So I’ve been trying to keep up with my GTD and a little while back started using SpringPad to do it. GTD is always much more about the process and the habit rather than what ‘tool’ you are using. Here is a little though on how I am using SpringPad currently for my GTD workflow.
Inbox: Things I collect that need to be processed go into the Inbox notebook. Since I can use SpringPad from my Nook, iPhone, and any computer this takes care of most things. My other inboxes are my email (work and personal), and where I need to improve…physical inboxes at work and at home. There really isn’t a lot that I need to put in a physical inbox at work but I like to doodle and actually write with a pen or pencil (gasp!) so there are notes that I will toss in there and process by the end of the day.
Next Actions: These are usually tasks. I use a tag for the context (@home, @work, @errand, etc) and they are in my Next Actions notebook. If they are tied to an area of focus or larger project then they will be in that notebook too. This was I can see all of my NA’s and sort by tag to see what I can get done in my current context. Likewise, I can look at a project come review time and see what needs to be done, what is done, etc.
Small Projects: These I have been using checklists. The project has a name and at the end of the name is the current Next Action for the project. The context can change by changing the tag and the notebook(s) the checklist is in. At the point where I am waiting on someone else? I put that in the name and take it out of the Next Action notebook and in to the Waiting For notebook. Bounces back to me? Change it up again.
Larger Projects & Areas of Focus: These have their own notebooks. Project ones start with “prj:” so I can spot them easily. Next Actions go in there, bookmarks, notes, etc.
As an example, for custom Blythe Dolly Carry Bag orders I create a checklist. I actually use the template method of exporting a shell list to your email and springing it to make a new copy. The mini project is named after the month\year and the customer and the rest of the name is the current NA (gather requirements, insert zipper, take photos, ship, etc.). Then check list off I go through what needs to be done. The tag on the list can change depending on the NA. So @home for most of it then @errand when I need to go ship. All of these are in the SewPixie notebook in SpringPad. I also attach notes to the checklists with details on what we’ve decided for the custom bag, links to fabric, etc.
