Tasks
This is the traditional "To Do" List functionality. When I think of
something that needs to be done, I add it to this section using
Remember mode with the command C-c r t. I enter a brief description
of the task, select a tag for the context (HOME, OFFICE, etc), enter
any additional notes then file it with C-c C-c.
The beginning of the task section looks like this:
* TASKS
#+CATEGORY: Tasks
** Tidy out the middle desk drawer :HOME:
** Read the Training Objectives :OFFICE:
** Watch Star Wars IV :DVD:
SCHEDULED: <2009-01-14 Wed>
The context of a task is a GTD practice to define where a task can be
performed, for example HOME or OFFICE.
The process of adding a task is very fast and non-disruptive to my
work. The Remember template includes the date added. This is useful
when reviewing tasks to see how long the task has been on the list and
if I have been procrastinating. I leave the tasks in the sequence
they were added to allow regular review - especially of older tasks.
("Todo" ?t "* TODO %^{Brief Description} %^g\n%?\nAdded: %U"
"c:/charles/GTD/newgtd.org" "Tasks")
Each task is written to begin with a "Next Action" Verb and an object
or target of the verb. It is much easier to take action if you know
what you need to do without reassessing the task. For example, "Weekly
Report" is unclear whereas "Compile weekly call statistics" tells me
what needs to be done.
Here is my list of action verbs:
Address, ask, avoid, buy, change, clarify, collect, commend confront,
consider, create, decide, defer, develop, discard, do again, download,
enter, file, follow up, hire, improve, increase, inform, inquire,
maintain, measure, monitor, order, paint, phone, prioritize, purchase,
question, reduce, remember, repair, reply, report, research, resolve,
review, schedule, sell, send, service, specify, start, stop, suggest,
tidy, train, update, upgrade, write.
Projects
This section is used to store details of each project I am working
on. A project is a group of activities with a specific outcome that
requires more than one action step and usually has a target date for
completion.
Each project is stored as as heading with a subheading to contain a
description of the project, and a work breakdown structure.
I use a set of Project Verbs in a similar manner to how I write Tasks
(Next Actions):
Finalize, resolve, handle, look into, submit, maximize, organize,
design, complete, ensure, research, roll out, update, install,
implement, set-up.
* Projects
#+CATEGORY: Projects
** Implement Brian Tracy Focal Point Program :PROJECT:
*** Outcome
DEADLINE: <2009-09-30 Wed>
Make the Focal Point methodology an ingrained part of my being
*** TODO Detailed study of Health and Fitness Chapter :READING:
DEADLINE: <2009-01-19 Mon>
*** Detailed study of Business and Career (Focal Point) :READING:
*** Detailed study of Family & Personal life (Focal Point) :READING:
*** Detailed study of Money and Investments (Focal Point) :READING:
*** Detailed study of Personal Growth and Develop (Focal Poin :READING:
*** Detailed study of Social and Community (Focal Point) :READING:
*** Detailed study of Spiritual Dev & Inner Peace (Focal Point) :READING:
