How do you use GQueues?
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bnapptural
May 18, 2010, 2:50:14 PM5/18/10
to GQueues Discussion Forum
I'd love to hear how others are using GQs. I'm still experimenting and
would find it useful to hear other ideas since I'm sure there's a more
efficient way to set things up.
Do you follow a specific methodology like GTD or Covey and are you
able to use GQs to implement it ? If so how?
How did you set up your queues & categories?
How do you handle projects & next actions?
How do you use tags? As contexts, to denote a task as a project?
How are you using smart queues (now with the new features)? For me
being able to see everything in a queue is great.
Do you use subtasks?
Are you able to get others in your company, family to embrace GQs
too?
I have two businesses with staff & a partner (who I can't get to use
GQs consistently) & a part time job. I keep trying to use tags but
find I forget to put them on the tasks. I'm not using any specific
methodology but use elements of GTD, Covey & Do it Tomorrow. I'm
considering trying out TRO, total, relaxed organization.
Currently I'm set up this way:
Queues are my broad main areas & categories are generally the roles/
jobs that have to be covered under each....
Business 1 (retail store)
- marketing
- accounts/inventory management
- general operations (mainly general reoccurring tasks)
- event/sale planning
- financial tasks
Business 2 (event planning)
- event marketing
- sponsors
- exhibitors
- gift bags
- areas (cafe, play area etc...)
- event day tasks/plans
- raffle
Personal
- errands
- health/fitness
- to do
Part-time Job (retail buyer/merchandising)
- to do
- ordering
- merchandising
Shopping list
Looking forward to reading your responses.
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would find it useful to hear other ideas since I'm sure there's a more
efficient way to set things up.
Do you follow a specific methodology like GTD or Covey and are you
able to use GQs to implement it ? If so how?
How did you set up your queues & categories?
How do you handle projects & next actions?
How do you use tags? As contexts, to denote a task as a project?
How are you using smart queues (now with the new features)? For me
being able to see everything in a queue is great.
Do you use subtasks?
Are you able to get others in your company, family to embrace GQs
too?
I have two businesses with staff & a partner (who I can't get to use
GQs consistently) & a part time job. I keep trying to use tags but
find I forget to put them on the tasks. I'm not using any specific
methodology but use elements of GTD, Covey & Do it Tomorrow. I'm
considering trying out TRO, total, relaxed organization.
Currently I'm set up this way:
Queues are my broad main areas & categories are generally the roles/
jobs that have to be covered under each....
Business 1 (retail store)
- marketing
- accounts/inventory management
- general operations (mainly general reoccurring tasks)
- event/sale planning
- financial tasks
Business 2 (event planning)
- event marketing
- sponsors
- exhibitors
- gift bags
- areas (cafe, play area etc...)
- event day tasks/plans
- raffle
Personal
- errands
- health/fitness
- to do
Part-time Job (retail buyer/merchandising)
- to do
- ordering
- merchandising
Shopping list
Looking forward to reading your responses.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GQueues Discussion Forum" group.
To post to this group, send email to gqu...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to gqueues+u...@googlegroups.com.
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NoCatharsis
May 19, 2010, 12:23:06 PM5/19/10
to GQueues Discussion Forum
I would also like to hear how others are using this. I just starting
my GQueues account and have no idea where to begin. In the past, I've
followed the GTD methodology and all of the variations of the
AutoFocus system as well. Ultimately I'm more of an AutoFocus kind of
person because it's less overhead. Now if anyone could suggest the
setup to implement AF on here...?
my GQueues account and have no idea where to begin. In the past, I've
followed the GTD methodology and all of the variations of the
AutoFocus system as well. Ultimately I'm more of an AutoFocus kind of
person because it's less overhead. Now if anyone could suggest the
setup to implement AF on here...?
Christoph
May 19, 2010, 7:52:45 PM5/19/10
to GQueues Discussion Forum
NoCartharsis, I'd never even heard of AutoFocus or Mark Forster
despite what I thought was a lot of time and attention given to this
subject -- probably too much!
Anyway, I found his site and see he has many different recommendations
for systems depending on how people work. In Autofocus alone he has 4
versions and counting.
But... it seems like a really good, simple idea. So I think I'm going
to give it a shot. If I don't like it, I can always return to
GTDishness and daily prioritization (which sounds A WHOLE LOT like the
system in Mark Forster's "Do It Tomorrow" book from what I gather).
You inspired me to try this. I posted this explanation of how I intend
to use GQueues to implement the system on Mark's website. Also,
because he's a fan of paper rather than electronic systems for lists
(but he says you can follow his systems with either) I made a little
plug for how I think GQueues combines the best of both worlds... since
you can use it as I'll outline now AND you can print the list without
the slightest bit of alteration and find yourself immediately using
Mark Foster's Autofocus V.4 system CANONICALLY:
I just found this today and came from a hybrid "GTD" and "screw GTD
and prioritize!" mindset.
I was spending way more time tinkering with lists and systems than was
warranted. Will that be true in a week? Who knows?
So far, so good on your Autofocus V.4 thinking. It looks fascinating,
Mark.
I just discovered your ideas from a post on the GQueues discussion
form.
GQueues is an online list app that's integrated with Google Calendar.
Like most, it supports collaboration, etc.
There's a very functional free version and a paid version for those
people who need just a bit more.
Anyway, I'm not affiliated with them -- I use the free version, but
the developer is awesomely responsive, seems like a great guy, and
I'll upgrade in a heartbeat if and when the free version doesn't do
everything want it to do.
Which it does.
I believe GQueues can overcome a lot of the shortcomings with using
electronic lists Mark Foster enunciates... if you implement it as I'm
going to illustrate. Let me describe it and tell me if it makes sense
to you.
= = = =
Before I do, here's the benefit: Best of paper, best of electronic.
(Call that a tease!)
= = = =
1) I created a Queue (a.k.a. list) entitled "Autofocus V.4."
2) I added outstanding items.to it.
3) At the bottom of this list, I added this:
XXXX --- Dividing Line Between Closed and Open Lists --- XXXX
4) Any new items are added at the bottom by default. This is perfect.
It's where they should be.
5) When finishing a recurring item, or working on a task as far as you
want to with more yet to do, you can "duplicate item".
6) This adds it to the bottom of the list in the open section. You can
then reword the item if necessary and go back up to the closed list
and check the item off.
7) This causes the item to disappear keeping the closed list neat and
tidy. For that matter, same thing with the open list.
As an aside, GQueues has awesome keyboard shortcuts and is really
quick to use once you figure it out. Up and down arrows become the
equivalent of a pen or finger pointer. It's also got a bunch of Ajax-y
drag-n-drop goodness. And no, I really don't work for them. I just
like it.
http://GQueues.com/
8) Once the closed list items are all done, dropped, or re-added to
the open list; duplicate the XX -- Dividing Line -- XX and it will
appear exactly where it should: at the bottom. Delete the original
dividing line.
9) But let's say you're travelling for a few days and may not have
constant mobile access. No worries. Print the darn list in its
entirety! You'll start with a completely clean list and sure, it'll
become a standard mess highlighted, crossed-out paper-and-ink list
before long.
Outstanding.
Either throw it in a duotang notebook or, my preference, attach a
small binder clip to the top left with a few extra blank pages thrown
in (lined if you care: I don't) and, "voila"! You now have an instant
paper-based system.
More...
GQueues also has the ability to create tasks with deadlines (recurring
or one-off). So those things that must be done on a given day, give
them deadlines.
You can keep a separate "Tickler" Queue of routines, committments,
etc., or you could just assign a deadline to any item within your
Autofocus V.4 Queue -- either way.
GQueues allows you to create Smart Queues based on selected criteria
(due dates, tags, Queue-Categories, parent Queue, etc.) and designate
any Queue you wish as the default Queue when you load the program.
So I'd suggest you create a Smart Queue with any item due today as
well as (this is important) overdue items.
Make these the your default Queue.
Do these due-today-and-overdue items because they must be done on a
given day (just don't go crazy designating every task as due on
specific days -- use it judiciously!).
***Then go to your AutoFocus V.4 Queue*** and work the system as Mark
teaches.
If for any reason you don't complete one of your due-dated items on a
given day, oh well. It will show up as due tomorrow. You won't lose
it.
And you can print that list too when travelling.
Further, GQueues automatically comes with a Google Calendar gadget for
those who use GCal. This lets you see any items with due dates within
the next week.
If you want even tighter integration, upgrade for $25/year (volume
discounts available) and these due-dated items can appear directly on
your Google Calendar and you can make changes to them directly from
GCal itself. Upgrading allows you to assign tasks to others too.
Neither of these are important to me. Your mileage may vary.
Finally you can add new tasks via a browser bookmarklet (which lets
you decide which Queue to put it into), email, instant messaging.
I think Autofocus and GQueues will work VERY well together.
What do you think?
---------------------------
Here's a link to my original post: http://bit.ly/c9Ttea
On May 19, 9:23 am, NoCatharsis <nocathar...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I would also like to hear how others are using this. I just starting
> my GQueues account and have no idea where to begin. In the past, I've
> followed the GTD methodology and all of the variations of the
> AutoFocus system as well. Ultimately I'm more of an AutoFocus kind of
> person because it's less overhead. Now if anyone could suggest the
> setup to implement AF on here...?
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GQueues Discussion Forum" group.To post to this group, send email togq...@googlegroups.com.To unsubscribe from this group, send email togqueues+...@googlegroups.com.
despite what I thought was a lot of time and attention given to this
subject -- probably too much!
Anyway, I found his site and see he has many different recommendations
for systems depending on how people work. In Autofocus alone he has 4
versions and counting.
But... it seems like a really good, simple idea. So I think I'm going
to give it a shot. If I don't like it, I can always return to
GTDishness and daily prioritization (which sounds A WHOLE LOT like the
system in Mark Forster's "Do It Tomorrow" book from what I gather).
You inspired me to try this. I posted this explanation of how I intend
to use GQueues to implement the system on Mark's website. Also,
because he's a fan of paper rather than electronic systems for lists
(but he says you can follow his systems with either) I made a little
plug for how I think GQueues combines the best of both worlds... since
you can use it as I'll outline now AND you can print the list without
the slightest bit of alteration and find yourself immediately using
Mark Foster's Autofocus V.4 system CANONICALLY:
I just found this today and came from a hybrid "GTD" and "screw GTD
and prioritize!" mindset.
I was spending way more time tinkering with lists and systems than was
warranted. Will that be true in a week? Who knows?
So far, so good on your Autofocus V.4 thinking. It looks fascinating,
Mark.
I just discovered your ideas from a post on the GQueues discussion
form.
GQueues is an online list app that's integrated with Google Calendar.
Like most, it supports collaboration, etc.
There's a very functional free version and a paid version for those
people who need just a bit more.
Anyway, I'm not affiliated with them -- I use the free version, but
the developer is awesomely responsive, seems like a great guy, and
I'll upgrade in a heartbeat if and when the free version doesn't do
everything want it to do.
Which it does.
I believe GQueues can overcome a lot of the shortcomings with using
electronic lists Mark Foster enunciates... if you implement it as I'm
going to illustrate. Let me describe it and tell me if it makes sense
to you.
= = = =
Before I do, here's the benefit: Best of paper, best of electronic.
(Call that a tease!)
= = = =
1) I created a Queue (a.k.a. list) entitled "Autofocus V.4."
2) I added outstanding items.to it.
3) At the bottom of this list, I added this:
XXXX --- Dividing Line Between Closed and Open Lists --- XXXX
4) Any new items are added at the bottom by default. This is perfect.
It's where they should be.
5) When finishing a recurring item, or working on a task as far as you
want to with more yet to do, you can "duplicate item".
6) This adds it to the bottom of the list in the open section. You can
then reword the item if necessary and go back up to the closed list
and check the item off.
7) This causes the item to disappear keeping the closed list neat and
tidy. For that matter, same thing with the open list.
As an aside, GQueues has awesome keyboard shortcuts and is really
quick to use once you figure it out. Up and down arrows become the
equivalent of a pen or finger pointer. It's also got a bunch of Ajax-y
drag-n-drop goodness. And no, I really don't work for them. I just
like it.
http://GQueues.com/
8) Once the closed list items are all done, dropped, or re-added to
the open list; duplicate the XX -- Dividing Line -- XX and it will
appear exactly where it should: at the bottom. Delete the original
dividing line.
9) But let's say you're travelling for a few days and may not have
constant mobile access. No worries. Print the darn list in its
entirety! You'll start with a completely clean list and sure, it'll
become a standard mess highlighted, crossed-out paper-and-ink list
before long.
Outstanding.
Either throw it in a duotang notebook or, my preference, attach a
small binder clip to the top left with a few extra blank pages thrown
in (lined if you care: I don't) and, "voila"! You now have an instant
paper-based system.
More...
GQueues also has the ability to create tasks with deadlines (recurring
or one-off). So those things that must be done on a given day, give
them deadlines.
You can keep a separate "Tickler" Queue of routines, committments,
etc., or you could just assign a deadline to any item within your
Autofocus V.4 Queue -- either way.
GQueues allows you to create Smart Queues based on selected criteria
(due dates, tags, Queue-Categories, parent Queue, etc.) and designate
any Queue you wish as the default Queue when you load the program.
So I'd suggest you create a Smart Queue with any item due today as
well as (this is important) overdue items.
Make these the your default Queue.
Do these due-today-and-overdue items because they must be done on a
given day (just don't go crazy designating every task as due on
specific days -- use it judiciously!).
***Then go to your AutoFocus V.4 Queue*** and work the system as Mark
teaches.
If for any reason you don't complete one of your due-dated items on a
given day, oh well. It will show up as due tomorrow. You won't lose
it.
And you can print that list too when travelling.
Further, GQueues automatically comes with a Google Calendar gadget for
those who use GCal. This lets you see any items with due dates within
the next week.
If you want even tighter integration, upgrade for $25/year (volume
discounts available) and these due-dated items can appear directly on
your Google Calendar and you can make changes to them directly from
GCal itself. Upgrading allows you to assign tasks to others too.
Neither of these are important to me. Your mileage may vary.
Finally you can add new tasks via a browser bookmarklet (which lets
you decide which Queue to put it into), email, instant messaging.
I think Autofocus and GQueues will work VERY well together.
What do you think?
---------------------------
Here's a link to my original post: http://bit.ly/c9Ttea
On May 19, 9:23 am, NoCatharsis <nocathar...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I would also like to hear how others are using this. I just starting
> my GQueues account and have no idea where to begin. In the past, I've
> followed the GTD methodology and all of the variations of the
> AutoFocus system as well. Ultimately I'm more of an AutoFocus kind of
> person because it's less overhead. Now if anyone could suggest the
> setup to implement AF on here...?
>
> --
DeepGreene
May 19, 2010, 9:01:14 PM5/19/10
to GQueues Discussion Forum
I'm a GTD type, but not a total purist. My set-up looks like this
Work (Category)
To Do (Queue) - misc. stuff
Website (Queue) - specific project #1
Mapping Project (Queue) - specific project #2
Etc.
Home (Category)
Household (Queue) - misc. home-care stuff
Personal (Queue) - misc. "me" stuff
Photo collection grooming & back-up (Queue) - project
Legal Will - project
Etc.
Tags:
@computer
@car
@home
@foot
@office
@phone - These are the GTD 'contexts' - where can I accomplish the
task
★ - My "special" tag - regardless of due date, this is the stuff I'm
working on RIGHT NOW. Stars are reset at least every day.
Smart lists:
★ - Anything having this tag: Get at it!! If these aren't complete,
there's no point looking anywhere else.
Now - due today or overdue
Soon - due in the next week or overdue
Next - the first task from every queue. This one I'm not sure
about... I used to generate this list with a manually applied "next"
tag, but I'm now experimenting with the native GQueues method. So
far, so good, but it's only been a day.
All - self explanatory
I don't bother with smart-lists for contexts, because it's too easy to
just click on a tag somewhere. I might add a "No Context" smart-list,
just for helping me find tasks that need some massaging during my
weekly review. It's early days for me still.
Cheers
> like it.http://GQueues.com/
> > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "GQueues Discussion Forum" group.To post to this group, send email togque...@googlegroups.com.To unsubscribe from this group, send email togqueues+...@googlegroups.com.
Work (Category)
To Do (Queue) - misc. stuff
Website (Queue) - specific project #1
Mapping Project (Queue) - specific project #2
Etc.
Home (Category)
Household (Queue) - misc. home-care stuff
Personal (Queue) - misc. "me" stuff
Photo collection grooming & back-up (Queue) - project
Legal Will - project
Etc.
Tags:
@computer
@car
@home
@foot
@office
@phone - These are the GTD 'contexts' - where can I accomplish the
task
★ - My "special" tag - regardless of due date, this is the stuff I'm
working on RIGHT NOW. Stars are reset at least every day.
Smart lists:
★ - Anything having this tag: Get at it!! If these aren't complete,
there's no point looking anywhere else.
Now - due today or overdue
Soon - due in the next week or overdue
Next - the first task from every queue. This one I'm not sure
about... I used to generate this list with a manually applied "next"
tag, but I'm now experimenting with the native GQueues method. So
far, so good, but it's only been a day.
All - self explanatory
I don't bother with smart-lists for contexts, because it's too easy to
just click on a tag somewhere. I might add a "No Context" smart-list,
just for helping me find tasks that need some massaging during my
weekly review. It's early days for me still.
Cheers
NoCatharsis
May 21, 2010, 1:53:15 PM5/21/10
to GQueues Discussion Forum
Cool, well I appreciate the feedback on the AF4 and the GTD setups you
guys posted. I think I'm going to experiment with the AF4 setup for a
while, though I've been using it on paper for the past month or so and
I find my tasks at work often pop up with immediate action needed.
If it turns out I have too many immediate actions coming up, I think
GTD might be the smarter way to go because it's structured better for
that using projects and next actions.
For personal items, AutoFocus just seems so much more applicable. My
life outside of work, like most, consists of to-do lists with items
like "groceries" or "call the doctor", etc. These are usually not
immediately actionable or urgent, so that the AF4 system would be
better geared to focus my energy on one thing at a time, and
prioritize it automatically. I guess that's how they came up with the
name AutoFocus...
Thanks for the input. I'm now at work and I think I'm going to import
my tasks into GQueues to see how it works with the system.
guys posted. I think I'm going to experiment with the AF4 setup for a
while, though I've been using it on paper for the past month or so and
I find my tasks at work often pop up with immediate action needed.
If it turns out I have too many immediate actions coming up, I think
GTD might be the smarter way to go because it's structured better for
that using projects and next actions.
For personal items, AutoFocus just seems so much more applicable. My
life outside of work, like most, consists of to-do lists with items
like "groceries" or "call the doctor", etc. These are usually not
immediately actionable or urgent, so that the AF4 system would be
better geared to focus my energy on one thing at a time, and
prioritize it automatically. I guess that's how they came up with the
name AutoFocus...
Thanks for the input. I'm now at work and I think I'm going to import
my tasks into GQueues to see how it works with the system.
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