THE PROACTIME METHOD 3

3. Filter your tasks and file your data

You cannot let enter every task which knocks at your door. A selective approach is a must. PROACTIME recommends reviewing the notes of tab Free your mind at least once a day during non productive phases.

In our world of sensory overload we risk distraction and difficulties maintaining focus on one task. Moreover overload inhibits our brains. We have not enough memory to work. Hence it is vital to filter, to separate the wheat from the chaff on the basis of our life goals. The context menu of tab Free your mind includes the option of displaying them.

You apply a first filter when you take a note. You select what seems important to you. Then by drag&drop on the left icons of tab Free your mind you separate the resources from the activities: names of contacts, of processes (checklists, instructions and standardized activities), the titles of paper documents and books, short notes and also keywords and passwords.

After that the resulting list only displays activities to file and ideas you decide to delete by drag&drop on the corresponding left icon. The filtering of the tasks is described in the following chapters.

We are often induced to take action by emails. PROACTIME includes the automatic filing of emails on the basis of its context tree. You only have to file an email manually the first time. PROACTIME remembers the filing and will apply it by itself the following time and highlight the corresponding branches of the context tree. If you are confronted with lots of emails, it is recommended, first, to review the highlighted branches of the context tree and to select those of interest before reading the remaining mails. Important mails can be transformed into notes, actions, sessions and projects.

Menu SETTINGS also includes the option Enter / Display SPAM activities and viruses. SPAM activities are unsolicited tasks you decide not to accomplish any more. Viruses are activities which pollute your mind unncessarily. You can display the list on tab Free your mind by the help of the context menu. Excluding these activities will help to remain focuses on your planned tasks and to increase your productivity.

For beginners, the table of tab Free your mind can also be used as a to-do list if the number of tasks is limited. Upon accomplishment they can drag&drop them on the corresponding right icon or plan them immediately.

You can also take note of data you have to memorize: phone numbers, the first names of children or of the spouse of contacts and birthdates. You copy them by the help of the context menu or keys Ctrl+x. A click on the corresponding icon moves you to the appropriate resource where you can paste the data by Ctrl+v.

In conclusion, tab Free your mind is your antidote to negative stress and your tool to remain productive in our hectic world.