I've tried just about every web/mobile/desktop todo list out there, and always end up back at pen and paper.
Every night, I list out the things I want to get done the next day. I strike these tasks out throughout the day as I do them. At night, I destroy the list (burn it if we have a fire going) and make a new list. After writing out "Setup split test experiment on blog CTA" a few nights in row, it becomes painfully obvious that it either needs to get done ASAP or it's not worth it.
With software-based todo apps, it's too easy to overload your list, which leads to starting each day depressed over how much you have to do that day.
On 1.) This is something ultimately up to oneself, I could have a larger notebook, or use multiple pages. Brevity more over is about self-discipline in accurately describing tasks. It can also be double edged in that not enough information or vagueness may increase effort require. This is something digital tools can help alleviate by allowing for additional information (todos, comments, etc).
On 2.) Sure, paper beats the redundancy of digital or online tools, but let's not forget about the power and utility they can provide as well.
On 3.) Digital tools by contrast can work around this exceeding well and in detail (calendars, weekly iterations, etc).
Finally on 4.) Sure, I won't argue against papers innate redundancy, but I feel like digital services convenience me just as well with mobile & web apps (as long as I can get the full site though :P).
Anywho, my long drawn out point is : these strengths can be applied elsewhere, and just as well. For instance, I use Trello as a scratchpad about various things I have going on. I've got about 11 or so person boards. Writing things down and applying a method to limit work in progress is really the corner stone of getting things done in my opinion. Just my two cents.
I agree about the brevity. I don't personally see it as terribly important. As the article points out, once you're in the habit of tracking things, it does mean they absolutely will get done! But to my mind this suggests you should have more space, for keeping track of as many items (large or small) as required, rather than less.
(I just maintain an A5 notebook with a list of tasks. I let them build up as required, cross each off once done, and clip the edge of a page once all its tasks are resolved. Makes it easy to find the remaining items.)
> For instance, I use Trello as a scratchpad about various things I have going on. I've got about 11 or so person boards. Writing things down and applying a method to limit work in progress is really the corner stone of getting things done in my opinion.
I use trello extensively. I always have an "In Progress" list and an "On Bat" list. "On Bat" maxes at 5 items, "In Progress" always has two items per person on the board (and it should usually only be one item).
Probably an ad hominem, but why would someone who has over 7000 tweets and who appears to be tweeting every 3 hours need to carry an additional pen + paper.
Wouldn't he have his phone anyway? I wonder why are so many "digital natives" still preaching the advantages of pen an paper over digital texts today.
I'm that guy and I always have my phone. But, I'd be willing to bet that from a standstill with nothing in our hands, I could write down a task to my Corbinizer faster than you can find the app, launch it, type it in and save.
I was excited about Siri as a final replacement for the Corbinizer, but even now I'd rather not scream my tasks at my phone during a meeting.
The Affordances of paper are quite significant. We're still years, maybe decades, away from digital technology as easy to use, as intuitive, and adaptable as paper.
I mean, that's answered directly in the article: phones run out of battery, Twitter isn't as each to reach for as a notebook.
I don't use this guy's specific method, but I've spent the past few months using pen-and-paper as well, and it just works very well for me (using the Bullet Journal technique: bulletjournal.com). I suspect this kind of thing varies wildly from person to person, though.
I wonder why are so many "digital natives" still preaching the advantages of pen an paper over digital texts today.
Different technologies have different qualities, I still find a small notebook and an A4 zipping folder indispensible. Paper is fast. For idea development, scribbling on lots of paper is still one of the best tools available.
I read (in a random book, while standing in a bookstore) that handwriting is an integrative activity, where tapping a screen or typing on a keyboard is far less integrative.
The book said that people have input (reading, viewing, touching, etc.), processing, and output. When the outut has a focused kinesthetic element (like handwriting does), it integrates the conclusions of the processing into memories and neural connections much more deeply.
Can someone who knows about this stuff confirm or deny?
Personally, I find writing notes by hand to be satisfying and flexible. Yes, I have a gadget in my pocket and I use it where I know I don't need anything but text or photos. But my first choice for write-once memory is my blank book and a pen.
It's amazing. It record tasks, notes and ideas, especially it shows the battery life on the corner to indicate that the week is burning out. Unfortunately, there are only four days in a week. Depending on how many days you are working, maybe four days is enough. Or if you work for seven days a week, you can use the note page for additional days and leave the last page for notes. This way, we can physically count the number of days in a week passed, so quickly.
Scribbling my tasks on the back of an envelope or receipt or whatever and keeping it in my pocket somehow makes the tasks more immediate or urgent feeling with their physical presence, however small, and the urge to physically scratch them off (satisfying) and ultimately throw away the scrap of paper (very satisfying) can occasionally be the straw that breaks the camel's back to get up and get the thing done!
I think that the problem with digital task managers is not that they are worse than paper-based ones, but that a task manager is a very personal thing. Unless you are a programmer it is hard to find one that suits your needs entirely.
I'm 50-50 on this. I try to use the mobile for 2Do, but doesn't work as well as I would like... Especially the part where you have to take a note on the run: No matter how fast you're with your mobile's keyboard you can't beat paper.
For myself I think paper might work better at remembering the task. Because I've always remembered things better if I write them down with my own hand.
Anecdotally, I find that I think differently if I am just thinking thoughts in my head, vs writing them down on paper, vs typing on a keyboard, vs writing them on a whiteboard while standing, vs speaking to someone, vs speaking into a recorder.
[+] [-] lvs|12 years ago|reply
1) You have to go to sleep when the candle burns out.
2) You can always get more wax from bees.
3) Gives off a pleasing aroma.
4) Take it anywhere you go!
[+] [-] Aardwolf|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] bdunn|12 years ago|reply
Every night, I list out the things I want to get done the next day. I strike these tasks out throughout the day as I do them. At night, I destroy the list (burn it if we have a fire going) and make a new list. After writing out "Setup split test experiment on blog CTA" a few nights in row, it becomes painfully obvious that it either needs to get done ASAP or it's not worth it.
With software-based todo apps, it's too easy to overload your list, which leads to starting each day depressed over how much you have to do that day.
[+] [-] dangoor|12 years ago|reply
I think it's a very personal choice. It's just a matter of finding a style that works for you.
[+] [-] 1qaz2wsx3edc|12 years ago|reply
> 2. It's always available / It never crashes
> 3. Awesome Weekly Summary
> 4. Take notes anywhere
On 1.) This is something ultimately up to oneself, I could have a larger notebook, or use multiple pages. Brevity more over is about self-discipline in accurately describing tasks. It can also be double edged in that not enough information or vagueness may increase effort require. This is something digital tools can help alleviate by allowing for additional information (todos, comments, etc).
On 2.) Sure, paper beats the redundancy of digital or online tools, but let's not forget about the power and utility they can provide as well.
On 3.) Digital tools by contrast can work around this exceeding well and in detail (calendars, weekly iterations, etc).
Finally on 4.) Sure, I won't argue against papers innate redundancy, but I feel like digital services convenience me just as well with mobile & web apps (as long as I can get the full site though :P).
Anywho, my long drawn out point is : these strengths can be applied elsewhere, and just as well. For instance, I use Trello as a scratchpad about various things I have going on. I've got about 11 or so person boards. Writing things down and applying a method to limit work in progress is really the corner stone of getting things done in my opinion. Just my two cents.
[+] [-] to3m|12 years ago|reply
(I just maintain an A5 notebook with a list of tasks. I let them build up as required, cross each off once done, and clip the edge of a page once all its tasks are resolved. Makes it easy to find the remaining items.)
[+] [-] morganherlocker|12 years ago|reply
I use trello extensively. I always have an "In Progress" list and an "On Bat" list. "On Bat" maxes at 5 items, "In Progress" always has two items per person on the board (and it should usually only be one item).
[+] [-] jkscm|12 years ago|reply
Wouldn't he have his phone anyway? I wonder why are so many "digital natives" still preaching the advantages of pen an paper over digital texts today.
[+] [-] domainkiller|12 years ago|reply
I was excited about Siri as a final replacement for the Corbinizer, but even now I'd rather not scream my tasks at my phone during a meeting.
[+] [-] gerbal|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jmduke|12 years ago|reply
I don't use this guy's specific method, but I've spent the past few months using pen-and-paper as well, and it just works very well for me (using the Bullet Journal technique: bulletjournal.com). I suspect this kind of thing varies wildly from person to person, though.
[+] [-] moocowduckquack|12 years ago|reply
Different technologies have different qualities, I still find a small notebook and an A4 zipping folder indispensible. Paper is fast. For idea development, scribbling on lots of paper is still one of the best tools available.
[+] [-] faster|12 years ago|reply
The book said that people have input (reading, viewing, touching, etc.), processing, and output. When the outut has a focused kinesthetic element (like handwriting does), it integrates the conclusions of the processing into memories and neural connections much more deeply.
Can someone who knows about this stuff confirm or deny?
Personally, I find writing notes by hand to be satisfying and flexible. Yes, I have a gadget in my pocket and I use it where I know I don't need anything but text or photos. But my first choice for write-once memory is my blank book and a pen.
[+] [-] DanBC|12 years ago|reply
Pen + paper allows me to rip out a sheet and just give someone a note without having to worry about connecting phones or exchanging email addresses.
It's just nice to use a different medium sometimes.
[+] [-] hawkharris|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] sitkack|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dclara|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] giantrobothead|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] Aardwolf|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] domainkiller|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] aymeric|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] domainkiller|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] pattisapu|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] edj|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joemaller1|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] trengrj|12 years ago|reply
I think that the problem with digital task managers is not that they are worse than paper-based ones, but that a task manager is a very personal thing. Unless you are a programmer it is hard to find one that suits your needs entirely.
[+] [-] codex|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] atmosx|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] cma|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] INTPenis|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jamesbritt|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] pgsch|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dclara|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] skywhopper|12 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jasonlotito|12 years ago|reply
http://www.bulletjournal.com/
[+] [-] dimovich|12 years ago|reply