How to Manage Tasks Privately on Your Own Computer
Most task apps store your lists on their servers and ask you to sign in. If you would rather keep your plans on your own computer, you can, without giving up a good workflow.
The system in four habits
1. Capture everything quickly. When something comes up, write it down in seconds instead of keeping it in your head. In openWorkstand, press Ctrl + K (or ⌘ K) anywhere and type the task, or drop ideas, links and screenshots into the Inbox.
2. Clarify later. Once a day, empty the Inbox: turn each item into a task, a note or part of a project, or delete it.
3. Plan today, not the whole month. Pick the few tasks that matter today. Dates like “tomorrow 3pm” and priorities like !1 are understood as you type.
4. Review weekly. Look at overdue and upcoming tasks, close what is done, and move what is unrealistic.
Make tasks easy to act on
- Start with a verb: “Email Sam the quote”, not “Quote”.
- Add a checklist for small steps instead of creating ten tiny tasks.
- Mark tasks that wait on someone else so they do not block your day.
- Link the document or file the task is about, so you can open it straight from the task.
Focus on one task at a time
Open a task and click Focus to start a focus timer with only that task on screen. The time you spend is saved on the task.
Where the tasks live
Tasks are saved in Tasks/tasks.json in the folder you choose. It is plain JSON, so you can back it up with the rest of the folder, sync it with OneDrive or Dropbox, or read it with your own scripts. Nothing is uploaded.
Start with the free to-do list; when work grows, group tasks into projects.