Re: Overall organization/setup for org mode: Projects and Tasks

[Christian Moe <mail@christianmoe.com>]

I realize that other people's mileage may and does differ, but 
personally, I have long found the amazing functionality, 
customizability and hackability of Org-mode an astonishingly effective 
tool for PTO (Putting Things Off).

:-)

Christian


On 9/14/11 8:59 PM, Olaf Dietsche wrote:
> Hi Alan,
>
> "Alan E. Davis"<lngndvs@gmail.com>  writes:
>
>> I've been using org-mode for a few years.  My agenda is cluttered with tasks
>> that are weeks and even months past due.  I am "this close" to declaring
>> "orgmode bankruptcy" and starting from scratch, except my current setup
>> works so well for other things.   Might still do that, but I want to ask for
>> ideas.
>
> I (and many others) struggle too with becoming "organized". And usually
> it's not a "tool bankruptcy", but the lack of a coherent system.
>
> What helped me to some degree - and I'm still learning - was David
> Allen's book "Getting Things DONE". You will find lots of information
> about GTD in the internet (google, youtube) and at the orgmode website
> <http://orgmode.org/worg/org-gtd-etc.html>. I also took lots of good
> ideas and .emacs snippets from Bernt Hansen's website at:
> <http://doc.norang.ca/org-mode.html>.
>
> And although GTD is a pretty simple system once you get it, I suggest,
> take the time and read the book (your library might have a copy) and
> start slowly from there on.
>
>> I stumble consistently over the distinction between projects and tasks.  I
>> think there is not clear distinction, but I need to find a way to organize
>> them so that, at least, agenda displays the day to day TODO tasks separated
>> in a meaningful way from the long term projects that I need to remind myself
>> of (and there are dozens of these).
>
> Both projects and tasks result in actions, which have to be completed
> eventually. So there's not really any difference in handling these,
> besides maybe the number of single steps it takes to complete.
>
> And finally, paraphrasing Pete Phillips in
> <http://article.gmane.org/gmane.emacs.orgmode/4854>, there will be the
> time, where you have to bite the bullet and "just do it".
>
> Regards, Olaf
>
>