How I use MindManager for Getting Things Done (GTD)

UPDATE: 3rd June 2009: Version 2 of my implementation is now in the blog. Read about it here...

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Having been asked on several occasions to explain how I use Mindjet MindManager to implement the Getting Things Done (GTD) approach developed by David Allen (www.davidco.com), I decide to provide a summary of I do it for all to see. Please feel free to share your experience and give me feedback. Whilst still learning, the one thing I am clear about regarding GTD, is that it is an evolutionary process of continuous improvement.

So here it is...

I have an extensive implementation of TPAssist's “My Life” template and also the TPAssist role based Dashboard, resulting in near on 150 linked maps, some of which are whole projects and some of which contain lots of mini-projects.

My GTD runway “road map” or as I am calling it, my “Ultimate Dashboard” mirror’s GTD’s “Organizing Categories” (see/download template here). This is now my default map when MindManager opens. I have linked the Outcomes section to separate maps for a cleaner picture. I have linked my “My Life” and workplace dashboard to the “Areas of Focus”.

Adding in projects and actions is presently achieved using two methods. Firstly I am instantly capturing, storing and then "sending" new items to the Dashboard by using TPAssistCapture. These capture items are sent to my roadmap "IN-TRAY" for further clarification, sent directly to the ACTION category or even directly into a project map (if it isn't the next action or is more an idea). Secondly I am manually maintaining the Projects List and Actions list.

Maintaining context of my projects and next actions is achieved by dropping into the focus area map, locating the project or next action and then using the Topic-Right-Click “Copy as Hyperlink” MindManager capability to extract the linked topic. I then insert this hyperlinked topic into the project list or in the case of each project’s next action, in the appropriate category of the Ultimate Dashboard. In this way I can just follow the hyperlink back to the My Life or Dashboard map to process the action, using TPAssist’s existing journaling capabilities to record my progress and success.

As I complete actions, I drop in the next action and then I just delete the completed topic listing from the Ultimate Dashboard. With completed projects I just delete them from the Projects list, knowing that my monthly reviews of Areas of Focus will show up anything that is new.

In addition, I am using TPAssist 2007's Outlook Integration to keep some of the next actions synchronised with Outlook and therefore my mobile device.

There are some aspects that are for now a little cumbersome, however I feel "spinning the wheels" myself, at least for now, gives me a great idea of what needs to be automated in the next update to TPAssist 2007.


GTD and Getting Things Done are registered trademarks of David Allen & Co..

GTD Summit, MindManager® and TPAssistCapture - Capture, Process, Reduce Distraction

We've published a new video demonstrating TPAssistCapture.

This video uses participation at the recent GTD Summit to illustrates how TPAssistCapture for Mindjet® MindManager® can be used to instantly capture, queue and process your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions.

See it on the TPAssistCapture product page on our web site.

Introducing TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager®: How Does it work?

TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager®
Instantly capture, store and process your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions.

The purpose of TPAssistCapture is to help you keep focused on the task at hand, by giving you the means to instantly capture, store and process your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions(1).

How does TPAssistCapture Work?

TPAssistCapture operates on Quick Links which is a method to send ideas, tasks, notes and next actions directly to the mind map you use to manage them (STEP 1).

You start by configuring your categories or tags and defining where in your mind maps these items should be delivered. As you uncover, discover or receive ideas, tasks, notes and next actions, you simply use TPAssistCapture to store them to a basket for processing (STEP 2).

Then when ready, you use TPAssistCapture to extract the items from the queue and send them to your mind maps (STEP 3).

TPAssistCapture uses a mind map, the "Quick Links Map" to store and manage your capture categories/tags. The capture process is performed by the Capture Tools (i.e. System Tray icon, and the Send Topic and Send Map capabilities in MindManager). These capture tools are purposely "decoupled" from MindManager for efficiency and speed, and also so that you can work away in MindManager on key focus items independently of your capture process.

Download TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager® right now... its FREE!

(1) "Next Actions" are a concept widely associated with the Getting Things Done (GTD) approach developed by David Allen (www.davidco.com http://www.davidco.com/).

Mindjet and MindManager are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Mindjet, LLC in the United States and/or other countries.

GTD and Getting Things Done are registered trademarks of David Allen & Co..

Introducing TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager®: What is TPAssistCapture?

TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager®
Instantly capture, store and process your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions.

The purpose of TPAssistCapture is to help you keep focused on the task at hand, by giving you the means to instantly capture, store and process your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions(1).

What is TPAssistCapture?

Is this familiar?

You are working away on your highest priority when something new arrives... an e-mail, the phone rings, a knock on the door or your mind wonders.

You realise that you can't deal with the item quickly because it needs further attention?

This is a potential distraction because this new thing has your attention and it may not be the best thing to be doing right now. Therefore you must capture it for consideration at another time...

Is there an answer...

Sure, single-Click TPAssistCapture Capture, type in your note. Tag it. Send it.

Great, in an instant you have recovered your focus.

So later, when your high priority items complete, you'll be ready to process your "In-Tray" again. Just open MindManager, choose TPAssistCapture "Process Basket" and collect your ideas, tasks, notes and next actions. Then use your maps to manage your next actions as suggested in the Getting Things Done (GTD) approach...


Download TPAssistCapture For Mindjet® MindManager® right now... its FREE!



(1) "Next Actions" are a concept widely associated with the Getting Things Done (GTD) approach developed by David Allen (www.davidco.com <http://www.davidco.com>).


Mindjet and MindManager are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Mindjet, LLC in the United States and/or other countries.


GTD and Getting Things Done are registered trademarks of David Allen & Co..

Installing TPAssist with MindManager 8 Update - 8.0.217 or 8.0.235

These is an issue with installing TPAssist with recent MindManager 8 updates.

Mindjet released an update for MindManager 8 in January. This update, we are told, is to fix an installation issue relating to Visual Studio. The update contains no other change and therefore is functionally the same as 8.0.217 (released in late November).

TPAssist is built for specific versions of MindManager to comply with the strict anti-malware rules applied to our Microsoft Outlook component.

We released an update in January, version 1.5.19, for MindManager 8.0.235. This update contains no fixes or functional changes.

Since Mindjet consider the recent update to be minor, users with MindManager 8.0.217 won't be informed of the update when they "Check for Update". Further more, the "Check For Update" capability within MindManager will say that the user already has 8.0.235, however if the user then use the "About MindManager" command they will be told they have version 8.0.217..

How does this impact TPAssist installation?

• This issue does not effect users with MindManager 6 or 7.


• There is no impact if you are using TPAssist 1.5.18 (go to TPAssist Help->Check for Update)


• If you are not using the most recent update of TPAssist, you need to update to MindManager 8.0.235 before installing the latest TPAssist update. (See resources below)

Resources:

MindManager Updates: http://www.mindjet.com/resources/downloads/archive/default.aspx

TPAssist Downloads: http://www.tpassist.com/Downloads/DownloadReadMe.aspx?prod=1

NEWSLETTER - Feature Request and User Experience Survey

Firstly, welcome to all our new subscribers, 2008 was an interesting year, 2009 is shaping up to be "one of a kind".

In this newsletter we outline the schedule for our next update, version 1.6, we also provide the opportunity to obtain FREE one-on-one advice to help you make the most of MindManager and TPAssist.


TPAssist: Mapping actions in the context of their ultimate goal.

Extend your investment in MindManager® and/or Mindjet® Connect with TPAssist 2007 for Mindjet® MindManager®.

• Supercharge your mind map based task lists, automate tasks, get task detail roll-up, capture and roll-up financial information, enable workflow and create workplace Dashboards.
• Export task and financial information to Microsoft® Excel® and Project.
• Integrate with Microsoft® Outlook®
• Work in Multimap mode.

A must-have for project managers and anyone collaborating on shared task maps.
Get the free 30-day trial today!

Product Release Update

In 2008 we released four minor updates, the latest of which, version 1.5, focused on Mindjet Connect interoperability and also working with financial information with-in your maps.

Our first update for this year, version 1.6, will takes us back to our roots. It will focus on bringing you tools that help you be more productive and fulfilled.

This will include, but is not limited to, making TPAssist a must-have for MindManager users following David Allen's Getting Things Done systematic approach to productivity and happiness (REF: http://www.davidco.com/).

TPAssist 2007 version 1.6 feature request.

We aim to have 1.6 out to you in the coming months. A key part of that process as always is your feedback: in that regard, the time is now to get back to us with functionality you'd like improved or added.

Simply e-mail us at sales@tpassist.com (or reply to this newsletter). Alternatively, there is a space provided in the User Experience Feedback survey (as outlined below).

User Experience feedback (opportunity to get FREE consulting).

Tell us how you are using TPAssist and receive a FREE Q&A session, worth $450.

All you need to do is participate in the online survey, remembering to also submit your contact details so we know how to contact you regarding the FREE Q&A session.

There are some terms and conditions, and if you have any questions please e-mail us at sales@tpassist.com.

(Click here to subscribe to our Newsletters)

TPAssist User Experience Survey Promotion

Tell us how you are using TPAssist and receive a FREE Q&A session, worth $450.

All you need to do is participate in the online survey, remembering to also submit your contact details so we know how to contact you regarding the FREE Q&A session.

There are some terms and conditions (below), and if you have any questions please e-mail us at sales@tpassist.com.

Terms and Conditions:

• This offer constitutes an agreement between TPAssist Ltd and you, the respondent.
• Availing of this offer and therefore entry into this agreement is initiated by participating in the online survey and including your valid contact details. The team at TPAssist will acknowledge the request and register you as an offer respondent.
• The award or prize associated with this offer is either a ""First Steps" Q&A Session" or ""Dashboard" Personalised Q&A Session".
  This award or prize is not interchangeable or exchangeable with cash or any other item.
• Scheduling associated with the Q&A session is subject to availability. Whilst best endeavours will be made to accommodate you, TPAssist Ltd can't be held responsible if a suitable schedule can't be found with-in a reasonable time-frame. We would hope to conduct the session inside 8 weeks of issuing this offer.
• This offer is extended to existing subscribers or product license holders.
• Prices quoted in promotional material are in US dollars. Whilst quoted in US dollars, this offer is non-region specific and open to all countries. Q&A sessions are conduct in ENGLISH only.
• TPAssist reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time without cause or notice. This does not impact existing agreement with respondents, these agreements will continue to run as per terms of this offer.
• This offer operates independently of any other TPAssist offer.