Realization: Why Legend works for me...

LauraH

There are lots of reasons Legend works so well for me; but this is my most recent realization:

Before Legend (Moo) - if I wanted to try a different system, or different task set up, or different task management methodology - I would usually switch programs/apps, or have to destroy whatever my “current” set up was to test something new… which resulted in a lot of bouncing around, inconsistency, and general lack of effectiveness.

WITH Legend (previously Moo) - the fact that I have over 125 boards in my account is telling… but those represent the flexibility of meeting my constant desire to tinker, to try a different set up, etc. The GREAT THING about this however; is that I can try something else without blowing away my current system. Without completely switching aps. If I have a “GTD” style setup, but want to try a “Long List” system or an “Agile Planning” method… I can do those by arranging my filters, boards, panes differently. In fact - I can even choose the “style” that works for me on any given day; and have it pull from the same master list of my plans / projects / tasks.

Mirrors, tags, filters, sorting, saved boards and panes, board folders… all of these tools combine to create functionality that really allows me to use Legend however I need to in any given situation.

*Note: I don’t recommend always switching your system! But for folks who can’t seem to help themselves (like me…) this has been a HUGE advantage to Legend.

I realized when doing an end of year review a couple years ago that starting to use Legend led to the first time I’d gone an entire year without ever switching task apps. That’s a big deal; and is a huge part of why Legend works for me.

Jay

That’s really great to hear! I would love to know more about all the different systems you’ve tried and how they compare to each other. Did you find that certain systems are better for certain situations? Or after the experimenting did you end up with a system that works best overall for you?

LauraH

I’ve been pondering your questions here @Jay since writing this a month ago. Putting together a clear answer is easier said than done! But here goes.

For context: I am married with 2 young kids (ages 4 and 1). We live on forested rural property, it is about 45mins one way to get to the closest stores. I also work part time in the Disaster Response department of a global non-profit. I never know when a response might require huge amounts of time for several weeks (or even international travel for 4+ weeks).

So my systems need to work for: careful planning (I can’t just run to the store if I forgot to get milk or the right size screws or run out of dog food); household management (laundry, cleaning, and seasonal things like preparing the homestead for winter, etc.); homeschool (starting to do some simple preschool with my oldest); general life projects and knowing what I’m “dropping” if I suddenly have to switch gears as part of a response. AND for my paid, non-profit job which has ongoing work to do even if we’re not in an active response.

I would say I use 5 main types of “systems” -

1) GTD (Getting Things Done)
There’s tons of information about GTD floating around on the internet. Basically; I use the main ideas of defining projects and then choosing next actions. And the weekly review - weekly review is critical! However, I find not everything in life falls clearly under a “project” - so this method alone has lots of gaps / weaknesses for me.

2) Routines & Chores Lists
I suspect we all need these kinds of lists. I need the especially as my life can be “interrupted” at any time - and I usually need clear help to get “back on track” when things return to normal. I have lists of the household routines dated with “ideal” recurrence of how often they get done; but also sorted by priority so that when I have super limited time I can make sure that “water houseplants” happens (so they don’t die); and know that “vacuum laundry room” can wait a couple weeks.

3) Agile -ish system. https://jdmeier.com/agile-results-on-a-page/
Agile has a lot of sub-detail; but I mostly use the idea of choosing three priorities for a given time frame (the month, week, day, etc.). This can help me keep in mind a “big picture” and not get lost in the weeks, or overwhelmed by ALL.THE.THINGS.

4) Final Version Perfected (FVP) by Mark Forster
http://markforster.squarespace.com/tm-systems/
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs004/1100358239599/archive/1109980854493.html
Mark has a lot of wisdom about “real life” task management. He has a whole group of “long list” systems; of which I use FVP. The idea is that rather than trying to choose and prioritize your day, simply have one single list of everything and using some basic structure; allow your intuition to choose what to do next.

5) Planning by date
Some seasons of life get really busy and require more structure and organization to make sure things fit. When in a season with lots of deadlines or moving pieces; I need to be able to plan with date specific structures and views.

—
Yes, I do find that I use certain systems more (or less) depending on the needs of a specific season or situation. But basically - I plan in GTD and Agile mode. Then function day to day with my routine lists and the FVP system.

Legend is great for this.
I can have a section of “Projects” where I fill in NextActions; an “INBOX” where I dump all the random thoughts and tasks that aren’t really projects or routines. And also; a list of chores and routines to help keep life and the household functioning.

I set up a variety of boards to allow for planning at various levels and in various modes. Then boards to be able to review high level things appropriately. And then boards for daily “do the work” focus that pull the relevant tasks from ALL my lists and planning modes.

Overly complicated? Maybe.
But it fits the way my brain works and Legend is the first app that I find really supports my brain; rather than me forcing my brain to fit someone else’s idea of planing / task management.

Maybe another day I’ll get around to actually putting together templates or sharable views of how this is all set up in practice. But that’s a huge project; and not for today.

LauraH

Further Thoughts / Random Insights on all this:

To make all this work; I am militant (within the active section of my outline) about only using the TASK box for true, “next action” / single step things.
Tags let me flag things so I see them when appropriate. ie: #errands that I check when I’m heading into town. But do not have set as a task. Similarly; for tasks that I can really only do when I can give it my full attention (ie - when my girls are asleep!) I tag those as well so I can separate them from the “general to be done” tasks.
I try to cull things regularly and ruthlessly to a “Someday / Maybe” list. If it’s been hovering on my list for to long, obviously it failed the “intuitive important” test and just needs to be removed.
I love, LOVE being able to view all my STUFF at various levels and views. It helps me feel confident I’ve got my eyes on all the things; and still be able to be clear and focus on the “do it” level of day to day stuff.