | Thu Jan 26 01:50:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Please do! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:50:09 +0000 2017 |
| prodchat | RT @DrFrankBuck: A8b: https://t.co/ZnXccoKsph is the link #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:50:18 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A8d: Ability to search, sync across all devices, communicates with email, can add tasks with your voice. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:50:28 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @ProSourcePrint @evernote Fascinating. I’m going to play around with the app. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:50:39 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | RT @DrFrankBuck: A8b: https://t.co/ZnXccoKsph is the link #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:50:54 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @ProSourcePrint @OmnipoTony Wow! We have three ECCs on tonight! Great to have all this @evernote expertise here on #prodchat! @DrFrankBuck | Thu Jan 26 01:51:01 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A9 A calendar has to make sense and be easy to use. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:51:22 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @rememberthemilk @todoist @wunderlist (in that order) #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:51:29 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @evernote @TaskClone Ah alright. I know Evernote has been good at combining apps such as google drive… https://t.co/ZMCaiB4MkK | Thu Jan 26 01:51:34 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @ProSourcePrint Gotta have notifications! #prodchat https://t.co/dQTb3cAbzm | Thu Jan 26 01:51:35 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | @OmnipoTony @asana, @producteev, @bitrix24, @Wunderlist are a few great ones. (Asana need notifications though.) #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:51:49 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony @evernote @TaskClone Definitely look at the Evernote App Center for integration partneres. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:51:58 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony *partners #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:09 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A9: Repeating tasks, place for details, can send emails to it, audible alarms, (cont) #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:33 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A9: Calendar apps *must, must, must* synchronize across all of my devices! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:37 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @evernote @TaskClone Will do. ???#ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:45 +0000 2017 |
| rogue_crayon99 | A9 Calendar – writing space 🙂 #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:46 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A9b: …monthly view on the mobile device that lets you see the events. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:52:53 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @ProSourcePrint @asana @producteev @bitrix24 @Wunderlist Thank you thank you!!! #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:53:20 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Such great suggestions for task manager and calendar apps, #prodchat peeps! w00t! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:53:28 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith @rememberthemilk @todoist @Wunderlist Highly appreciate the suggestions. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:53:37 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @rsidneysmith Of yes, syncing with mobile devices is a must, #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:53:38 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A9 – For paper, the squares have to be big enough to actually be useful! Online/app, color coding! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:53:43 +0000 2017 |
| ProSourcePrint | A9: I use @googlecalendar so I’m not looking for features. 🙂 #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:54:00 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | @rsidneysmith My Google calendar synchs with my cellphone and laptop, and I never asked it to. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:54:00 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @OmnipoTony And, if you have any questions about features or such, please feel free to tweet at me. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:54:12 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JKatzaman Well, you may need to un-ask it to, then! LOL #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:54:31 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | @rsidneysmith I will make sure to keep that in mind. ✔#ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:54:48 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Q10: In what way(s) do you think differently today after #ProdChat about your task list or calendar? #prodchat https://t.co/zCGsBymSkC | Thu Jan 26 01:55:01 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | A9: Sync (which is a given), ease of entry. I love the android widget too. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:55:35 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | A10 – @rsidneysmith That I need to find a good task list system! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:10 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A9 if I’m thinking app wise. Notifications and being able to personalize it. Paper, space is a huge factor except for Post its. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:29 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | A10: @DrFrankBuck’s suggestion made me think about calendaring major project milestones in my calendar. Experiment! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:29 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A9c: I used Google Calendar but sync to the native calendar on my Android. (Actually has a nice monthly view) @Toodledo for tasks. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:34 +0000 2017 |
| JKatzaman | A10 I might give more consdieration to a task list if I can see how it helps me better keep my act together. #ProdChat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:41 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy As I said to @OmnipoTony, please tweet at me with questions, happy to help! 🙂 #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:56:56 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Please feel free to join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion this Saturday!… https://t.co/7AWW1Yvc07 | Thu Jan 26 01:57:01 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A10 that some apps have options I didnt know about such as the color coding in @googlecalendar and task managing in @evernote #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:57:46 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Next #ProdChat: February 1 – “Being Productive by Voice.” Join us! Have a great rest of your week, all! https://t.co/oQfHVDDN6q | Thu Jan 26 01:58:01 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rsidneysmith @OmnipoTony – Thanks! I’m going to scroll back through this chat later and check out the recommendations. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:58:08 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | A10: Seems the group likes having calendar AND task list. More committed to staying the course! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:58:11 +0000 2017 |
| OmnipoTony | A10 also the other options you guys recommended will be a great take away. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:58:17 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy There will also be a transcript/slideshow out tomorrow of #prodchat! | Thu Jan 26 01:58:37 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | @rsidneysmith The voice topic will be a great one! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:58:46 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | @rsidneysmith – I’ll be adding this to my list of weekly chats! I can’t always make it, but this was helpful! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:58:49 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck Yes, less calendar versus task list, and more, calendar AND task list! LOL #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:59:04 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @JoysOfMercy We’re here most every Wednesday at 8pm EST! We look forward to having you back, Jennifer! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:59:30 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @CarloLPena Enjoy, Carlo! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 01:59:48 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @DrFrankBuck I’m hoping so…please feel free to DM any questions you think might be good for the group! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 02:00:09 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:00 +0000 2017 |
| michelle1908 | @rsidneysmith Thank you! #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 02:01:17 +0000 2017 |
| gtdnyc | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| w3consulting | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| gtdpgh | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| prodchat | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| prodbookgrp | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| GTDPhilly | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| gtddc | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| focusatwork | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:01:36 +0000 2017 |
| JoysOfMercy | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 02:04:28 +0000 2017 |
| ShannonRenee | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 12:43:27 +0000 2017 |
| ShannonRenee | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 12:43:27 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | RT @rsidneysmith: Thanks, #productivity enthusiasts, for attending #prodchat! Join us next week! @prodchat https://t.co/Bm3Qg2P9VV | Thu Jan 26 12:53:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @CarloLPena @DrFrankBuck Yes, when in doubt, a project as defined by #GTD, gets a deadline of one year from origination date. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 14:21:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @CarloLPena @DrFrankBuck Yes, when in doubt, a project as defined by #GTD, gets a deadline of one year from origination date. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 14:21:01 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | @CarloLPena @DrFrankBuck One gets better at intuiting project lengths, after one starts to consistently meet your deadlines. #prodchat | Thu Jan 26 14:24:19 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Join #ProdChat for our next #productivity topic! https://t.co/NJDSyG0EeI https://t.co/6SxYzlXBzJ | Thu Jan 26 18:00:33 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | Join #ProdChat for our next #productivity topic! https://t.co/NJDSyG0EeI https://t.co/6SxYzlXBzJ | Thu Jan 26 18:00:33 +0000 2017 |
| DrFrankBuck | This will be a good one! #ProdChat #productivity #GetOrganized https://t.co/IYmJCzfyFZ | Thu Jan 26 18:05:16 +0000 2017 |
| rsidneysmith | #ProdChat is a weekly #productivity chat. Join us for different topics Wednedays at 8pm ET. https://t.co/NJDSyG0EeI https://t.co/4iyLIdCtES | Fri Jan 27 15:00:27 +0000 2017 |