How do you deal with multi-step tasks?
swandog says:
Hey, I've just started using RTM in the past 2 weeks, and I need a suggestion.
I've done some searching on this forum, and I saw all the talk about subtasks/dependencies. I would like those things, but I understand that they don't exist. So I'm not here to bug about that.
My question is, how do people using RTM deal with multi-step tasks? Like, for example, I want to create some brochures. But I don't have any card stock to print them on. So I really have two tasks--first, I need to go to a store and get some card stock, and then I need to print up my brochures. How would you go about organizing this in RTM?
My current approach is to put both of them in, tag them both with something that describes the overall task, and give the one that must be done first an earlier due date. But I still have to remember that I've organized this stuff like this, which means I have to keep information in my head instead of in RTM, which I don't like. I want RTM to remember everything about my tasks that I need to know.
Anyway, I'm just fishing for suggestions here. I really like RTM from what I've seen, but this is something I'm having trouble getting around.
Thanks.
I've done some searching on this forum, and I saw all the talk about subtasks/dependencies. I would like those things, but I understand that they don't exist. So I'm not here to bug about that.
My question is, how do people using RTM deal with multi-step tasks? Like, for example, I want to create some brochures. But I don't have any card stock to print them on. So I really have two tasks--first, I need to go to a store and get some card stock, and then I need to print up my brochures. How would you go about organizing this in RTM?
My current approach is to put both of them in, tag them both with something that describes the overall task, and give the one that must be done first an earlier due date. But I still have to remember that I've organized this stuff like this, which means I have to keep information in my head instead of in RTM, which I don't like. I want RTM to remember everything about my tasks that I need to know.
Anyway, I'm just fishing for suggestions here. I really like RTM from what I've seen, but this is something I'm having trouble getting around.
Thanks.
barafu says:
I keep lists named as states I am at. "Home" "At PC" "on way" and so on. For tasks with predefined time, if you have more then ten per month, use separate service, like google calendar.
For example I need to take some documents from Ann and give her a present.
1) I put "Arrange meeting with Ann" to "At PC" list, cause we talk by email. I add a note "documents and gift".
2) At the same time, I put "Gift for Ann" to "shopping" list.
3) As soon as I arrange meeting, i check out this task, add "meet ann" to calendar? and add a deadline to "buy gift".
4) After the meeting I add "pretend I have read Ann's docs" to the special list I have for everyday tasks I can forget.
The idea is, don't keep complex task in list. Keep thos steps you can perform independently? in proper lists. Keep the following steps in notes for the task.
For example I need to take some documents from Ann and give her a present.
1) I put "Arrange meeting with Ann" to "At PC" list, cause we talk by email. I add a note "documents and gift".
2) At the same time, I put "Gift for Ann" to "shopping" list.
3) As soon as I arrange meeting, i check out this task, add "meet ann" to calendar? and add a deadline to "buy gift".
4) After the meeting I add "pretend I have read Ann's docs" to the special list I have for everyday tasks I can forget.
The idea is, don't keep complex task in list. Keep thos steps you can perform independently? in proper lists. Keep the following steps in notes for the task.