[garyrob]

I'm using this in combination with a Python script I wrote that sends me SMS messages for tasks as hard deadlines approach. So, if I get too distracted for some days, because of a technical issue or whatever, to pay much attention to the paper task process, I still get the SMS messages. Since I always check any SMS messages that come in, this prevents me from missing a deadline. And the physical setup of the Analog system means I can always aim my eye at the list that's standing up toward the side of my desk when I have time to do something. And adding something to the paper list is trivial; instead of having to navigate to the right app and type it in, I can just write a quick note on the paper that's always right there within immediate reach.

I think that this combination is great for people with ADHD that can cause one highly compelling task or technical issue to take them over for days so that mundane tasks don't get done (or even noticed) for that period. At least it is for me.

[jamesvclements]

Love the SMS idea, it's the one thing I always check / have access to. Few months ago I setup a # I can text things I'm grateful for throughout the day and it saves them in Notion. Makes it a little easier to practice gratitude as cool things happen without needing a journal or separate app

[garyrob]

Thanks for the feedback. I may make this available publicly, but maybe after adding a web interface to it!

[Melatonic]

I like this idea also - I always liked planning with a physical medium (like a notebook) and this is a great way to make sure big things are not missed.

I wonder if there is a way to send SMS based on Google or iOS calendar items? A simple Google Workspace plugin (not a browser plugin - actually for the Google system itself) could be super useful!

edit: In regards to this actual system itself I do like what is going on here but I have trouble justifying a whole new format when a simple paper notebook and pen could accomplish much of this. And the notebook also ends up being highly portable.

I do like however having this vertical card holder gizmo - I may just try to replicate this with some kind of magnetic system that holds my notebook open to the current page.

[garyrob]

Thanks. I really may set up a web site to do it. The encouragment here helps.

[throwawayboise]

I have tried SMS alerts for various things. What happens is that I start ignoring SMS. So this isn't something that will work for everyone, especially if the SMS messages become too frequent.

[garyrob]

You are correct. I'm leveraging the fact that I do check SMS messages religiously, but that is not true for everyone.

[jcun4128]

Haha I too have hacked my own desire to check sms. I made a remind me Twilio thing long time ago. I use it almost everyday. I text my Twilio number to send me a string I type in # of hours/mins from now comes back later.

I use it to water my plants every 3 days and leave myself future notes like months from now ha.

My phone is on silent too, I use the Android web messages chrome tab so I get pinged on my desktop.

[dpweb]

Same concept maybe, I use emails as my todos and snooze them to popup at the right time. Inbox always at zero so its easy to see something I gotta take action on. Things will definitely get missed otherwise and my email is always with me.

[garyrob]

I didn't know about snooze as an email feature, but a quick google shows it as something for gmail? Is that what you use?

I see that there are 3rd-party solutions for MacOS. MacOS' Mail doesn't have that feature that I'm aware of. (I use a powerbook.)

[spicybright]

The SMS messaging is a great idea.

I actually have a twillio + python SMS setup on a VPS that's extremely reliable, but haven't designed a better interface besides cron which is less than ideal.

How does your system work?

[garyrob]

It just runs all the time on my laptop. Every day at 9 it checks a sqlite3 database to see if there are tasks for the day. That's running in a thread.

The main process has a little interface with a menu that lets you input a task, view tasks, search for tasks by text string, etc. (I did do some work on it; it wasn't just a 10-minute project! But what the heck, I've needed something that would solve me problem for decades and nothing I found in the marketplace worked (for me)!)

I'm thinking of making a web interface and allowing other people to use it.

[sigg3]

Have you open sourced it? This sounds like something I'd benefit from.

[garyrob]

No I haven't but I've thought of doing so and/or making a freemium product out of it. Thanks for the encouragement, that inspires me to think about it more.

I'm 65, and this current system is the result of about 4.5 decades of trying to figure out a system that would work for me, including trying various commercial task lists and reminder systems.

[edited: I wrote more text but deleted it because I don't think it was worth anyone's time to read. :) ]