Everybody has a strategy for getting things done, even if it’s to fly by the seat of your pants and to do what you want, when you want. There are a lot of great systems out there that work really well. “Getting Things Done” by David Allen seems to be the most popular right now.
SIDE NOTE: If you want to save yourself time and money this system can be summed up in the graphic above and by these great posts by Michael Hyatt.
If you’ve already got a good system and tools that work well in keeping you organized and getting things done, then read no further. However, if you are struggling in this area and are looking for a great, free tool, that will help you get on top of some stuff then please keep reading.
Remember the Milk is a great resource that I have used free for years. It has helped me to stay on top of projects, be more productive in my work day, remember things better, and basically look a lot smarter than I actually am. Here are some of the things that I like about it:
- It’s free! There is a paid version that you can upgrade to but the free version has more than met my needs.
- It’s really easy to use. If you’re reading this right now chances are good that you already have more than enough skills to use RTM.
- I can access it from my computer and just about any mobile device.
- It let’s you rank tasks in order of priority.
- It will send you email and text reminders about upcoming deadlines and appointments.
- Let’s you type lists and notes on your tasks.
- It lets you group tasks based on location, area of your life (work, personal, blog, etc.), and will even map directions for you.
- You can print up your tasks for any given week or area of your life.
- It will repeat tasks for you so you don’t have to keep writing the same thing down every single week.
- RTM integrates really well with Google.
I know I sound like an ad for RTM but it’s a really great resource that has helped me a lot and I hope will help you too.
What tools and systems do you use to help you get things done?
–Jeff
3/19/2011: Here’s a great post from another author to help you get started with RTM.
I don’t use the system like that but what works for me is to list things out. I would write 3 important things I need to achieve for one day. I’m kind of a 24-hour person so I don’t usually think past 24 hours. If I am done with all the important things and have free time at hand, then I’ll do a few unimportant things. Then I will write 3 things I need to do tomorrow. I don’t want to overwhelm myself with too many tasks because that put pressure on the quality of my work. 3 is the magic number for me. Sometime when I’m done what I need to do, I will take the rest of that day off to spend for myself or with my family. Every minute in life doesn’t have to be productive. Live a little, right? But your suggestion is a great one and I believe it can work for many people who are more busy and have more important things to do than I do.
Cool system! I’ll try to put it to use, although I like using a calendar much better than a to-do list.