Discussion Forum > Doting On My List
Hi alan. amazing system. Could you show a picture linked with evernote or anything else ?
December 3, 2017 at 7:49 |
Jupiter
Jupiter
Alan:
It sounds as if it might be a very interesting system but I have to confess I don't understand how it works.
As I understand what you've written (and I've spent nearly an hour puzzling over it), this is what happens:
You can circulate round the last page as many times as you like and instead of re-entering tasks you just dot them. You don't say it, but I assume you cross out tasks that are completely finished.
Other than that it's exactly the same as Simple Scanning. On earlier pages you cross out and re-enter in the normal way.
Is that right? If so, can you clarify the following:
If there are only a few tasks on the last page, circulating the page may not occur at all. On the other hand if the page is nearly full, it's very likely that a new last page will come into being very quickly and circulation will then presumably move to the new page. In which case it would stop immediately as there would only be one or two tasks on the page.
Very little visual advantage would seem to be obtained in either of these cases, which must happen about a third of the time. So I don't really see quite what the advantage of this system is over standard Simple Scanning.
Alternatively you might have meant that as well as circulating round the last page you can work on any task on any page up to four times without re-entering and only have to re-enter on the fifth. This makes more sense to me, but isn't what the instructions say. It still leaves the question of what happens if the last page fills up and a new last page is started, but that's a relatively minor point.
It sounds as if it might be a very interesting system but I have to confess I don't understand how it works.
As I understand what you've written (and I've spent nearly an hour puzzling over it), this is what happens:
You can circulate round the last page as many times as you like and instead of re-entering tasks you just dot them. You don't say it, but I assume you cross out tasks that are completely finished.
Other than that it's exactly the same as Simple Scanning. On earlier pages you cross out and re-enter in the normal way.
Is that right? If so, can you clarify the following:
If there are only a few tasks on the last page, circulating the page may not occur at all. On the other hand if the page is nearly full, it's very likely that a new last page will come into being very quickly and circulation will then presumably move to the new page. In which case it would stop immediately as there would only be one or two tasks on the page.
Very little visual advantage would seem to be obtained in either of these cases, which must happen about a third of the time. So I don't really see quite what the advantage of this system is over standard Simple Scanning.
Alternatively you might have meant that as well as circulating round the last page you can work on any task on any page up to four times without re-entering and only have to re-enter on the fifth. This makes more sense to me, but isn't what the instructions say. It still leaves the question of what happens if the last page fills up and a new last page is started, but that's a relatively minor point.
December 3, 2017 at 16:25 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
hm, looks like i need to explain a little clearer. To be certain, at this point I consider the physical aspects more significant than the actual rules for processing which I don't claim are anything special. Indeed I go more by feel than any actual "you must do this". But to satifisfy the curious I will write a precise instruction:
0. We have one continuous list written on pages. Pages don't matter except for the last active page which is handled differently.
1. I work with a 22 line page. I don't know how much this matters but this number feels good and I don't think smaller would. Likewise, 50 lines might be too much. This only matters when dealing with the last page.
2. When you start a new page, establish a 1" margin for dotting.
3. Whenever a task comes to mind that you want to do, write it at the end of the list.
4. Scan through the list from front to back selecting any task that stands out to work on it.
5. When you select a task not on the last page, mark it with a dot at the left edge of the page. Do the task. Cross the task out. If the task is to be continued later, reenter that task at the end.
5a. You may also decide to delete a task. Just cross it out.
Thus far, it's just Simple Scanning. Now comes the unique part.
6. When you select a task ON the last page, mark it with a dot by the margin, do the task, but DO NOT cross the task out. Instead, just draw a line from that dot to the margin, indicating that you worked on it and set it aside.
6a. If later you work this task again and this is still the last page, mark a dot beside the first one. When you finish, draw a line connecting this dot to the previous one. You can do this as often as necessary.
6b. (Visually, if you see a lone dot on the page, that's the task you are doing now. All other dots are linked to the margin with a horizontal line running through them.)
7. When you get to the end of the list, you may return to the top of the current page to continue doing more tasks on this page. Or you may go back to the start of the list. Your whim.
7a. Keep in mind #3. If you want to do something not on this page, you can just write it in and do it.
7b. I'm very flexible. If I feel like referring back a page for some idea of something to do, I will.
8. The original post mentioned a few other lists at the other end of the book. Each of these is just called out as a task in the main list.
Next up, answering Mark's questions.
0. We have one continuous list written on pages. Pages don't matter except for the last active page which is handled differently.
1. I work with a 22 line page. I don't know how much this matters but this number feels good and I don't think smaller would. Likewise, 50 lines might be too much. This only matters when dealing with the last page.
2. When you start a new page, establish a 1" margin for dotting.
3. Whenever a task comes to mind that you want to do, write it at the end of the list.
4. Scan through the list from front to back selecting any task that stands out to work on it.
5. When you select a task not on the last page, mark it with a dot at the left edge of the page. Do the task. Cross the task out. If the task is to be continued later, reenter that task at the end.
5a. You may also decide to delete a task. Just cross it out.
Thus far, it's just Simple Scanning. Now comes the unique part.
6. When you select a task ON the last page, mark it with a dot by the margin, do the task, but DO NOT cross the task out. Instead, just draw a line from that dot to the margin, indicating that you worked on it and set it aside.
6a. If later you work this task again and this is still the last page, mark a dot beside the first one. When you finish, draw a line connecting this dot to the previous one. You can do this as often as necessary.
6b. (Visually, if you see a lone dot on the page, that's the task you are doing now. All other dots are linked to the margin with a horizontal line running through them.)
7. When you get to the end of the list, you may return to the top of the current page to continue doing more tasks on this page. Or you may go back to the start of the list. Your whim.
7a. Keep in mind #3. If you want to do something not on this page, you can just write it in and do it.
7b. I'm very flexible. If I feel like referring back a page for some idea of something to do, I will.
8. The original post mentioned a few other lists at the other end of the book. Each of these is just called out as a task in the main list.
Next up, answering Mark's questions.
December 4, 2017 at 1:00 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
In response to Mark's inferences.
"You don't say it, but I assume you cross out tasks that are completely finished."
Correct.
"If there are only a few tasks on the last page, circulating the page may not occur at all. On the other hand if the page is nearly full, it's very likely that a new last page will come into being very quickly and circulation will then presumably move to the new page. In which case it would stop immediately as there would only be one or two tasks on the page."
Oddly this doesn't come up much. If there are very few tasks, I end up adding some in order to tackle a key task with repeated iteration. If there are many tasks, I don't feel a need to add much, as there's always something important to select, besides these same key tasks which I will pick a couple times over. The result is the page only tends to grow if it's mostly empty.
But yes if it does fill up and I start a new page, I will end up copying some of these items onto the next just as a matter of course And if things don't feel exactly right I adjust to do what feels right.
"Very little visual advantage would seem to be obtained in either of these cases, which must happen about a third of the time. So I don't really see quite what the advantage of this system is over standard Simple Scanning."
As I explained above, those cases don't happen as often as you expect. But what does happen is instead of the list growing downwards spreading over more pages, we have a last page that fills up and has very few crossed-off items even though I did work on many. It keeps the list more compact. The visual advantage I claim is not about the process at all, but rather the layout. It ust feels "neat".
"Alternatively you might have meant that as well as circulating round the last page you can work on any task on any page up to four times without re-entering and only have to re-enter on the fifth. This makes more sense to me, but isn't what the instructions say."
The rules I follow are based on a work pattern I devised years ago. The pattern is to quickly scan through the entire list, picking items, getting each of them ready, and entering them at the end. Having done this, you quickly reach the end, where you have a list of all items you are ready to spend more time on. So at that point it's natural to focus on them and get that bunch to completion, hence the cycling of that last page. Not rewriting them over and over when you get there is a recent innovation.
Finally, I don't claim this is better than or more efficient than or more effective than any other method. I only claim that it's been good to me for a month.
"You don't say it, but I assume you cross out tasks that are completely finished."
Correct.
"If there are only a few tasks on the last page, circulating the page may not occur at all. On the other hand if the page is nearly full, it's very likely that a new last page will come into being very quickly and circulation will then presumably move to the new page. In which case it would stop immediately as there would only be one or two tasks on the page."
Oddly this doesn't come up much. If there are very few tasks, I end up adding some in order to tackle a key task with repeated iteration. If there are many tasks, I don't feel a need to add much, as there's always something important to select, besides these same key tasks which I will pick a couple times over. The result is the page only tends to grow if it's mostly empty.
But yes if it does fill up and I start a new page, I will end up copying some of these items onto the next just as a matter of course And if things don't feel exactly right I adjust to do what feels right.
"Very little visual advantage would seem to be obtained in either of these cases, which must happen about a third of the time. So I don't really see quite what the advantage of this system is over standard Simple Scanning."
As I explained above, those cases don't happen as often as you expect. But what does happen is instead of the list growing downwards spreading over more pages, we have a last page that fills up and has very few crossed-off items even though I did work on many. It keeps the list more compact. The visual advantage I claim is not about the process at all, but rather the layout. It ust feels "neat".
"Alternatively you might have meant that as well as circulating round the last page you can work on any task on any page up to four times without re-entering and only have to re-enter on the fifth. This makes more sense to me, but isn't what the instructions say."
The rules I follow are based on a work pattern I devised years ago. The pattern is to quickly scan through the entire list, picking items, getting each of them ready, and entering them at the end. Having done this, you quickly reach the end, where you have a list of all items you are ready to spend more time on. So at that point it's natural to focus on them and get that bunch to completion, hence the cycling of that last page. Not rewriting them over and over when you get there is a recent innovation.
Finally, I don't claim this is better than or more efficient than or more effective than any other method. I only claim that it's been good to me for a month.
December 4, 2017 at 1:24 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan:
Thank you very much for clarifying. I understand it now - at least as far as one can without having tried it out yet.
I'm trying to put this into my own experience of Simple Scanning. I'm nearly at the end of my list as I write but not quite at the point yet where my previous scan ended. After the last crossed-out task there are 23 tasks before the end. Since none of these tasks have yet been crossed out they are in a quite clear and distinct block.
It strikes me that this block of tasks corresponds to your last page, but since it is in fact spread over two pages only the last three tasks would be circulated if I stuck to your rules.
It would however be easy for me to draw a line at the beginning of this block of 23 tasks and treat the block as a virtual page which I can circulate round for as long as I want. Anything which I then add to the list would get included in the circulation.
This sounds very like what you are doing, but not constricted by where the boundary of the last page chances to fall.
I might give it a try, though I'd be worried by the fact that I move through the list at different speeds at different times of day, and concentrating on the end of the list might upset that movement.
I'll report back!
Thank you very much for clarifying. I understand it now - at least as far as one can without having tried it out yet.
I'm trying to put this into my own experience of Simple Scanning. I'm nearly at the end of my list as I write but not quite at the point yet where my previous scan ended. After the last crossed-out task there are 23 tasks before the end. Since none of these tasks have yet been crossed out they are in a quite clear and distinct block.
It strikes me that this block of tasks corresponds to your last page, but since it is in fact spread over two pages only the last three tasks would be circulated if I stuck to your rules.
It would however be easy for me to draw a line at the beginning of this block of 23 tasks and treat the block as a virtual page which I can circulate round for as long as I want. Anything which I then add to the list would get included in the circulation.
This sounds very like what you are doing, but not constricted by where the boundary of the last page chances to fall.
I might give it a try, though I'd be worried by the fact that I move through the list at different speeds at different times of day, and concentrating on the end of the list might upset that movement.
I'll report back!
December 4, 2017 at 14:15 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Alan,
I second Jupiter's motion for a visual example - perhaps a video clip if you are willing to make the effort.
If I understand correctly, *all* pages would have the margin with multiple dots for repeated actions, (if you start this approach by making a short fresh list). And the special rules for the last page are a way to cause old full pages to get crossed off sooner, while reducing the need to rewrite current active tasks that naturally land on the last page.
I second Jupiter's motion for a visual example - perhaps a video clip if you are willing to make the effort.
If I understand correctly, *all* pages would have the margin with multiple dots for repeated actions, (if you start this approach by making a short fresh list). And the special rules for the last page are a way to cause old full pages to get crossed off sooner, while reducing the need to rewrite current active tasks that naturally land on the last page.
December 4, 2017 at 16:38 |
ubi
ubi
Mark, a quick read but without thinking it through, I think I'm in agreement with what you write. That bit about worrying about getting stuck at the end, I have two thoughts on: a) it's your choice to stick or to move on. B) I think I have different priorities than you. I rarely am rushing to do another turn through the whole list whereas you seem to make that a priority.
Ubi, I will get to it eventually when I feel I have a good representative last page I'll link a couple pics. But no, it does not get anything crossed out more quickly in list terms, except it does push some tasks to get more action in a short period of time. To the contrary, the process reduces pages by not crossing things out as often.
Ubi, I will get to it eventually when I feel I have a good representative last page I'll link a couple pics. But no, it does not get anything crossed out more quickly in list terms, except it does push some tasks to get more action in a short period of time. To the contrary, the process reduces pages by not crossing things out as often.
December 4, 2017 at 19:29 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan:
<< That bit about worrying about getting stuck at the end, I have two thoughts on: a) it's your choice to stick or to move on. >>
Yes, of course. But one's choices are heavily influenced by the design of the system in which one is working, which is why I've spent so long trying to get this right.
<< B) I think I have different priorities than you. I rarely am rushing to do another turn through the whole list whereas you seem to make that a priority.
To be clear I don't have a priority to rush to do another turn through the whole list. My priority is to react appropriately to times of day, energy levels, etc, To do that one needs to keep up a good pace on the list.
<< That bit about worrying about getting stuck at the end, I have two thoughts on: a) it's your choice to stick or to move on. >>
Yes, of course. But one's choices are heavily influenced by the design of the system in which one is working, which is why I've spent so long trying to get this right.
<< B) I think I have different priorities than you. I rarely am rushing to do another turn through the whole list whereas you seem to make that a priority.
To be clear I don't have a priority to rush to do another turn through the whole list. My priority is to react appropriately to times of day, energy levels, etc, To do that one needs to keep up a good pace on the list.
December 4, 2017 at 20:11 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
I'm not convinced your last sentence is true.
December 4, 2017 at 22:11 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan:
<< I'm not convinced your last sentence is true. >>
OK, I'll amend it to "To do that I need to keep up a good pace on the list."
<< I'm not convinced your last sentence is true. >>
OK, I'll amend it to "To do that I need to keep up a good pace on the list."
December 4, 2017 at 23:16 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
I like this 5 dot system.
Very good to see at a glance how much progress is made on recurring tasks.
That should help balancing the attention they all get.
Great idea....I will incorporate it in my short task list system.
Very good to see at a glance how much progress is made on recurring tasks.
That should help balancing the attention they all get.
Great idea....I will incorporate it in my short task list system.
December 5, 2017 at 21:56 |
MrBaclog
MrBaclog
MrBaclog:
Are you going to be reducing your name by one letter every time you reduce your backlog?
Are you going to be reducing your name by one letter every time you reduce your backlog?
December 6, 2017 at 13:15 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Good one!
I have a new name....it certainly feels like that today.
I have a new name....it certainly feels like that today.
December 6, 2017 at 13:24 |
Mr Clog
Mr Clog
Mr Clog:
Next stage is Mr Cog I suppose
Next stage is Mr Cog I suppose
December 6, 2017 at 13:36 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Sorry - run out of any witty replies!
December 6, 2017 at 16:45 |
Mr Clog
Mr Clog
Pictures! http://imgur.com/gallery/J6mPU
December 10, 2017 at 2:47 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Thank you for posting pictures. I like the way the finish line goes all the way across.
December 11, 2017 at 3:06 |
Erin
Erin
Thank you Erin.
And in case anybody missed it, "Doting" means "to express excessive fondness for". I realize it's just a list, but at the same time for some reason I really enjoy this much more than similar ones I've had before.
And in case anybody missed it, "Doting" means "to express excessive fondness for". I realize it's just a list, but at the same time for some reason I really enjoy this much more than similar ones I've had before.
December 12, 2017 at 3:38 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
I've thought more deeply about Mark's suggested modification, and even tried some variants, and the conclusion for me is, No. There are a few key things that are working for me that have only worked with the current structure. I'm going to begin by restating the rules:
0. Pages build up like with any similar system. If you think of something to do, write it down.
1. Start at the last page. While on this page, you are in Free Mode.
a. In freemode, you may work on anything whatsoever by writing it down and doing it.
b. If it's already written on the page, you can just mark it instead of writing it again.
c. (Full details of how things are marked, etc. are described previously. My point here is to focus on Selecting and Doing, not the marking.)
2. At any time, you may switch over to Simple Scanning. Operate exactly as described in Mark Forster's blog. When you reach the end of the list, return to Free Mode.
What I like about my rule 1:
1. It's great for low-energy times. Never-ending scanning gets tiresome sometimes, and especially for me the rewriting. Instead, just looking at a single page, no flipping, going with my heart, and minimal pen work is excellent.
2. It's great for when there's little time available. I open to the last page, write some things, do some things, and can quit any time.
3. It's great for focusing on a big project. Sometimes it's a thing that takes hours, but best spent 15 minutes at a time. So I will Simply Scan through the entire list, pick up a hand full of things to work on, and then at the end I can do Big Project, Small Thing Small Thing, Big Project, Small Thing, Small Thing, and in half a day I will not only have major progress on one Big thing, I will have completed several things with very little distraction.
All 3 of those are very important to me. When these qualties fail, I have a tendency to abandon use of any system for a period of time. Abandoning systems is long-term detrimental, but sticking with a system and running into situations counter to these qualities is a burden that I can't sustain.
Meanwhile, rule 2's biggest plus for me is getting things out of my mind, and not be worried that i will forget one of them.
0. Pages build up like with any similar system. If you think of something to do, write it down.
1. Start at the last page. While on this page, you are in Free Mode.
a. In freemode, you may work on anything whatsoever by writing it down and doing it.
b. If it's already written on the page, you can just mark it instead of writing it again.
c. (Full details of how things are marked, etc. are described previously. My point here is to focus on Selecting and Doing, not the marking.)
2. At any time, you may switch over to Simple Scanning. Operate exactly as described in Mark Forster's blog. When you reach the end of the list, return to Free Mode.
What I like about my rule 1:
1. It's great for low-energy times. Never-ending scanning gets tiresome sometimes, and especially for me the rewriting. Instead, just looking at a single page, no flipping, going with my heart, and minimal pen work is excellent.
2. It's great for when there's little time available. I open to the last page, write some things, do some things, and can quit any time.
3. It's great for focusing on a big project. Sometimes it's a thing that takes hours, but best spent 15 minutes at a time. So I will Simply Scan through the entire list, pick up a hand full of things to work on, and then at the end I can do Big Project, Small Thing Small Thing, Big Project, Small Thing, Small Thing, and in half a day I will not only have major progress on one Big thing, I will have completed several things with very little distraction.
All 3 of those are very important to me. When these qualties fail, I have a tendency to abandon use of any system for a period of time. Abandoning systems is long-term detrimental, but sticking with a system and running into situations counter to these qualities is a burden that I can't sustain.
Meanwhile, rule 2's biggest plus for me is getting things out of my mind, and not be worried that i will forget one of them.
December 15, 2017 at 1:57 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu:
<< I've thought more deeply about Mark's suggested modification, and even tried some variants, and the conclusion for me is, No. >>
I had to re-read the entire thread in order to find out what my suggested modification was!
It sounds as if you've found something which continues to work for you - and others as well - which is excellent news. I haven't tried it myself yet, but as soon as I get to my next last page (which is currently one page away) I'll have a look and see how well I think it might work for me. I'll comment again shortly.
<< I've thought more deeply about Mark's suggested modification, and even tried some variants, and the conclusion for me is, No. >>
I had to re-read the entire thread in order to find out what my suggested modification was!
It sounds as if you've found something which continues to work for you - and others as well - which is excellent news. I haven't tried it myself yet, but as soon as I get to my next last page (which is currently one page away) I'll have a look and see how well I think it might work for me. I'll comment again shortly.
December 15, 2017 at 10:51 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Alan Baljeu:
Right I've reached my last page. On a page of 31 lines, I have 17 tasks. I'll just remind myself of your instructions about what to do next:
"The process goes like this: Whenever I get to a new page, I take a ruler and draw a wide margin, big enough to draw 5 dots. Whenever I work an item on this last page, instead of rewriting, I just mark it with a dot to the left of the margin. When I finish the task, I draw a line linking the dot to the margin. I cycle through this page as much as I want, eventually accumulating several dots to some frequently executed tasks, all connected with a line ."
Ok, I can cycle through the page as much as I want so I don't need to do the tasks in the order they are on the page. Let's go.
The first thing I note is that I feel impelled to read through the tasks on the page in order to decide which to do first. I wasn't expecting that.
(A few minutes later) I've completed everything I want to do on the page, which is three tasks none of which I want to do again immediately. So the net effect is that by ruling a margin and drawing three short lines,I've saved having to re-write five words.
The problem is that all the tasks on the last page are tasks I've only just worked on on previous pages. If I hadn't been running this test it's quite likely I wouldn't have re-done any of them at this stage. And thinking about how my list usually pans out, I suspect it's going to be the case most of the time that the tasks on the page will will have been already worked on very recently.
Obviously this is not your experience, but I'm not sure what we are doing differently which produces the different result.
Right I've reached my last page. On a page of 31 lines, I have 17 tasks. I'll just remind myself of your instructions about what to do next:
"The process goes like this: Whenever I get to a new page, I take a ruler and draw a wide margin, big enough to draw 5 dots. Whenever I work an item on this last page, instead of rewriting, I just mark it with a dot to the left of the margin. When I finish the task, I draw a line linking the dot to the margin. I cycle through this page as much as I want, eventually accumulating several dots to some frequently executed tasks, all connected with a line ."
Ok, I can cycle through the page as much as I want so I don't need to do the tasks in the order they are on the page. Let's go.
The first thing I note is that I feel impelled to read through the tasks on the page in order to decide which to do first. I wasn't expecting that.
(A few minutes later) I've completed everything I want to do on the page, which is three tasks none of which I want to do again immediately. So the net effect is that by ruling a margin and drawing three short lines,I've saved having to re-write five words.
The problem is that all the tasks on the last page are tasks I've only just worked on on previous pages. If I hadn't been running this test it's quite likely I wouldn't have re-done any of them at this stage. And thinking about how my list usually pans out, I suspect it's going to be the case most of the time that the tasks on the page will will have been already worked on very recently.
Obviously this is not your experience, but I'm not sure what we are doing differently which produces the different result.
December 15, 2017 at 11:27 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Mark
I'm not sure but I think Alan may be gathering a small number of tasks/projects from the list and "promoting" them to the last page so that he can cycle around them as he wishes.
I'm not sure but I think Alan may be gathering a small number of tasks/projects from the list and "promoting" them to the last page so that he can cycle around them as he wishes.
December 15, 2017 at 12:17 |
Caibre65
Caibre65
Caibre65:
Yes, on re-reading it all (again!) I see that you're right.
This gathering of the projects one wants to work on at the end of the list takes place naturally in Simple Scanning in any case.
Using Alan's method, gathering all these tasks at the end of the list presumably involves scanning the list and re-entering the tasks at the end of the list without actually doing any work on them - this seems to add to the burden of scanning and re-entering rather than diminishing it. You'd have to work on the brought-forward tasks three times before you saw any benefit.
Yes, on re-reading it all (again!) I see that you're right.
This gathering of the projects one wants to work on at the end of the list takes place naturally in Simple Scanning in any case.
Using Alan's method, gathering all these tasks at the end of the list presumably involves scanning the list and re-entering the tasks at the end of the list without actually doing any work on them - this seems to add to the burden of scanning and re-entering rather than diminishing it. You'd have to work on the brought-forward tasks three times before you saw any benefit.
December 15, 2017 at 15:42 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Probably a significant difference lies in daily usage patterns. Whereas you tend to work all day every day with this (more or less), my habit has been some days for 20 min up to an hour, other days not at all, and only occasionally for a longer period of several hours.
A consequence of this limited time is I would often open to the last page and do some things and never get around to scanning through everything.
I also observe you did not add anything while working that last page where I often would.
A consequence of this limited time is I would often open to the last page and do some things and never get around to scanning through everything.
I also observe you did not add anything while working that last page where I often would.
December 15, 2017 at 18:27 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu:
<< my habit has been some days for 20 min up to an hour, other days not at all, and only occasionally for a longer period of several hours. >>
So what method(s) do you use for the rest of the time?
<< my habit has been some days for 20 min up to an hour, other days not at all, and only occasionally for a longer period of several hours. >>
So what method(s) do you use for the rest of the time?
December 15, 2017 at 20:44 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
No Method. Simply, I am not working at other times. Or I am working on a single thing. Or I am away from home and otherwise occupied. But regardless of situation, if I am not running with the system described above, there is no other system employed.
December 16, 2017 at 5:39 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Today is a good example. I have lots of time and I've gone through the list exactly once. One of my tasks , laundry, involves taking clothes to the laundromat to dry. Knowing this, I took steps to prepare things for my time at the mat. These each ended up at the bottom of my list and consequently as I am now there waiting on the machine, I also have my list of ready items to work on, sitting on that final page.
December 16, 2017 at 18:36 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
From Mark's blog today:
<<The main problem with all “catch all” lists is that as the list gets longer so it becomes more and more difficult to control the timing of tasks. The whole point of a “catch all” list is that it is long. That is because the idea is that the list will filter all the ideas that you have been having and make coherent sense of them in your life. If this sounds like a tall order, it is!
Another problem is that the longer the list the longer it takes to scan it. For instance FVP will scan a long list very thoroughly and effectively but takes a lot of scanning time to do so.
And yet another problem is that if you lose either speed or direction, or both, you lose momentum and eventually will get bored with the list.>>
Explains quite well why Simple Scanning didn't work for me, and why my process (summarized Dec 15 above) is not at all Simple Scanning, despite that technically being rule 2. Being an intermittent user of the list, I regularly would lose speed, direction, momentum and get bored. So by emphasizing the last page and operating in free mode I am not tied down to the old pages. When I do scan the list, I don't take a long time scanning the list because I only intend to pick up a few stragglers and clear dead stuff in order to get back to just working the last page.
<<The main problem with all “catch all” lists is that as the list gets longer so it becomes more and more difficult to control the timing of tasks. The whole point of a “catch all” list is that it is long. That is because the idea is that the list will filter all the ideas that you have been having and make coherent sense of them in your life. If this sounds like a tall order, it is!
Another problem is that the longer the list the longer it takes to scan it. For instance FVP will scan a long list very thoroughly and effectively but takes a lot of scanning time to do so.
And yet another problem is that if you lose either speed or direction, or both, you lose momentum and eventually will get bored with the list.>>
Explains quite well why Simple Scanning didn't work for me, and why my process (summarized Dec 15 above) is not at all Simple Scanning, despite that technically being rule 2. Being an intermittent user of the list, I regularly would lose speed, direction, momentum and get bored. So by emphasizing the last page and operating in free mode I am not tied down to the old pages. When I do scan the list, I don't take a long time scanning the list because I only intend to pick up a few stragglers and clear dead stuff in order to get back to just working the last page.
December 30, 2017 at 16:02 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu:
You said that you only work on the list, even using your own method, for a short time each day:
"my habit has been some days for 20 min up to an hour, other days not at all, and only occasionally for a longer period of several hours"
So it may be that you experience is not very typical.
You said that you only work on the list, even using your own method, for a short time each day:
"my habit has been some days for 20 min up to an hour, other days not at all, and only occasionally for a longer period of several hours"
So it may be that you experience is not very typical.
December 30, 2017 at 21:35 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Yes, though it varies. It's why I wrote "intermittent".
January 1, 2018 at 16:57 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Wore out my first notebook and so starting my second book with a tweak to the rules. Previous rules were something like
1. "Simple Scanning until you get to the last page", then
2. "Work freestyle doing whatever", then
3. Go back to simple scanning.
This time around I'm going to try running parts 1 and 2 concurrently into no-pressure system.
1. At any time, write things to do at the end of the list.
2. Any time you know what to do now:
a. Dot it. (If it's not on the list yet, write it at the end of the list and dot it.)
b. Do it. (As much as you want.)
c. Cross it out. If you want to do more later, reenter at the end of the list.
d. (Optional) If a task is on the last page already, and you want to do more later, skip (c) and instead just cross out the dot.
3. Any time you don't know what to do now:
a. Scan through the list. Stop when you know what to do now.
b. Mark where you stop scanning.
c. Next time around, continue scanning from where you stopped.
1. "Simple Scanning until you get to the last page", then
2. "Work freestyle doing whatever", then
3. Go back to simple scanning.
This time around I'm going to try running parts 1 and 2 concurrently into no-pressure system.
1. At any time, write things to do at the end of the list.
2. Any time you know what to do now:
a. Dot it. (If it's not on the list yet, write it at the end of the list and dot it.)
b. Do it. (As much as you want.)
c. Cross it out. If you want to do more later, reenter at the end of the list.
d. (Optional) If a task is on the last page already, and you want to do more later, skip (c) and instead just cross out the dot.
3. Any time you don't know what to do now:
a. Scan through the list. Stop when you know what to do now.
b. Mark where you stop scanning.
c. Next time around, continue scanning from where you stopped.
February 11, 2018 at 21:20 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
So this means you are at all times free to do whatever you choose, whether it's on the list or not. And at all times free to either scan through the list, or forget scanning and just do things. Pages no longer matter. As for things like keeping the list trim, the rules don't address that; such things are simply tasks you can enter into the system whenever you want.
February 12, 2018 at 1:33 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Alan:
I'm just wondering if the rules for this system could be condensed to: -
1. keep a list of things to do.
2. find some things on the list you feel like doing and dot them.
3. do them next. Repeat process.
Is this a bit too simple? However, this seems to be the way this blog is going.
I suppose if it works and this is the most effective time management system, then so be it!
I'm thinking that there won't be much to talk about soon....
Personally I would like to add in a step 4.
4. if the list gets too long, then carry forward tasks you can't do now for a more appropriate future time. Move them back into the list then.
I'm just wondering if the rules for this system could be condensed to: -
1. keep a list of things to do.
2. find some things on the list you feel like doing and dot them.
3. do them next. Repeat process.
Is this a bit too simple? However, this seems to be the way this blog is going.
I suppose if it works and this is the most effective time management system, then so be it!
I'm thinking that there won't be much to talk about soon....
Personally I would like to add in a step 4.
4. if the list gets too long, then carry forward tasks you can't do now for a more appropriate future time. Move them back into the list then.
February 12, 2018 at 12:27 |
MrBacklog
MrBacklog
Your "condensed" version is not the same process. Which is not to say that process won't work.
The differences are:
1) I only dot and do one task at a time, not "some things".
2) The task I choose does not need to be found on the list. The list serves me well as a memory jogger and a focuser, but this ruleset deliberately allows no-list type operation.
Won't be much to talk about? At present, the regulars have all gravitated to their own distinct process, each adapting one or more of Mark's original ideas. And they all more or less work. Still, it's always interesting to us to encounter alternative ideas. And at some point it won't be as much about Process as much as about, say, Attitude. Like that blog post "The most important thing I've ever written?"
Your rule 4, if you like it run with it. For myself, if a list gets too long, I'd simply add a Clean Up List task, in which I will figure out the best way to deal with some old stuff.
The differences are:
1) I only dot and do one task at a time, not "some things".
2) The task I choose does not need to be found on the list. The list serves me well as a memory jogger and a focuser, but this ruleset deliberately allows no-list type operation.
Won't be much to talk about? At present, the regulars have all gravitated to their own distinct process, each adapting one or more of Mark's original ideas. And they all more or less work. Still, it's always interesting to us to encounter alternative ideas. And at some point it won't be as much about Process as much as about, say, Attitude. Like that blog post "The most important thing I've ever written?"
Your rule 4, if you like it run with it. For myself, if a list gets too long, I'd simply add a Clean Up List task, in which I will figure out the best way to deal with some old stuff.
February 12, 2018 at 13:11 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Yes - good points.
Agreed. There are many ways of achieving the same end goal of getting things done.
I suppose I'm looking for the perfect system and to run with it for a long time.
I think the above is ideal for me.
To condense even further: dot, do, defer.
Agreed. There are many ways of achieving the same end goal of getting things done.
I suppose I'm looking for the perfect system and to run with it for a long time.
I think the above is ideal for me.
To condense even further: dot, do, defer.
February 12, 2018 at 13:51 |
MrBacklog
MrBacklog
Alan wrote:
<< Won't be much to talk about? At present, the regulars have all gravitated to their own distinct process, each adapting one or more of Mark's original ideas. And they all more or less work. Still, it's always interesting to us to encounter alternative ideas. >>
But, but... but I thought we all wanted
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
Now I feel so lost and alone. Everybody just doing whatever works for them sounds so... chaotic. And unstable. And... lonely. I'm not sure I know how to handle that.
<< Won't be much to talk about? At present, the regulars have all gravitated to their own distinct process, each adapting one or more of Mark's original ideas. And they all more or less work. Still, it's always interesting to us to encounter alternative ideas. >>
But, but... but I thought we all wanted
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
Now I feel so lost and alone. Everybody just doing whatever works for them sounds so... chaotic. And unstable. And... lonely. I'm not sure I know how to handle that.
February 12, 2018 at 19:22 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Sounds fine to me!
February 12, 2018 at 19:27 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Seraphim:
Yes of course we all await the discovery of Shangri La. Maybe it's the new FFVPP Mark is on now. Maybe the Oasis. I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success.
Yes of course we all await the discovery of Shangri La. Maybe it's the new FFVPP Mark is on now. Maybe the Oasis. I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success.
February 13, 2018 at 3:44 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Maybe my obtuse point (I'm not sure I had one) was to observe that we humans, and especially we time-management enthusiasts, do tend to keep looking for that "one perfect system". I've fallen into that myself many times. Even Mark has sometimes promoted his systems in such a way during the run-up to a new announcement. It is so enticing. Everyone doing whatever works for them is fine, of course, but we seem to throw that idea away so easily, when the promise arises of a new system (Mark's or our own) that will solve all our problems.
Always looking to improve is very valuable. But why does it so often take the form of getting excited about the latest Shangri La? I just think it's interesting, psychologically. I see it happen in myself but still can't quite put my finger on the dynamics that bring about that effect.
I've had the same experience with money budgeting systems -- I read many books when I was younger on how to budget, looking for the "best" way to do it. Eventually I developed something simple that meets our needs, but I remember how that desire to find the perfect system was very strong.
Another example - I receive get-rich-quick junk mails all the time -- there seems to be a similar trend there, too, though I've never much been interested in those.
Where else does this happen?
In most endeavors, it just seems like such a silly idea, there is no temptation at all to find the One Ring. For example, learning any other topic or skill -- computer science, or business, or investing, or mathematics, or language, or running an effective meeting, or a project, or carrying out a political campaign, or whatever. In these fields, it seems natural to think I will always have room to improve, always have opportunity to handle some new problem. To think that "I have found the perfect system for ..." in any of these fields just seems ludicrous. What is going on psychologically that makes it seem like it *can* be attained for things like time management?
Probably the most interesting thing about this phenomenon is how it actually gets in the way of achieving the goal. The tinkering and experimenting can be such a distraction.
Always looking to improve is very valuable. But why does it so often take the form of getting excited about the latest Shangri La? I just think it's interesting, psychologically. I see it happen in myself but still can't quite put my finger on the dynamics that bring about that effect.
I've had the same experience with money budgeting systems -- I read many books when I was younger on how to budget, looking for the "best" way to do it. Eventually I developed something simple that meets our needs, but I remember how that desire to find the perfect system was very strong.
Another example - I receive get-rich-quick junk mails all the time -- there seems to be a similar trend there, too, though I've never much been interested in those.
Where else does this happen?
In most endeavors, it just seems like such a silly idea, there is no temptation at all to find the One Ring. For example, learning any other topic or skill -- computer science, or business, or investing, or mathematics, or language, or running an effective meeting, or a project, or carrying out a political campaign, or whatever. In these fields, it seems natural to think I will always have room to improve, always have opportunity to handle some new problem. To think that "I have found the perfect system for ..." in any of these fields just seems ludicrous. What is going on psychologically that makes it seem like it *can* be attained for things like time management?
Probably the most interesting thing about this phenomenon is how it actually gets in the way of achieving the goal. The tinkering and experimenting can be such a distraction.
February 13, 2018 at 14:50 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Some of us need novelty. The things that keep neurotypicals moving (seeing progress, rewards, fear, knowing it's important) just aren't enough. We need to accept that, and find things that actually work for us.
I have a few base systems I rely on (Gantt charts; weekly and daily Oases (from before they had a name) ) and then play with other systems to keep it interesting.
(I think this might be why I excelled in school and projects at work, but not the daily grind. School is about learning new things. There's also a lot of walking (exercise, outside) and a mix of group and solo work. Life after school? Not so much.)
The challenge is to find a balance. So far, I find a few hours a week of playing with systems to be the sweet spot. Enough to keep me interested in the work I'm planning, doing, and then marking as done, but not so much that it takes time from the real work.
I have a few base systems I rely on (Gantt charts; weekly and daily Oases (from before they had a name) ) and then play with other systems to keep it interesting.
(I think this might be why I excelled in school and projects at work, but not the daily grind. School is about learning new things. There's also a lot of walking (exercise, outside) and a mix of group and solo work. Life after school? Not so much.)
The challenge is to find a balance. So far, I find a few hours a week of playing with systems to be the sweet spot. Enough to keep me interested in the work I'm planning, doing, and then marking as done, but not so much that it takes time from the real work.
February 13, 2018 at 17:41 |
Cricket
Cricket
I'm not saying anything against innovating and experimenting per se, and certainly not against novelty. The thing I find curious is how some endeavors (such as time management) seem to inspire a desire for a comprehensive end-all be-all system, where for other endeavors this desire never arises.
February 13, 2018 at 20:36 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Alan Baljeu:
<< Yes of course we all await the discovery of Shangri La. Maybe it's the new FFVPP Mark is on now. Maybe the Oasis. I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success. >>
If anyone is awaiting the "new FFVPP Mark is on now" then they are going to be disappointed. I'm currently using "the same old FFVP" and not aiming at present to develop anything else.
<< I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success. >>
Hopefully you'll get it before long.
<< Yes of course we all await the discovery of Shangri La. Maybe it's the new FFVPP Mark is on now. Maybe the Oasis. I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success. >>
If anyone is awaiting the "new FFVPP Mark is on now" then they are going to be disappointed. I'm currently using "the same old FFVP" and not aiming at present to develop anything else.
<< I'm watching and waiting for news of corroboration and continued success. >>
Hopefully you'll get it before long.
February 13, 2018 at 21:37 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Seraphim:
<< The thing I find curious is how some endeavors (such as time management) seem to inspire a desire for a comprehensive end-all be-all system, where for other endeavors this desire never arises. >>
I'm not sure I agree that we're looking for a perfect system.
In my opinion what we are looking for is a system that is "good enough" to stick with and rely on.
In other words the aim of all the thinking we do about time management is to stop having to think about time management. The trouble is that no existing system actually achieves that for an ordinary person. I say "ordinary person" because very achievement-driven people use time management methods that fit them but don't fit people who don't have that innate drive.
I'm also not convinced that in other endeavours this desire never arises. You mentioned the following:
computer science
business
investing
mathematics,
language
running an effective meeting
running an effective project
carrying out a political campaign
Bear in mind that we are talking about the systems we apply to these subjects, not to the subjects themselves.
So to take language learning, we are always open to improvement and everyone knows that even in one's own first language we will never know it all.
BUT go on to Youtube and search for "best language learning system". You will find exactly the same sort of discussion as we have.
The same applies to investing. Search for "best investment system" and see what you find!
On the other hand the way of running an effective meeting is pretty well established (though you wouldn't think so knowing some of the meetings I attend). There's nothing like as much discussion about the methods to use as with languages, investments or time management.
Why?
Because it is recognized that the standard teaching on running an effective meeting is "good enough" and produces considerably better meetings than those run by people who haven't had that teaching.
We haven't quite got to that stage yet. We're still in there with the languages and investments.
<< The thing I find curious is how some endeavors (such as time management) seem to inspire a desire for a comprehensive end-all be-all system, where for other endeavors this desire never arises. >>
I'm not sure I agree that we're looking for a perfect system.
In my opinion what we are looking for is a system that is "good enough" to stick with and rely on.
In other words the aim of all the thinking we do about time management is to stop having to think about time management. The trouble is that no existing system actually achieves that for an ordinary person. I say "ordinary person" because very achievement-driven people use time management methods that fit them but don't fit people who don't have that innate drive.
I'm also not convinced that in other endeavours this desire never arises. You mentioned the following:
computer science
business
investing
mathematics,
language
running an effective meeting
running an effective project
carrying out a political campaign
Bear in mind that we are talking about the systems we apply to these subjects, not to the subjects themselves.
So to take language learning, we are always open to improvement and everyone knows that even in one's own first language we will never know it all.
BUT go on to Youtube and search for "best language learning system". You will find exactly the same sort of discussion as we have.
The same applies to investing. Search for "best investment system" and see what you find!
On the other hand the way of running an effective meeting is pretty well established (though you wouldn't think so knowing some of the meetings I attend). There's nothing like as much discussion about the methods to use as with languages, investments or time management.
Why?
Because it is recognized that the standard teaching on running an effective meeting is "good enough" and produces considerably better meetings than those run by people who haven't had that teaching.
We haven't quite got to that stage yet. We're still in there with the languages and investments.
February 13, 2018 at 22:05 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
To clarify, by "new FFVPP system", I believe I just meant "new FFVP system". I'm awaiting confirmation that it works well over a longer period of time.
February 14, 2018 at 2:20 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Mark Forster wrote:
<< BUT go on to Youtube and search for "best language learning system". You will find exactly the same sort of discussion as we have. >> etc.
Good point! I hadn't realized that, but you are absolutely correct.
After pondering your response for a bit, I guess my basic question still remains. For some endeavors, it's easier to arrive at a method or practice that is << "good enough" to stick with and rely on >> -- where for other endeavors a solution remains elusive. Are there certain characteristics shared by time management, language, investments, etc. that cause a good, consistent, reliable, recognized solution to remain elusive?
<< BUT go on to Youtube and search for "best language learning system". You will find exactly the same sort of discussion as we have. >> etc.
Good point! I hadn't realized that, but you are absolutely correct.
After pondering your response for a bit, I guess my basic question still remains. For some endeavors, it's easier to arrive at a method or practice that is << "good enough" to stick with and rely on >> -- where for other endeavors a solution remains elusive. Are there certain characteristics shared by time management, language, investments, etc. that cause a good, consistent, reliable, recognized solution to remain elusive?
February 14, 2018 at 2:43 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim:
<< Are there certain characteristics shared by time management, language, investments, etc. that cause a good, consistent, reliable, recognized solution to remain elusive? >>
Thinking further about this I've come to the conclusion that stability is not built in. It is simply a stage.
To return to your list:
Computer science
I don't know much about computer science but I think the established methods of science as a whole are increasingly under attack at the moment, especially with the recent revelations that "peer review" is basically worth the paper it's written on, plus the crisis of replication. And Taleb has made the point that in spite of popular perception most developments are in fact made by technology rather than science - the only significance exception being the atomic bomb.
Business
Yes, well. Just take banks as an example. The way bankers go about their business is radically different now from what it was before government and banks between them managed to engineer the last crisis in banking.
investing
See "business" above
mathematics
I've always been hopeless at maths, but the impression I get is that every fifty years or so the world of maths gets completely shaken up by some genius, and after that nothing is quite the same again.
running an effective project
See Taleb again. The reason most buildings that anyone wants to see, work in or live in are hundreds of years old is because they weren't designed with the help of computers.
carrying out a political campaign
Is anything going to be the same again after Trump's campaign, which broke every rule in the book?
<< Are there certain characteristics shared by time management, language, investments, etc. that cause a good, consistent, reliable, recognized solution to remain elusive? >>
Thinking further about this I've come to the conclusion that stability is not built in. It is simply a stage.
To return to your list:
Computer science
I don't know much about computer science but I think the established methods of science as a whole are increasingly under attack at the moment, especially with the recent revelations that "peer review" is basically worth the paper it's written on, plus the crisis of replication. And Taleb has made the point that in spite of popular perception most developments are in fact made by technology rather than science - the only significance exception being the atomic bomb.
Business
Yes, well. Just take banks as an example. The way bankers go about their business is radically different now from what it was before government and banks between them managed to engineer the last crisis in banking.
investing
See "business" above
mathematics
I've always been hopeless at maths, but the impression I get is that every fifty years or so the world of maths gets completely shaken up by some genius, and after that nothing is quite the same again.
running an effective project
See Taleb again. The reason most buildings that anyone wants to see, work in or live in are hundreds of years old is because they weren't designed with the help of computers.
carrying out a political campaign
Is anything going to be the same again after Trump's campaign, which broke every rule in the book?
February 14, 2018 at 9:16 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Seraphim:
To continue:
So why are time management and language learning in such a state of flux at the moment?
Time management: When I started work at the beginning of the 60s, we had no internet, no cellphones, no fax machines, no photocopiers, no scanners, no text messaging, no blogs, no Kindles, no international dialling, no wordprocessing. The average office worker's day was made up of dealing with paper files and answering telephone calls. If he wanted to send a letter he would write it out on paper and send it to the typing pool, where a typist (she) would type it out. If he was a high-up he might have a PA and she would would probably take his dictation in shorthand.
Is it any wonder that time management has needed to adapt itself radically?
Languages.
Most people in England by the time I became a teenager had never been abroad except in the armed services. The main languages taught in schools were Latin and French. After 10 years of learning French, I went abroad for the first time to France and couldn't understand a word anyone said, nor could they understand me.
Again, the situation has radically changed in my lifetime and language learning methods have struggled to keep up.
To continue:
So why are time management and language learning in such a state of flux at the moment?
Time management: When I started work at the beginning of the 60s, we had no internet, no cellphones, no fax machines, no photocopiers, no scanners, no text messaging, no blogs, no Kindles, no international dialling, no wordprocessing. The average office worker's day was made up of dealing with paper files and answering telephone calls. If he wanted to send a letter he would write it out on paper and send it to the typing pool, where a typist (she) would type it out. If he was a high-up he might have a PA and she would would probably take his dictation in shorthand.
Is it any wonder that time management has needed to adapt itself radically?
Languages.
Most people in England by the time I became a teenager had never been abroad except in the armed services. The main languages taught in schools were Latin and French. After 10 years of learning French, I went abroad for the first time to France and couldn't understand a word anyone said, nor could they understand me.
Again, the situation has radically changed in my lifetime and language learning methods have struggled to keep up.
February 14, 2018 at 9:46 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
It seems to me that a big difference here is how personal or personalised some activities are, and others not so much. So time management, language learning and investment are different for different people. Running a(n effective) meeting needs to be more concrete because a group of people are involved and all need to be on the same page.
February 14, 2018 at 12:20 |
Wooba
Wooba
This Taleb sounds like an interesting read.
Regarding mathematics, I don't think anything really upends the whole field every 50 years. There are a few major breakthroughs occasionally but they really just affect what one niche of mathematicians choose to study, with minor impacts outside that narrow field. For example, Gödel discovered that the foundations of math are essentially uncertain and that fact can't be fixed. This opened a new branch of maths, and ended Hilbert's project, but for the most part everybody just carried on.
Software Development Practice is as subject to fads as anything out there. Some stick (e.g. agile methods, at least so far) and change the world, while others come and go (object oriented software engineering), presumably because the benefits were not there.
Regarding mathematics, I don't think anything really upends the whole field every 50 years. There are a few major breakthroughs occasionally but they really just affect what one niche of mathematicians choose to study, with minor impacts outside that narrow field. For example, Gödel discovered that the foundations of math are essentially uncertain and that fact can't be fixed. This opened a new branch of maths, and ended Hilbert's project, but for the most part everybody just carried on.
Software Development Practice is as subject to fads as anything out there. Some stick (e.g. agile methods, at least so far) and change the world, while others come and go (object oriented software engineering), presumably because the benefits were not there.
February 14, 2018 at 12:27 |
Alan Baljeu
Alan Baljeu
Using a Moleskine "reporter" style book, hardcover ~100 pages, but small enough to fit in a pocket. The reporter style flips up instead of flipping sideways, and I found this is much easier to hold open and to flip pages than a normal left to right notebook.
Moleskines come with an elastic band to hold the book or pages closed, and I liked the feature so much I added two ordinary rubber bands to the book. One band holds the dead pages at the back, one band holds the dead pages at the front, and one band holds the blank pages together. So what's left is I have my working list as a small bunch of pages free to flip through at the front, and I can always easily access the first unfinished page as well as the new page with a simple flip. And at the back I have a few reference lists: routines checklist, goals, weeklies, and the rare scheduled items. These are also easily accessible with a simple flip and turn a page thanks to the rubber banding.
Now the main list also has a unique spin that I like very much: Dotting. It reduces rewriting, and cuts down on the number of pages even without putting any restriction on adding tasks or impetus for deleting older tasks. (Though I nevertheless am also picky about what I add, and do make an effort to get rid of chaff.)
The process goes like this: Whenever I get to a new page, I take a ruler and draw a wide margin, big enough to draw 5 dots. Whenever I work an item on this last page, instead of rewriting, I just mark it with a dot to the left of the margin. When I finish the task, I draw a line linking the dot to the margin. I cycle through this page as much as I want, eventually accumulating several dots to some frequently executed tasks, all connected with a line .
On older pages (by now all having the margin and linked dots), when I pick a task I draw a dot at the left edge of the paper. When I finish the task I get to connect the dot straight across the line. I might then reenter it or a related task at the end of the list. (So yes, there is some rewriting.) To clarify, this part is no different from Simple Scanning, except for how it looks.
Visually, it's a very striking approach. It is always immediately obvious what things I did once, what I did multiple times, what I didn't touch, what is completed (on this page), and what things are not completed. Also, the tasks listed are generally NOT crossed out at all (just the dots and lines to the left) so it's smooth reading.
One final feature, I generally only write on the lower page of an open pair, which leaves the upper pages free for any sporadic notes I need to take.