As a productivity expert, I’m always on the lookout for tools that can adapt to my ever-evolving workflow. This week, I decided to experiment with Tana, a system that has become my go-to for task and project management. What I love about Tana is its flexibility—it can be molded to fit any workflow, making it an indispensable tool in my productivity arsenal.
Until recently, I organized my tasks using a Kanban system within Tana, categorizing them into three horizons: today’s tasks, this week’s tasks, and future tasks. This method worked well, but as someone who constantly seeks improvement, I wanted to try something new. Enter time-blocking—a technique I had previously used with another tool, SkedPal. Now, with Tana’s comprehensive capabilities, I no longer need multiple tools. Everything I need is right here.
The transition to time-blocking was surprisingly simple. I added a due date field to my task super tag and included a calendar in the sidebar of my daily notes page. This let me drag tasks directly into the calendar, effectively time-blocking them. I also made a few tweaks, like adding the meeting tag to the calendar to see my appointments alongside tasks. For convenience, I created command buttons to quickly schedule tasks for the day. These enhancements, while minor, showcase Tana’s adaptability.
My primary goal with this experiment is to become more realistic about my commitments. I have a tendency to overcommit, and by blocking tasks on my calendar, I can better understand how long tasks take and how limited my time truly is. This awareness is crucial for prioritizing effectively and ensuring that I focus on what truly matters.
This week-long experiment is a testament to Tana’s flexibility. Whether it’s task management, knowledge management, or contact management as a CRM, Tana adapts seamlessly to any workflow. While I’m not sure if time-blocking will become a permanent part of my routine, this trial has already highlighted the system’s potential to enhance productivity.
