@TheSteveW:
I can totally relate to software not working the way your mind does. I have been using Notebook for just this reason. It is more or less a digital notebook that can be arranged any way you want. However, as usual with most software, there were a few areas that didn't quite match up to the way I work. So once again I was doing all kinds of crazy work arounds that I won't go into. I am still using it for keeping all required info about my projects, but have moved task management to Omnifocus. I am over trying to have everything in one program. I believe that this issue - the hope of finding a software developer that thinks just like you - is what drives one to keep on looking for more software. ....The dream of finding the perfect piece of software that thinks just like you do. GTD Nirvana! I can't tell you how many times I have thought "OK, I am going to look around for a while for something that works better for me, then I'll really be organized". Meanwhile hours and days go by of mid-grade productivity.
Paper has always worked best for me, but I manage a couple dozen projects at work at a time, and moving things forward through a Moleskin just doesn't get it done for me. However, I am jealous of those it does work for. Such a nice low tech solution. I do always carry a notebook with me though. I also carry a Levenger wallet with a notecard pocket. EVERYTHING gets written down during the day somewhere. That is my trusted system. Making sure things get captured and nothing slips through the cracks is my biggest requirement. Then I input this info into the computer for tracking. No matter what, I have a hard copy of my day.
I do not think so linearly either. For example, everyone of my projects in OmniFocus is run in Parallel (not next action restricted). I can clearly see how having only next actions available can help one focus, but my mind does not work that way. In fact I prefer it the other way. I manage construction projects with so many moving parts that it is actually more beneficial to actually review every task all of the time. This helps me keep the bigger picture in mind. Many businesses cannot use MS Project because it takes so much time to input and manage all of the data that in many instances you almost need another employee to keep it all up to date. I am trying to minimize task handling and keep in simple. For now, I am just focusing on inputing all of my data as fast as possible, doing daily and weekly reviews, and printing to paper so that I have a hard copy in the field. I can see where using the next action features is in my future though, because I can openly admit that there are tasks in my list that have been there for a while because they are actually projects and the first task to start the project is not clear. I am working on that.
@Usable Thought:
I think that I am using OmniFocus as more or less a listing & recording tool, but I am impressed by its capabilities of inputing tasks that don't start until a future date, dependent tasks, etc. Maybe one day I'll get things that tight, but for now I am happy to have all my tasks neatly organized for review by project or context.
I find that using the Franklin-Covey methodology of planning your week by reviewing your priorities/values/goals/mission and scheduling your time based on what is most important to you very helpful in keeping a good life balance. I like to use both GTD and the 7 Habits together. I think they go hand in hand. There is a white paper summarizing both in a nutshell
Here. It is written for a blackberry phone program, but has a simple explanation of both practices in it and some may find it useful.
I am guilty of avoidance/resistance myself. There have been many times that I have had my lists in perfect order and instead of getting down to business and hitting productivity warp speed I instead have started reviewing my system for improvements. Merlin Mann recommended a book called the
War of Art and one idea in this book was that people can be scared of being totally productive which could lead to a big change in one's life (success/upward mobility). I can't help but to think I am this way for some reason. It sounds kind of crazy. But seems to be true. I have got to get over this and make sure I am getting things done, not merely getting things captured.
Another book I found very helpful was Brian Tracy's
Eat That Frog.
His
Goals Audio CD was also excellent.