For years I’ve scheduled regular planning sessions and each project received detailed next actions. This allows me to identify the work that needs to be done and think about the required tasks. My challenge, however, was to find a way to view them so I could acknowledge project progress and work with my to-do list.
When I wrote out tasks by hand, it was difficult to quickly filter, reorganize, and identify priorities. It also took a long time every day.
When I relied solely on a digital system, I’d simply ignore the application.
It’s taken a long time — I now have a system that works with me. It should come as no surprise it’s a hybrid system.
Tasks & Project Progress
On Monday during my weekly planning session, I identify the week’s projects. They are written by hand into my planning notebook.
In my digital task manager, I write down all the next items, here’s where I am detailed. As I complete the task, I cross it off. When the task is started, I try to remember to tag that it’s “in progress” but that doesn’t always happen. If I need to refer to the completed list later I can, but honestly seeing that I’ve completed a single task is all I need. I love that it’s easy to (re)assign due dates and create reoccurring items.
As I work on a project throughout the week, I dot it with a highlighter. When I finish it is crossed off. I love that this lets me see the projects I’ve worked on and which I’ve neglected.
This hybrid view provides me a simple way to track progress throughout the week and have a view that includes both the forest and the trees.
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