How to get stuff done, automatically

Re:How to get stuff done, automatically by bentcorner on Tuesday May 13, 2014 @11:10AM (#7738495)

Personally, I've found that the process of breaking down a task and writing it down is incredibly useful. As I multitask throughout the day I forget where I am in a particular task item, and having a list of things I'm supposed to do all I need to do is go to the next list item and do that.

I also try to have high-level items for the day so that I know what I'm focusing on. Anything that I need to do but can't do today I put on a list for the next day.

It seems to be working out alright for me.

I currently just throw it all into OneNote, although it's not the greatest for dealing with lists the way I use it, but the freeform writing surface and search it provides makes up for it.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to get stuff done, automatically by read on Tuesday May 13, 2014 @06:20PM (#7741010)

I forget where I am in a particular task item

Forgetting is my number one problem right now. I also noticed there's some kind of unconscious filtering going on in your mind. Even if you write down the tasks your mind prioritizes them on its own.

What I wish list software had was a way to push those less important tasks in the background.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to get stuff done, automatically by bentcorner on Tuesday May 13, 2014 @07:01PM (#7741157)

Be religious about writing down what you're doing, make a habit of referring to this list when you find that you're bouncing around from task to task.

Sometimes I'll hit HN if I'm waiting for something to finish, and if I was in the middle of something complex I've needed to write down what I was doing, even if it was only for literally a minute.

Also, when incrementally learning something it can help. Writing down in your own words how something works can help you if you only have small chunks of time to learn something.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:How to get stuff done, automatically by read on Tuesday May 13, 2014 @07:47PM (#7741319)

Thanks for this, I'll try it.

I found writing down things I learned (or typing them in) makes them more likely to stick in my mind. Particularly small phrases that pop out.

[ Parent | on HN ]