I tried every todo app and ended up with a .txt file
13 days ago
- #minimalism
- #productivity
- #time-management
- The author has tried numerous productivity apps (Notion, Todoist, Things 3, OmniFocus, Asana, Trello, Any.do, TickTick) but ultimately returned to using a simple plain text file called todo.txt.
- Productivity apps often lead to wasted time setting up systems rather than completing actual tasks.
- Examples of app failures include Notion becoming an abandoned database graveyard, Todoist encouraging gaming the system, and OmniFocus requiring too much time to learn.
- A turning point came when the author successfully completed tasks written on a sticky note, realizing simplicity works best.
- The current system involves a daily text file with tasks, notes, and updates, which also serves as a work log/journal.
- Advantages of the text file system include: always accessible, instant updates, AI-compatible but not dependent, fast task entry, searchable, ownership, honesty, and longevity.
- Productivity is about doing tasks, not perfecting systems. The author addresses common concerns (reminders, projects, collaboration, mobile access) with simple solutions.
- The recommendation is to try using a simple todo.txt file for a week, as simplicity often outperforms complex systems.