[ptone]

Since the iPhone app has come out, I've been using flags much more effectively.

In the past I have abused due dates as a way to bring something to my attention in the future. Let say I have to check on whether a piece of equipment loaned out can be returned. I'd put a due date on it to make sure it jumps to my attention 2 months from now, even though it wasn't actually due, I just wanted to be reminded.

Now I do the following instead. I put a start date on it and flag it. I flag every single item I put a future start date on. I have a key often viewed perspective showing my flagged items. When the start date comes around, it pops onto my flagged perspective. If its a priority, it stays there, but otherwise I un-flag it, but its visit to that perspective has brought it to my attention and shaken the dust off of it.

Just throwing this out there as an idea for those who are chronic users of due dates....

-P