How to Track Your Tasks in One Simple, Elegant Text File

5 years later, it's still working brilliantly for me

Photo by Tina Dawson on Unsplash. Cropped by Author.

Task management has become more complex than it needs to be.

Over the past five years, I’ve gradually moved away from over-technical software, embracing a simple solution that’s allowed me to grow a successful educational publishing company, run our website, and maintain a blog.

In this article I’m going to show you how to keep on top of your tasks and get projects finished on time, without all-in-one, calendar-integrated, dedicated task management software.

You’ll see how a simple workflow can improve productivity and free up your time and energy for more important things — for the real reason you want to be productive.

Some of the techniques I’ll discuss may seem overly simplistic to you, especially if you’re, say, a devoted PC user who works with a team. Maybe you’ll think that continuing to read won’t be worth your time.

Well, that could be true!

I’m not you; I don’t know what you need. What I do know is what works for me. Take from it what you will.

In any case, I urge you to remain open to the possibility that the most straightforward answer could be all you need. Even better, it might put a big ol’ smile on your face as it simplifies your life!

Things You Should Know

First, some things you should know about my approach.

• I work from home, and I don’t have to collaborate with anyone other than my business partner.

• I’m a plain text advocate. If something can be done (well) in a simple text file, that’s what I’ll use. If not, I’ll go to the next most simple solution.

• I know Macs, iPhones, and iPads inside out. My recommendations, therefore, while universal in principle, are biased toward Apple products.

• I believe in software with little to no learning curve. I’ve found that whenever I have to invest significant time and effort into learning how to use an app, I’m more likely to abandon it. Software should be something I can pick up and immediately use effectively.

The Workflow

Here’s what my task management workflow looks like: