Spring Cleaning #28

I set up a Google Calendar account and didn't much like it --too slow and cumbersome. Tried Remember the Milk to do list and found it slightly more helpful, but still not enough so to get me to let go of my pen/ink/paper calendar. One of the aspects for which I prize pen & ink is its accessibility. I keep the calendar open on my desk all day. I can make quick jots, glance at daily/weekly/monthly views with a turn of the head. No mouse clicking/scrolling/waiting for the boot, etc. The only advantage to the online calendar is that it is accessible from any computer.

If I were in a position with more responsibilities and had to think about work when I'm off-duty, then I think I'd be more inclined to make the switch. As it is, I have a desk calendar/schedule/to-do list here, and a pocket-size moleskine for real life.

GTD:

I really like the emphasis on perspective and control that the article talks about. The whole "prioritize and conquer" model always seemed unrealistic to me. It's too linear. My paper calendar is organized on four levels day/week/month/year. Each has it's on physical location(s) on the page. It's more like the tag-cloud idea.

Also love the idea of "the bucket." The place into which you unload the stuff in your head. Seeing tasks on paper or monitor de-fangs the amorphous jumble of half-seen monsters in your head. It is always better to be able to see things in black and white and in two dimensions no matter how massive the list is. The stuff in your head just accrues and accretes things like guilt and dread and fear. On paper they are at least partially inanimate.

One thing I put into use immediately after I read it about a month ago is "if it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately." I keeps your desk so neat and tidy and allows you to keep your to-do lists for more complicated matters.

selah.

dave c