From my days and University, I always embraced new methods of managing my sometimes overwhelming workload which was usually a mixture of volumes of reading, research, classes, assignments and preparation for future classes, seminars, tutorials and exams. Thrown into the mix was work experience, a part time job and other personal projects. As a student, I loved anything that was free but stumbled upon this app by Cultured Code Things. Granted it is for iOS and Mac, but since that has been my preferred device for more years than I care to admit, it was not an issue. Obviously, there are a multitude of other apps which come close that you can use on the PC or indeed Mac, but I think I was drawn to this app because of the name but (in the first instance) but mainly because I found it very useful to help me manage my life and keep track of the things that I needed to do and plan for. Up to this point, I had been a great advocate for the paper diary, but trying to find something that was being planned for the distant future or going through multiple entries by quick scanning, and mainly missing them, was become a bit tiresome. Roll on the days that I have my own secretary (long way to go!).
Fast forward to present day, and now, being a professional and managing multiple cases, clients and court dates, I often feel overwhelmed and revisited the idea of using Things to help me get things under control. Granted there is an inbuilt calendar and to-do list integrated into our work Case Management System (CMS) but it is useless, clunky and not very intuitive and I find myself just not looking at it hoping something will jump out of the screen. So after realising that my to-do list often resembles a never-ending monster, constantly reminding me of everything I haven’t done yet, I took the decision, over the Easter break to get back to using Things for work and wanted to share how this worked out for me.
My current setup is using the Things app on my iPad which sits on my desk and shows all the things I need to get done. Unfortunately, my office is PC centred and so the desktop app of Things which is Mac only, is not in use, but for me but I found the iPad version, which does not differ from the Mac version, able to meet my needs and help keep me organised. Plus, I can pick the iPad up and take it with me. Additionally, the app sync to Things Cloud and this keeps the app on the iPhone and Apple Watch up to date.
I have found Things to be more than just a task manager; it’s a productivity powerhouse which has helped me conquer the workday with ease and I want to share my experience with you, to see if you can use it or a similar app if your current CMS does not “cut the mustard”.
Organisation Nirvana:
Things utilises a clear two-tiered system: Areas and Projects. Think of Areas as broad categories like “Work” or “Client A.” Within each Area, you create Projects for specific initiatives, like “Property Purchase of…” or “Sale of Property…” This structure keeps your tasks neatly compartmentalised, preventing that overwhelming feeling of a cluttered list. As I am a private client solicitor most of my areas centres around conveyancing, private client matters such as Wills, Probate and some minor litigation matters. Within each project, I have a template list of items that I need to get done and as new matters arise, I note them within these lists to make sure that I get them done or investigated.
As many conveyancing solicitors know, many of the things that need done in this area follow a procedure, so I have created a template project which lists these items and ‘to do’ and when I start a new case. Conveniently, the Things website give me the information on how to do this:-
- Start out by creating the template Project.
It’s a normal project, and should contain all the elements you’ll most likely need in the future. Include headings, to-dos, etc. but refrain from using dates. Apply a template tag to help you find it faster later. - Chuck the project into Someday.
This’ll make the template inactive and remove it from the sidebar/main lists view and keep everything tidy.
💡Tip: When you need to find one of your templates, you have two options: either search for the template tag, or go to the All Projects list and filter it by this tag (you might also have to hit Show x later items).
Prioritisation Made Simple:
Things’ “Today” view is great for me. I can drag and drop tasks to prioritise them, ensuring my focus is on the most critical items first. No more staring at a multitude of to-dos, unsure where to begin. Things puts the most important tasks front and center, keeping me laser-focused.
Capture Everything, Anywhere:
Inspiration can strike at any time. Often for me it is at night when I am in bed and something about a case occurs to me, or a new way forward – but I know if I do not write it down, by the time the morning comes, I will have forgotten. That is why the iPhone app is great and like most of you, I keep my iPhone by the bed charging at night so it is easy to jot down the thought, and Things will keep it safe until I have time to tackle it.
Off course there are other features, such as reminders and setting due dates, many things which most apps have – but truth be told, I like the package and it is what I am used too so I keep using it. For me it was worth the money spent on the apps.
I should note that whilst I have purchased the app for iOS and have used it for many years, Cultured Code kindly give me a version for the Mac to test and check out alongside the apps which I own. They have not influenced me in any way or directed what I should write – this is all my own opinion and personal experience in my work and personal life.
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