Keeping project lists in memos vs todos

[Anonymous]

I too digressed into the world of downloading and installing every neat software, hack, etc for the Palm. Well, last week I wiped it all out, reset the Palm and started completely over with just the native Palm apps. What I have found is that they work pretty darn well and I don't miss all of the other stuff at all. It seems that the Keep It Simple Stupid paradigm prevails again.

[Jason Womack]

I too digressed into the world of downloading and installing every neat software, hack, etc for the Palm. Well, last week I wiped it all out, reset the Palm and started completely over with just the native Palm apps. What I have found is that they work pretty darn well and I don't miss all of the other stuff at all. It seems that the Keep It Simple Stupid paradigm prevails again.

Wow! I have been looking for a clear way to say this; thanks Tom!

I'm a true believer that "form follows function." Looking back in time, I admit that I created some pretty "geeky" organizational systems...only to have them fade away because of the time intenisive nature of upkeep.

I agree; the simplicity of the Palm system is key. Actually, any system you have to manage lists will work just fine. The form...that's a result of processing. (What is it? What do I have attention on? What do I want to see different? What am I willing to commit to? What's my VERY next action?)

Those questions, although seemingly simple (like the Palm) are deceptively complex (again, like the Palm!). So, use what works; keeping in mind the principle behind the behavior. What's that again? Here's a way of thinking about it:

The Best Practices of Workflow Management:

COLLECT
Best Practice: out of your head, in dedicated locations


PROCESS
Best Practice: Decide on actions and outcomes when things SHOW up


ORGANIZE
Best Practice: Sharp edges to 6-8 lists


REVIEW
Best Practice: Care and feed the system, review in discretionary time


DO
Best Practice: Use all of the above