Todos

September 30, 2023

Todo Tools (Edited: 2024-12-12)

When it comes to todo tools, fewer and non-overlapping is better. Here are the tools I use:

Google Calendar

When: Create events for tasks that have a specific date or time to start working on or finish.
Managing: View all upcoming and past tasks in 3 week or monthly view. Useful as a record of important tasks too.
Completing: Delete most event tasks as they're done to keep the calendar clean.

Microsoft To Do

When: Catch all for any ad-hoc tasks that need to be done at some point and don’t fit in any of the other tools.
Managing: Set due dates for at least 3 things and use the "Planned" view to view tasks on a timeline. Complete tasks that are due Today. Roll forward as needed. Use steps/sub-tasks fields to break down large tasks as needed.
Completing: Delete most tasks as they’re done to keep the lists clean.

Browser Tabs

When: Active and imminent things that are being worked on.
Managing: Use tabs as a queue of things that need to be done. Move tabs towards the left to “de-prioritize” them to be done after tabs on it’s right.
Completing: Close the tab when done.

Gmail

When: Respond or action on emails as soon as possible.
Managing: Aim for inbox zero and any email that requires action is left in the inbox. Star items for longer term todos but leave a task in the calendar as a reminder to come back to them.
Completing: Archive emails as they’re done.

First is Chair: get a high quality chair from Steelcase or Herman Miller (used is OK and can often be found in warehouses). You can just sit on the chair and work, no need for anything else.
Second is a table: anything is OK really and getting used is good. Sit-stand is useful but not necessary.
Third is monitor: USB-C and a USB hub are a must for convenience of connecting a single cable. Bigger than 24" is better. 4k or even 5k is nice, but at least 1440p.
Third is wireless keyboard and mouse: aim for something with a unifying receiver for both. Logitech Gaming and Asus are all good options. Make sure it charges with USB-C and does not require batteries. Bluetooth on the mouse is useful for travel.

Highlights:

48x30 is a great size where you have enough space for a monitor + laptop setup, and it’s compact enough for in terms of the shipping box and being able to build and maneuver it with 1 person.
There’s no under table control box, and the electronic parts are just a small motor next to a leg which connects to the small control panel at the front, and there’s a power plug that connects into that control panel. This made assembly very easy.
It did not smell much out of the box, but I left it on the balcony for a night anyway.
On sale, it’s only $100 and shipped within a day (ordered on Friday and got it on Monday).