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Organising the organisers
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Posted by Graham Rhind
Apr 3, 2007 at 08:50 AM
One of the problems I’ve been having is my personal inability to organise my organisers.
For example. I read a suggestion that software downloads could be embedded within Surfulator, with notes and a website link, so that the files could be easily found for reinstallation. Great idea! So I put all my downloads into Surfulator, forget them, and months later realise that I’ve done nothing to keep that database up to date.
Similarly, I use UltraRecall to create a complete customer view - contact details, website, documents, e-mails and buying history in one database. But as UR doesn’t synchronise automatically (I think), then I need to import and synchronise new stuff. And I don’t - I just don’t think to do it.
This is partly due to the constant movement between programs. I start something in Surfulator or Whizfolders, and then realise it could be done also in UR, or vice versa, so my data and my attention become dissipated.
Until something becomes routine, the only way I can currently organise my organising is by adding numerous tasks to Outlook (the only program guaranteed to always be running) to remind me to synchrnoise this, or update that.
I’m not really as scatter-brained as I describe myself here, but I was wondering if other users have better methods for organising their organising ...
Graham
Posted by Alexander Deliyannis
Apr 3, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Graham Rhind wrote:
>I was wondering if other users have better methods for organising
>their organising ...
The only “method” I have is to always use one specific program to look for specific information, for example UltraRecall for all my contacts. If that information isn’t there, I will find it and put it immediately into my dedicated application, so that it’s there next time I need it.
I spent a considerable part of my holidays putting bits and pieces of information into UltraRecall (mainly) but updating has been relatively seamless since then.
alx
Posted by Stephen R. Diamond
Apr 3, 2007 at 05:58 PM
Graham Rhind wrote:
>Until something becomes routine,
>the only way I can currently organise my organising is by adding numerous tasks to
>Outlook (the only program guaranteed to always be running) to remind me to
>synchrnoise this, or update that.
This method serves me to organize my organizing, although I do it more for efficient transition and general planning. I use a program called GoalEnforcer Hyperfocus (previously mentioned here in its base GoalEnforcer version) to plan the steps in a project, with the software I plan to use as part of the task description. I make a point of not deviating from this plan without first changing it or adding to it. In addition to solving the problem of organizing my organizing, I find that prior planning, with subsequent revision of the plan, increases my efficiency.
I use GoalEnforcer because I like the way it displays topics in BrainStorm fashion, and these diagrams are not so complex as to need a full mind mapper. Although I like the display of topics in GoalEnforcer better than mindmappers, it still lacks some of the basic ‘modern outlining features’ and requires some added keystrokes over a mind mapper. This is why I don’t use GoalEnforcer for general mindmapping. Also, keeping my overall operational plan in a separate program from the mindmapper where I create a content-based outline helps avoid momentary confusion.
I think this is an efficient way of working, and the small sacrifices of time to create and augment the plan are worth it. It is very regimented and would not be everyone’s cup of tea. I charge for work on the clock, so I have a duty be as efficient as I can.
Posted by Franz Grieser
Apr 3, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Stephen.
GoalEnforcer Hyperfocus sounds interesting.
Can you tell me what the main differences between GoalEnforcer Hyperfocus and the basic GoalEnforcer tool is? The only difference I found on the website is that the Hyperfocus edition has a calendar - is that all?
Thanks, Franz
Posted by Stephen R. Diamond
Apr 4, 2007 at 12:55 AM
The main added features are, as you say, the calendar, and also the hyperfocus zone, which contains tasks you want to focus on. These tasks can be copied to the zone with a click.
The hyperfocus version is way over-priced. My take is that they the developer found that he can move the product fastest by having almost constant discounts and sales. So they set the base price high to accommodate.
Just an opinion, but the point is you should not pay the full price. The hyperfocus version might not be on sale yet, but I am confident it will be.