Unless you already use Emacs, I can’t recommend spending lots of time to get into it. It’s a very complex and powerful system built around a text editor.
I use org-mode in Emacs when on a computer, paired with Orgzly on Android on my phone. Files are plain text, like Markdown. At its simplest, org-mode is nested headlines that you can easily move and rearrange.
I believe Obsidian is similar: https://obsidian.md
I’m a vi guy myself, but that’s a fight for a different day. I’m using Amplenote, which I think is somewhat similar to obsidian, and I like it, but like all new things I try, I used it extensively for the first week, then I’ve stopped using it that much. I like the idea of combining notes with the tasks, but it’s somewhat not as smooth to me as my brain would like.
For me, I have to write things down to remember to do them. So I’ve formed a habit around writing in org-mode both as reminders and for planning.
When I plan some complex code, I write out the steps in an org-mode document and move sections around, rearrange steps, etc etc.
Making the experience as smooth as possible can help, but mostly I think my workflow has been “someone asks me to do something. I immediately write it down so I don’t lose it.”
Yeah I’ve found that writing things down keeps me in the moment and prevents me from zoning out, but I can’t bring myself to write stuff down because it’s that starting trouble. Any tips on making it into a habit?
Several things worked for me:
- At the beginning of my work day, I have to login to Jira and view my tickets. I visualize myself doing that, and then creating my to-do list for the day from org-mode. It brings forward unfinished tasks from the previous day, so there’s a process or workflow: log in, open Jira, start new to-do file, compare file with Jira, update either Jira or the to-do file or both. I guess it works because it’s not just the to-do list, it’s several other things happening at the same time. So you’re not “updating a to-do list” you’re “starting work for the day”. Reframing the action can sometimes help.
- Gaming it. If I get asked for a status update, I get “points” if I have the information I was asked for already in either Jira or my to-do file. That’s enough for a little dopamine reward because I was prepared. This follows a thread in my life where I really value being prepared ahead of time. Like anticipating cars ahead of me and braking before they do. How much of the future can I predict and adapt to with the minimum effort?
- Visualizing. This is a bit woo-adjacent. I picture myself sitting down at my desk and remembering my to-do list. It works for me, but most people look at me like I’m a Sasquatch or something! Visualize doing something the next time you sit at a particular desk, or when you enter the office. I hope it works for others too!
If I think of more I’ll add it in other comments. I really hope you can find some tricks that work for you!
