Perspective help
I am struggling with how best to solve a view / perspective dilemma.
I have tasks that must be done on a specific day. These I can handle by sorting by due date.
However where I am running into trouble is when a task or project has a specific due date, but the tasks can be completed at any time before the due date. I am looking for a view to see all tasks I should be working on (in-order to choose which I should be doing at the time).
Here is an example we all can relate to - Taxes.
Taxes are due April 15.
There are several tasks to occur before taxes are filed; Collect receipts, find pay stubs, reconcile investment statements, contribute to IRA, get tax software, fill out forms, buy stamps, Mail forms, etc.
The only task with an absolute date is mail / file forms by April 15. The others can be worked on any time between January 1 and April 15. If I give all but mail forms a due date of April 14 they appear as I do not need to take any action until their due date. A mad dash now ensues to get everything done or file for an extension.
Most of my projects fall into a similar category. Lots of parts that combine, some with dependencies / next actions, others as individual tasks, all leading to a final cumulation with a specific due date. I want to regularly see all the pieces so I can pick the most appropriate tasks to work on each day (context appropriate).
I need a simple list view (Print out) as I do not have access to OF when not at my home desktop.
This creates additional issues when the project dose not have a specific due date, i.e. clean garage. I have the project with all its tasks along with similar household projects in a folder as sub projects. These are to do's when I get around to them no specific driver. I would like to see these non-priority tasks as well so I can chose which to tackle as time allows or context appropriate.
GTD implies I should be able to see these in a way that makes deciding the next thing to do more efficient.
Any recommendations on how to organize perspectives to accommodate a better view?
Thanks
I am struggling with how best to solve a view / perspective dilemma.
I have tasks that must be done on a specific day. These I can handle by sorting by due date.
However where I am running into trouble is when a task or project has a specific due date, but the tasks can be completed at any time before the due date. I am looking for a view to see all tasks I should be working on (in-order to choose which I should be doing at the time).
Here is an example we all can relate to - Taxes.
Taxes are due April 15.
There are several tasks to occur before taxes are filed; Collect receipts, find pay stubs, reconcile investment statements, contribute to IRA, get tax software, fill out forms, buy stamps, Mail forms, etc.
The only task with an absolute date is mail / file forms by April 15. The others can be worked on any time between January 1 and April 15. If I give all but mail forms a due date of April 14 they appear as I do not need to take any action until their due date. A mad dash now ensues to get everything done or file for an extension.
Most of my projects fall into a similar category. Lots of parts that combine, some with dependencies / next actions, others as individual tasks, all leading to a final cumulation with a specific due date. I want to regularly see all the pieces so I can pick the most appropriate tasks to work on each day (context appropriate).
I need a simple list view (Print out) as I do not have access to OF when not at my home desktop.
This creates additional issues when the project dose not have a specific due date, i.e. clean garage. I have the project with all its tasks along with similar household projects in a folder as sub projects. These are to do's when I get around to them no specific driver. I would like to see these non-priority tasks as well so I can chose which to tackle as time allows or context appropriate.
GTD implies I should be able to see these in a way that makes deciding the next thing to do more efficient.
Any recommendations on how to organize perspectives to accommodate a better view?
Thanks