It is amazing what a single sheet of paper can do. When I tell my patients to download the free version of the Emergent Task Planner, many don't bother, thinking, perhaps that this is just another task to fall behind on or to forget. Those who listen and use the Emergent Task Planner send me excited messages of thanks.
So — What is the Emergent Task Planner?
The Emergent Task Planner is a well-designed, single-sheet document, created by the designer David Seah of The Printable CEO. The sheet is designed with time management and time consciousness in mind. The page is divided into different sections: one column where you can fill in your appointments and time-locked duties; one block where you can articulate your most important tasks for the day; and another area for notes and to-do items. On a single page, you have a tool for taking stock of your priorities, tasks, and time allotment. For me, these factors elevate the Emergent Task Planner above the standard dead-weight To Do sheet.
How I use the Emergent Task Planner
I don't use the Emergent Task Planner sheets daily. However, I do turn to them first on days where I feel I have either too much to do or no energy or motivation to tackle even the smallest task. Once I pull out a sheet of the Emergent Task Planner, I feel I am committing to action, and that alone is helpful to get me going. I don't use the time bubbles (little ovals to help mark the time you have used) David Seah includes in the Emergent Task Planner, perhaps because I tend not to be detail-oriented. I know that other people find the time bubbles useful. Invariably, after using a sheet, I get a lot accomplished. The one or two items that remain on my list get carried over to the next day or two on the same increasingly-more-crumpled sheet. Have fun with this new planning and action tool. Then send David Seah a note of thanks and consider purchasing whole pads of the Emergent Task Planner here. I have ordered a few for myself over the years and believe they are well worth the cost. Enjoy!
I find the Emergent Task Planner to be great. It fits in my pocket, and allows me to see what tasks I need to do for the day while I run around the office. I then can mark them off on my software based task list when I am done for the day. Also it is less rude than having to stare at a screen (my iPad), when working with someone.
Whenever I can’t have my iPad with me, the Emergent Task Planner is there to save my day. It helps me also jot down the things I need to recall. My memory is not the best, but this helps me recall things, and not forget about them. I do not use all the functions, but I bet others will like time tracking.
Hope others are finding it useful.
Thank you itworkflow for your input. Your description of how you use the Emergent Task Planner in live action really highlights its value and versatility.