Getting things done - for activists

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Comment by Jamie West on January 3, 2011 at 1:41

I have a Google (Gmail) Calendar that is linked to my iPod touch. My wife has access to the Google Calendar so she can see what I've scheduled. She could also enter something on the schedule (although she usually just tells me to do it). The touch stays in my pocket and syncs to the calendar whenever I'm at a wifi spot (home, union hall, library, etc).

This arrangement allows me to keep track of what is going on and it allows me to immediately confirm if I am free or busy.

Also, I book family time - date nights with my wife, watching a practice with my son, etc - and I make sure that these commitments are as important to me as anything else I book.

Comment by Eric Lee on October 26, 2010 at 13:37

Have just downloaded and read a PDF book by Leo Baubata, 'Focus' - on the importance of simplifying your life. It seemed promising, but I was disappointed. The best book on personal productivity that I ever read, and this was nearly a decade ago, was 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey. What books on personal productivity have you read, if any, that were actually useful?

Comment by lana fargis on October 13, 2010 at 23:41

use PC alarms to schedule reminders for appointments - I find myself juggling so many different email accounts and applications that written reminders, or even email reminders are completely useless.

But my recent installation of free alarms (there is a whole whack of them here: http://www.fileguru.com/apps/alarm_open_source) seems to be doing the trick. There are some with voice apps, some with simple mp3 alarms. If nothing else, it will help you tune up that "time to go home" melody at desk.

useful.

Comment by Stephany Mitchell on October 13, 2010 at 21:48

Wow - and I thought I was busy! I try to minimise the number to tools and rely primarily on Outlook for blocking my time, using out of office for not just 'out of office' but when I'm not available, and regular updates to union delegates as to my availability - this in particular I've found has dramatically reduced the number of emails which are neither urgent or important. Like Stuart Elliott there are some times that I'm simply not available and make no apologies for it.

Comment by Stuart Elliott on September 14, 2010 at 3:45

A tip for keeping some personal time.

Block out some time periods (say two Saturdays a month, and an evening a week) and write "My Time" on your calendar. Then when you are called and asked to do something on that date, say "let me check my calendar. Sorry, I have a prior commitment."

Comment by Padraig Yeates on September 8, 2010 at 8:38

To be honest Eric I am keeping on top of things but not sure I have time to talk about keeping on top of things - and still hand onto a bit of leisure time.

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