Keeping track of your tasks is a simple idea, but it can make it difficult if those tasks are vague. A part of clearing that up is to recognise which tasks are actually projects that require multiple tasks to complete over a span of time. So, how do we do this?
r/Productivity Links
r/Productivity Discord
https://discord.gg/h5q9f2yZhA
r/Productivity Reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/productivity/
Links - Alex:
Soundcloud
https://www.soundcloud.com/redsigned
Links - Rob
Main YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheInferniator
Quickrials YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXFOAaUMD46ZL1JJnRNXnNw
Twitter
https://twitter.com/DrRobotman
Episode 001 - To-Do Lists (or listen wherever you get your podcasts)
https://productivitypodcast.podbean.com/e/001-to-do-lists/
Episode 008 - The Weekly Review! (or listen wherever you get your podcasts)
https://productivitypodcast.podbean.com/e/08-do-a-weekly-review/
David Allen’s definition of a project:
“I define a project as any desired result that can be accomplished within a year that requires more than one action step.”
Picture 1: Natural/Reactive Planning & the Road Map
Picture 2: The 5 Steps
5 steps of PlanningYou have a task to do and it seems daunting, so you need to break it down so that it is understandable.
Step 1: PurposeWhy do you want to do it?
Example
I want to ride my bike safely.
Why is important
"Some things are purposeful, but some things are more purposeful than others."
Step 2: VisionWhat will the outcome look like?
Example
Fully functioning bicycle, where everything is clean and repaired.
Why is important
"Needs to be a concrete point in the future where the doing is done; the project is completed."
Step 3: BrainstormingWhat needs to happen for the outcome?
Example
Write down what needs cleaning and repairing, plus how to do it.
Why is important
"Fan out with your ideas - think of as many things as possible with no regards for priority."
Usually if I'm struggling to start with something, I need to ask someone who will know how to start - this is usually a parent or friend. So with my own bike problems, I set a date to go through with my dad.
Step 4: OrganisingBreak down the steps to do, then prioritising and outlining what needs to be done.
Example
One step is "go shopping" - but for that step you need to create a shopping list of parts to buy, then find suitable time to go to the shops.
Why is important
"It allows you to much easier understand what you need to do and when."
Step 5: Identify Next ActionsFigure what to actually do next.
Start the project
Alex’s checklist for the podcast
“Some things are purposeful, but some things are more purposeful than others.” This is an edited quote derived from Animal Farm, by George Orwell.
The original quote is: “All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.”
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/170448.Animal_Farm
Podcast Recommendations (Listen to these wherever you get your podcasts)
Hello Internet (Featuring CGP Grey and Brady Haran)
http://www.hellointernet.fm/
Cortex (Relay FM podcast, featuring CGP Grey and Mike Hurley)
https://www.relay.fm/cortex
Getting Things Done (GTD) website (for David Allen’s book)
https://gettingthingsdone.com/
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