Difference between revisions of "Life Hacks"

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* [http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/sms/index.html Google SMS]
* [[Channel Management]]
* [[Channel Management]]
* [[Project Management]]
* [[Relationship Management]]
* [[Mobile Lifestyle]]


== Goal Tracking ==
= Goal Tracking =


Inspired by [http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/12/how_you_too_can.html Gretchen Rubin], who was inspired by [http://www.flamebright.com/PTPages/Benjamin.asp Benjamin Franklin], I've started using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.
Inspired by [http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/12/how_you_too_can.html Gretchen Rubin], who was inspired by [http://www.flamebright.com/PTPages/Benjamin.asp Benjamin Franklin], I've been using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.


== Work Big ==
The most success I've had was with a personal goal tracking dashboard for Groupaya. Each week, I give myself a point for:


Dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and an old Sony Multiscan G400 (19" CRT). Would like to experiment with a standing desk. Ideally, I'd like to replace the legs of my current desk with something motorized. A compromise possibility is one of the [http://www.ergotron.com/Products/tabid/65/language/en-US/Default.aspx?FID=34,37 Ergotron products].
* Playing basketball (or simply shooting around)
* Taking a long walk (1+ hours), going for a run, or generally working out
* Taking a [http://eekim.com/blog/2011/08/wednesday-play-days/ play day]. I include holidays here.
* Turning off my work email before dinner on weeknights
* Not checking my work email on Saturday or Sunday during the day


Whiteboards are expensive. I ended up buying a barely used, magnetic whiteboard, which I love. I seriously considered [http://chrismetcalf.net/blog/archives/2007/06/16/how-to-dirt-cheap-wall-sized-whiteboards/ this hack], but the whiteboard paint got poor reviews. Jessica recently pointed me to [http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/17/eco-friendly-whiteboard-paint-turns-any-wall-into-an-artistic-canvas/ this whiteboard paint], which sounds better. I also considered [http://lifehacker.com/5319114/the-whiteboard-lovers-lair#c14357395 "Bath Board,"] but it was too much trouble, and I wanted magnetic. Recently read about [http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=go+write+contact+dry+erase+paper&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8421690560030488631&sa=X&ei=7dVqTfKiCZSosAPNvMimBA&ved=0CC4Q8wIwAw#ps-sellers Go Write Dry Erase paper]. Mixed reviews, but seems like a good option for portable, even temporary whiteboard surfaces.
I track weekly points, yearly averages, and a rolling four-week average.


== Task Management ==
= Work Big =


I use a combination of [[Chandler]] and [[Gmail]] with multiple inboxes and superstars.
I have a dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and a Dell 24" monitor. In 2011, I converted my desk into a [[standing desk]] using a couple of IKEA platforms. When I get tired, I switch to my laptop and sit down somewhere comfortable.


I used to use [http://todotxt.com/ todo.txt], which I still really like. I hope to write a todo.txt clone using Chandler as the backend.
I have a magnetic [[whiteboard]], which I bought cheap and barely used, and which I love.


[http://lifehacker.com/5321690/the-big-picture-provides-intuitive-project-management The Big Picture] looks really nice. Integrated task management and calendar with sharing, plus a clever visual interface. Probably doesn't have Chandler's import/export capabilities, though.
= Time Management =
 
I'm starting to move away from [[Chandler]]. I am highly conflicted by this, because [[Chandler]] is still a great tool, it does things others still do not, and I'm on the board of [http://osafoundation.org/ OSAF]. However, development has stalled, and there's no ecosystem right now. Specific issues:
 
* Poor collaboration support. Sharing is hard with anyone other than other Chandler users, and it's hard for them too.
* Poor mobile support. There's an [[Android]] client but it's add only, which is useless.
 
I looked at a lot of other tools, and I'm starting to settle on [[Remember The Milk]] and [[Google Calendar]]. [[Remember The Milk]] as a tool is okay, but they have done an amazing job on building an ecosystem. There's a great [[Android]] client, there's integration with a lot of tools that I use, etc.
 
I used to use [http://todotxt.com/ todo.txt]. I would sync the data files between my home server and my laptop. It consisted of a single to do list, and each item could be mapped to projects and contexts (as prescribed by [[Getting Things Done]]).
 
I don't use that many contexts. Things like "@computer" aren't useful for me, because I'm almost always near my computer. My main contexts are:
 
* @call
* @email
* @write
* @errand
 
I use aliases for each of these contexts, so that when I'm near my phone, I can quickly type <tt>tocall</tt> to see a list of people I need to call across all my projects.
 
When I'm not near my computer, I keep lists on good old paper, which I eventually transfer to my computer. I like index cards, but not for managing tasks, as the stack would quickly become unmanageable.
 
== Time Management ==


Spend the first hour of your workday [http://www.lifehacker.com/software/time-management/geek-to-live--control-your-workday-187074.php email-free].  Finish a high-priority task first thing in the morning, then check your email.
Spend the first hour of your workday [http://www.lifehacker.com/software/time-management/geek-to-live--control-your-workday-187074.php email-free].  Finish a high-priority task first thing in the morning, then check your email.
Line 48: Line 32:
Schedule a post-work appointment to prevent post-work lingering.
Schedule a post-work appointment to prevent post-work lingering.


I have rudimentary calendaring software -- no meeting maker or anything of the like. When I propose a meeting (both business and personal), I'll enter it in my calendar delimited by parentheses so I don't accidentally overbook.
Turn off email notifications.
 
=== Time Tracking ===
 
Using Hamster on Linux. Experimenting with [http://www.kedisoft.com/iclockr/ Lumina] on the Mac; would need to write some scripts to merge the information. Or, I could use [http://slimtimer.com/ SlimTimer].
 
[http://www.rescuetime.com/ RescueTime] for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support. Should also look at [http://www.timesnapper.com/ TimeSnapper] for Mac.
 
[http://lightfield.com/ William Croft] [http://twitter.com/wjcroft/status/15726784922 recommended] the [http://www.invisibleclock.com/ Invisible Clock] timer.
 
I'm experimenting with the [[Pomodoro Technique]] using the open source [http://pomodoro.ugolandini.com/ Pomodoro] app on my [[MacBook Pro]].
 
== New People ==
 
When I meet someone new in a biz context, I add them to my [[Forge:CiviCRM]] database. If I'm curious enough, I'll find their blog and add them to my aggregator under "Recently Met."
 
== Travel ==
 
I used to put together a text file itinerary for all of my trips, which gave me a one page sheet that I could fold up and keep in my pocket. It was nice, because I could add notes, it was portable, etc.
 
I'm starting to experiment with [http://www.tripit.com/ TripIt] [http://getsatisfaction.com/dopplr/topics/tripit_and_dopplr_work_together integrated] with [http://dopplr.com/ Dopplr]. The nice thing about this is that I can just forward my travel info to TripIt, which will automatically read it, and I have a TripIt app for Droid.
 
Since 2008, I've used a Tom Bihn Brain Bag and a TravelPro rollerbag. I use Eagle Creek packing cubes, which are a lifesaver. I have a Tom Bihn [http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0202 Medium Cafe Bag] which serves as a day bag, both for regular life and travel.
 
== Gadgets ==
 
Mobile phone: I currently own a [[Motorola Droid]] running [[Android]]. I used to own a [[Motorola KRZR]].
 
My parents got me a [[Kindle]] for Christmas 2010.
 
I use a homemade hack for my earphones, but I'd like to get a [http://smartwrap.net/ Smartwrap].
 
== Real Things ==
 
[http://lifehacker.com/5640718/turn-3+ring-binders-into-the-ultimate-small-parts-storage Turn 3-Ring Binders into the Ultimate Small Parts Storage].
 
=== Filing ===
 
One file per hanging folder.
 
Two-thirds rule.  This applies to all containers, not just file cabinets.  For example, your refrigerator (for those inclined to fill those up).
 
Use a label maker.  It really does make a difference.
 
=== Managing Paper ===
 
I own a Fujitsu [[Scan Snap]], which works with [http://www.awe.com/mark/blog/200709161530.html Linux]. There's also [http://www.officedrop.com/ OfficeDrop], which will scan your docs for you and export them into [[Evernote]].
 
I'm also going to try [http://www.scancafe.com/ Scan Cafe] for preserving my film photographs.
 
[http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/01/how-to-digitally-encode-vhs-home-movies/ "How to digitally encode home movies."]
 
=== Snail Mail ===
 
[http://www.catalogchoice.org/ Catalog Choice] lets you easily unsubscribe to unwanted catalogs.
 
== Digital Things ==
 
See [[Digital Video]], [[Digital Images]], [[Digital Photography]], [[Digital Music]], and [[Note Taking]].
 
Possibilities for digital workflow management:
 
* [http://tarpipe.com/ Tarpipe]. See [http://blog.evernote.com/2008/11/10/tarpipe-integration/ Evernote post] about Tarpipe.
 
Hardware:
 
* [[MacBook Pro]]
 
Software:
 
* [[Firefox]]. Transitioning to [[Google Chrome]].
* Thinking about using [[LastPass]] for password management.
* Adina recommends [http://www.witopia.net/ Witopia] for personal VPN. Could also set up my own VPN using [http://lifehacker.com/#!5763170/how-to-secure-and-encrypt-your-web-browsing-on-public-networks-with-hamachi-and-privoxy Hamachi and Privoxy]
 
=== Blog Reading ===
 
Organized by:
 
* Frequently (check at least once a day)
* Daily
* Weekly
* Monthly
 
* Wikis
* Software Development (Subversion commit feeds)
* Recently Met
* Old Blogs (inactive blogs with bookmarked entries)
 
See my [http://www.bloglines.com/public/eekim Blogline feeds].
 
I got the idea for this organization from [[Bill De Hora]]'s [http://www.dehora.net/journal/2006/04/information_underload_part_i_feed_by_time_1.html post]. It's worked very well for me; my blog reading is much more efficient. It's important to prune regularly.
 
=== Email ===
 
Thunderbird.  Extensions:
 
* [http://mailredirect.mozdev.org/index.html mailredirect]
* [http://enigmail.mozdev.org/ Enigmail]
* [http://cweiske.de/misc_extensions.htm#dispMUA dispMUA]
* [http://extensions.hesslow.se/extension/4/Quicktext/ Quicktext]
* [http://www.zindus.com/faq-thunderbird-google/ Google Contacts Sync]


[[Getting Things Done]]:
I have rudimentary calendaring software -- no meeting maker or anything of the like. When I propose a meeting (both business and personal), I'll enter it in my calendar with a question mark so I don't accidentally overbook.


* http://www.katywhitton.com/flipping/index.asp?view=display&ID=579
See also [[Project Management]].
* http://entropicprincipal.blogspot.com/2005/09/using-thunderbird-to-get-things-done.html
* http://www.metagrrrl.com/metagrrrl/2005/10/getting_things__1.html
* http://www.summersault.com/community/weblog/2006/07/20/five-power-tips-for-thunderbird.html


=== Microblogging ===
== Time Tracking ==


I want to post to both [http://identi.ca/eekim Identi.ca] and [http://twitter.com/eekim Twitter] simultaneously. I want to be able to queue up posts. I also want to be able to follow both (on all accounts) without getting completely overwhelmed. The solution has to be compatible with both Linux, Mac, and [[Android]].
I'm going to try to use [[Pomodoro Technique]] rather than traditional time tracking.


For [[Android]], I'm using Twidroid, which is great.
Used Harvest when I was at Groupaya. [http://slimtimer.com/ SlimTimer] is another option.


For posting from my computers, I'm converging toward the command-line [http://software.complete.org/software/projects/show/twidge twidge]. I've got the following aliases:
[http://www.rescuetime.com/ RescueTime] for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support.


<pre>alias tweet="twidge -c ~/.twidgerc-twitter-eekim"
= Paperless =
alias dent="twidge -c ~/.twidgerc-identica-eekim"
alias recent="(tweet lsrecent -su; dent lsrecent -su) | less -EX"
alias replies="(tweet lsreplies -su; dent lsreplies -su) | less -EX"</pre>


I also have a script called <tt>tad</tt>, which lets me post to both accounts simultaneously:
Going paperless is an ongoing battle for me, but I continue to make progress. [[Evernote]] is very key.


<pre>#!/bin/bash
I have a [[Canon P-215]] portable scanner. I'm not using it as a mobile device (although I like that I can), but I like the small footprint. I used to have a [[Fujitsu ScanSnap S510]], which was wonderful, but I started having trouble with the feeder, and it became of limited use to me. I thought my [[Brother MFC-9970CDW]] would be an adequate replacement, but I really miss the duplex scanning. I thought seriously about getting a [[ScanSnap S1300|Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i]], but decided to go with the Canon P-215 largely on the recommendation of this [http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-best-portable-scanner-is-the-canon-p-215/ Wirecutter review].
echo "---------|---------|---------|---------|--------=|=--------|---------|---------|---------|--------=|=--------|---------|---------|---------|"
read TXT
twidge -c ${HOME}/.twidgerc-twitter-eekim update "${TXT}"
twidge -c ${HOME}/.twidgerc-identica-eekim update "${TXT}"</pre>


I'm planning on using <tt>at</tt> to [http://software.complete.org/software/wiki/twidge/HOWTOs#Posting-updates-in-the-future queue posts].
= Paper =


For following posts, I was inspired by GNOME Do's Twitter plugin, which shows new posts using GNOME's notification system. If I glance at it, I'll see a tweet, but otherwise, I'm not checking old posts. However, although the plugin works with Identi.ca also, it won't work with both simultaneously. Plugins are written in Mono/C#, which means the likelihood I'll get around to hacking it is low.
I also recognize that paper has a special quality, and that I want to use it where appropriate. I'm still trying to figure this out. I started using Moleskine notebooks (large, plain) years ago, and I love them. I have a custom leather cover that I also love.


I was able to recreate a similar feature on my MacBook Pro using a Perl script called [http://www.echo-technology.co.uk/2009/01/26/twitter-growl-trowel-v10/ trowel]. I have one instance set up for Twitter and another for Identi.ca. It works great, and my plan now is to hack it to run on Linux using [http://geekblok.com/2008/09/09/fun-with-libnotify/ libnotify]:
I'm wanting to integrate paper back into my projects for two reasons. First, I've been going through old files, and I'm realizing that paper allowed me to stay organized in certain ways that digital just can't duplicate or improve on. Second, I've been having trouble with teams that get easily overwhelmed by digital systems.


* [http://search.cpan.org/~flora/Gtk2-Notify-0.05/ Gtk2::Notify]
I'm wanting something nicer than a three-ring binder, so I'm investigating the [http://www.levenger.com/Circa-Notebooks-326/Circa-Notebooks-339/Circa-Starter-Kit-New-Core-8154.aspx Levenger Circa] (the [http://www.levenger.com/Circa-Notebooks-326/Circa-Notebooks-339/Bomber-Jacket-Circa-Leather-Foldover-Notebook-Core-5962.aspx Bomber Jacket notebook] looks so, so nice!) and the equivalent (and cheaper) [http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/arc/index.html Staples Arc]. [http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php/topic/179891-new-staples-arc-vs-levenger-circa/ This thread] has a good comparison of the two systems.
* [http://search.cpan.org/~bluet/Jaipo-0.21/lib/Jaipo/Notify/LibNotify.pm Jaipo::Notify]


=== Synchronizing Data ===
(The [http://www.rollabind.com/ Rollabind] and [http://www.myndology.com/ Myndology] also seem to be equivalent systems, but the Circa and the Arc seem to have the bigger followings.)


My [[Motorola Droid]] automatically syncs with my various Google services, which is great.
There's also the [http://www.sorta.la/ Sorta], created by friends of Amy's. I like the closed binding, but there doesn't seem to be the equivalent of a paper punch for the system.


I have Apple iCal synchronizing with both Google Calendar and [[Remember The Milk]].
= House Hacks =


I used a [http://lifehacker.com/393855/enable-google-contact-sync-without-an-iphoneipod-touch hack] to get Apple Address Book synchronizing with Google Contacts, but I don't have it working.
* [[Smart Locks]]


Still exploring good syncing solutions.
= Clothes =


* [http://lifehacker.com/398775/sync-and-back-up-your-data-with-conduit-for-linux Sync and Back Up Your Data with Conduit for Linux]
* [http://us.icebreaker.com/ Icebreaker Merino]
* [http://gcaldaemon.sourceforge.net/ GCALDaemon] (can act as an LDAP server for Thunderbird using Google Contacts as a data source)
* [http://www.smartwool.com/ Smartwool]
* [http://www.exofficio.com/ Ex Officio]


== Gift Giving ==
= Snacks =


Maintain a list and add to it as you think of ideas. Don't wait until the last minute.
* [http://www.nicks-sticks.com/ Nick's Sticks] and [http://www.tankabars.com/ Tanka Wild Sticks]


See [[BurdensLanding:Gift Ideas]].
= Sleeping =


== Other ==
I generally sleep pretty well, but I've incorporated a few hacks into my life. The main one is to use a blue light filter in my digital devices (e.g. [https://justgetflux.com/ flux]).


* [http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001078.html battery charger]
[[wikipedia:Max Richter|Max Richter]] composed an [https://kottke.org/18/03/max-richters-sleep-an-8-hour-album-designed-to-be-listened-to-while-you-sleep album], ''[[wikipedia:Sleep (album)|Sleep]]'', with the assistance of neuroscientist [[wikipedia:David Eagleman|David Eagleman]], designed to be played while you sleep. It's lovely, but I haven't tried sleeping to it yet.
* [http://sugru.com/ sugru] for hardware hacks

Latest revision as of 19:32, 13 September 2021

Goal Tracking

Inspired by Gretchen Rubin, who was inspired by Benjamin Franklin, I've been using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.

The most success I've had was with a personal goal tracking dashboard for Groupaya. Each week, I give myself a point for:

  • Playing basketball (or simply shooting around)
  • Taking a long walk (1+ hours), going for a run, or generally working out
  • Taking a play day. I include holidays here.
  • Turning off my work email before dinner on weeknights
  • Not checking my work email on Saturday or Sunday during the day

I track weekly points, yearly averages, and a rolling four-week average.

Work Big

I have a dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and a Dell 24" monitor. In 2011, I converted my desk into a standing desk using a couple of IKEA platforms. When I get tired, I switch to my laptop and sit down somewhere comfortable.

I have a magnetic whiteboard, which I bought cheap and barely used, and which I love.

Time Management

Spend the first hour of your workday email-free. Finish a high-priority task first thing in the morning, then check your email.

Schedule a post-work appointment to prevent post-work lingering.

Turn off email notifications.

I have rudimentary calendaring software -- no meeting maker or anything of the like. When I propose a meeting (both business and personal), I'll enter it in my calendar with a question mark so I don't accidentally overbook.

See also Project Management.

Time Tracking

I'm going to try to use Pomodoro Technique rather than traditional time tracking.

Used Harvest when I was at Groupaya. SlimTimer is another option.

RescueTime for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support.

Paperless

Going paperless is an ongoing battle for me, but I continue to make progress. Evernote is very key.

I have a Canon P-215 portable scanner. I'm not using it as a mobile device (although I like that I can), but I like the small footprint. I used to have a Fujitsu ScanSnap S510, which was wonderful, but I started having trouble with the feeder, and it became of limited use to me. I thought my Brother MFC-9970CDW would be an adequate replacement, but I really miss the duplex scanning. I thought seriously about getting a Fujitsu ScanSnap S1300i, but decided to go with the Canon P-215 largely on the recommendation of this Wirecutter review.

Paper

I also recognize that paper has a special quality, and that I want to use it where appropriate. I'm still trying to figure this out. I started using Moleskine notebooks (large, plain) years ago, and I love them. I have a custom leather cover that I also love.

I'm wanting to integrate paper back into my projects for two reasons. First, I've been going through old files, and I'm realizing that paper allowed me to stay organized in certain ways that digital just can't duplicate or improve on. Second, I've been having trouble with teams that get easily overwhelmed by digital systems.

I'm wanting something nicer than a three-ring binder, so I'm investigating the Levenger Circa (the Bomber Jacket notebook looks so, so nice!) and the equivalent (and cheaper) Staples Arc. This thread has a good comparison of the two systems.

(The Rollabind and Myndology also seem to be equivalent systems, but the Circa and the Arc seem to have the bigger followings.)

There's also the Sorta, created by friends of Amy's. I like the closed binding, but there doesn't seem to be the equivalent of a paper punch for the system.

House Hacks

Clothes

Snacks

Sleeping

I generally sleep pretty well, but I've incorporated a few hacks into my life. The main one is to use a blue light filter in my digital devices (e.g. flux).

Max Richter composed an album, Sleep, with the assistance of neuroscientist David Eagleman, designed to be played while you sleep. It's lovely, but I haven't tried sleeping to it yet.