When Mark Forster posted his updates on using AutoFocus I started a new notebook and began using it and loved it.  A  number of people were posting on his forums about successfully using OmniFocus and other electronic versions.  In my opinion this was only made possible with the use of Open Lists in AF2 vs. Closed Lists in AF.  I have purchased and have extensively tested both OmniFocus and Things as traditional GTD tools.  I have previously stated my preference for Things over OmniFocus, but OmniFocus does provide much better syncing with the iPhone and so I opted to go with OF for this test.

Implementing AutoFocus with OmniFocus is the simplest thing in the world.  I simply deleted all my previous contexts and deleted all my previous projects and created one new project called "AutoFocus".  Then I clicked on the Contexts button and all my tasks show up as "No Context" which is just fine.  Then I work from the bottom to the top.  I add tasks using Quick Entry and just type the name of the task and set the Project to AutoFocus.  With the Auto Complete this is very efficient.

Because I had only switched to using AutoFocus 2 a few weeks before this experiment I chose to not start over and not re-enter tasks either.  I did the unthinkable I used both.  I began entering all new tasks in OF and worked backwards and when I reached the top of the list I began working back in the notebook.  My thinking was that I would quickly clear the notebook and fully into the OF version.  This did not happen.  At the end of the 2 weeks I still have 4 open pages in the notebook.

Results

In the 15 days of this experiment I created 337 tasks and completed 234 of them.  This seems roughly 50% slower than the progress that I seemed to make with the notebook.  I like using the notebook better because although it can be slightly less efficient to enter the tasks (I definitely type faster than I write) and it's less convenient to carry a notebook around I do think there is something important about physically writing things.  Overall I think OmniFocus is perfectly fine at implementing the system as I defined it, the inability (perhaps my own) at simulating the physical notion of a page is missing.  There is something compelling about completing a page rather than just checking things off one long electronic list.

I found the OmniFocus syncing to the iPhone to work much better this time around.  Probably because I was using the tool in a much simpler way.  I also found that in the entire time I entered about 2 tasks on the iPhone and checked off about 3.  So overall having it was nice when I needed it, but even in those cases my notebook was just as accessible so the benefit was fairly marginal.

Next Steps

Now that Mark Forster has once again revised the system, reincorporating AutoFocus 1 as "Forward Mode" I am going to try that system out for 2 weeks and report the results back.  I am going to switch completely over to the notebook again and re-write my current task list over.  I'm not in love with the complexity of his new formulation (it feels like a classic coding hack when you know how to make something work, but aren't sure how to streamline it) but I'm going to try to give the system a fair shake.  If I can complete that before it changes again I'll also implement my own tweak to the system that I think may resolve my existing issues with AF2 and not being able to get back to the beginning of the list.

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I have just finished reading the incredible book called Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.  This is bound to be Nike's least favorite book of the year.  The book begins with Chris' exploration of why he - and so many other people running today are so frequently injured (he claims 80% of all runners experience some injury each year).  It's then that he learns about the Tarahumara indians who live in the Copper Canyons of Mexico, some of the harshest terrain on earth and they run 30, 40, 50 miles or more just for fun - in homemade sandals.  No orthotics.  No high engineered shoes with million dollar research budgets. No physical therapists, podiatrists, or orthopedists.  Injuries are for them are extremely rare.  So what's up with that Nike?

Okay, so maybe it's not all Nike's fault, but the book does go into a significant exploration of the evidence that running shoes prevent injuries.  Guess what - there really isn't any.  Say what?  In fact, the more expensive your running shoes, the more likely you are to be hurt (See http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm).  All that R&D on protecting and padding the feet and legs, seems to actually protect us from the sensations that tell us we aren't running right.  You run barefoot - your form will completely change.  Your body will inform you.

I learned this at some level many years ago.  In middle school we had a grass track and you could choose to run barefoot or with shoes.  One day I took off my shoes and realized that I was a lot faster, in fact I went from being middle of the pack to one of the fastest kids in school.  Then I thought - maybe I'm gifted at running, I should join the track team.  At track meets you have to wear shoes.  For me I was always significantly slower at meets that I was running barefoot on the home track.  I also learned I liked running less when running in shoes.  I started running barefoot on road and hiking barefoot, but eventually enough people looked at me strangely and telling me I'd get hurt that I started wearing shoes again.  Looking back now that's when I actually started getting hurt.  Lots of hurt.  In fact I haven't stayed healthy as a runner long enough to reach any of my big running goals.  I am so invigorated by this new movement to minimal footwear that I intend to begin barefoot running and hiking again - for the sheer fun of it.

The book is written as a great adventure story as he tracks down the history and mythology of the Tarahumara, ultimately culminating in a race in the Copper Canyons between some of America's best Ultramarathoners and the traditional runners.  A great story and well told.  I had a hard time putting the book down.  In between the story Chris masterfully weaves in an exploration of the science of running - and ultimately the evidence that humans were literally born, or evolved to run.  I was fascinated by the description of persistent hunting (check name).  This is where primitive hunters, our ancestors, would literally hunt by running an animal to death - since humans can out distance any other animal on earth.

In addition to all of the above, I love this book because it challenges accepted wisdom that many have taken for granted for a long long time and challenges the notion of what it means to be human. It will almost surely open up your sense of what is possible for humans and you may not just get the idea that our species is not only built to run long distances, but it can be joyful and fun.

Whether you are a lover of running or just a good story, this book is highly recommended.

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Making Commuting Fun

While an increasing number of people are working from home, most of us still spend significant amounts of time in our cars or the train or a bus going to and from a job, visiting clients, or if you are lucky just going back and forth to the bank to deposit your big checks.

Like we discussed in a recent post, those minutes can really add up.  You might not be able to easily reduce the amount of time you spend in the car, but you can probably make better use of your time and arrive more relaxed, smarter, and more prepared for what comes next.  So here are 10 tips for spending your commuting time wisely.

1. Review the day from multiple perspectives. Don't just think about the day from one perspective, but think about a few key interactions you had (face-to-face, over the phone, or e-mail) and think about them from the perspective of each of the other people involved.  Then imagine you are an objective 3rd party just watching the interaction and think about it from that perspective.  This always has a way of adding some new perspective to the situation for me.  And remember just because you think about it from their perspective doesn't mean you know what they are thinking...you probably aren't a mind reader yet, but at least you can see the situation from a perspective other than your own.
2. Recall the things that went really well during your day. When were you at your very best?  What did you really excel at?  Did you surprise yourself with how superb your performance was?  While thinking about this, think about what things you want to be doing next?
3. Be grateful. Think about all the things in your life you are really grateful for.  Start with what you are grateful for right now, in this very moment.  Then think about each of the areas of your life: work, family, friends, financially, etc.  If this doesn't change your perspective a  bit, not sure what can be done for you.
4. Connect with someone you haven't reached out to for a while or someone you know who might need a boost. You can always check an action item off your list by making a needed call on your mobile.  You can also choose to reach out to someone and just connect.  You can reach out to someone you know who might need a boost.  The more selfless you can your intention in making the call the better.
5. Improve your Memory. Memory is primarily a function of usage and training.  So train your brain to pay attention to details and things it might not otherwise notice.  Make it a game.  Try to remember license plate numbers of cars you've passed.  If you go the same way regularly, try to remember the exact wording on an upcoming billboard you've seen a 100 times.  As you pass it you can check yourself.  You can try to remember what your significant other or kids were wearing when you saw them as you walked out the door.  You can try to remember the lines from a movie or TV show you saw the night before.  You can try to remember what each of the people in the last meeting you had were wearing, exactly what they said (word for word) and if you can hear in your mind the exact tonality as they said it, even better.  If you do this consistently your memory will dramatically improve.
6. Listen to music (intentionally). Sure, many people listen to music while travelling, but for what purpose?  To keep them from going cold-stone crazy?  What mood would you like to be in when you get where you are going?  Do you want to be relaxed, creative, pumped up, motivated, or even angry and aggressive?  Find music in your collection, or go buy some more that will help you get into the moods you want.  Make a playlist on your iPod for each mood and when you get in the car, pick your mood and let the music help you arrive prepared.  You have seen Olympic athletes listening to music as they prepare for the biggest events in their lives.  Now go and be an Olympian in your own life!
7. Do some writing or public speaking. Are you working on writing the great-American novel, the next Self-Help or just your next blog post or twitter tweat?  If you can take notes on your commute it's a great time to brainstorm.  If you are driving get a little voice recorder and record your ideas.  You might also be able to practice for an upcoming speech or presentation, or just asking your boss for the raise you deserve.  Talk our loud and hear yourself talk, do it until you sound the way you want and are sure you'll get the desired response.
8. Listen to audiobooks and podcasts.  Keep current and learn a skill. I generally don't advise people to spend a lot of time listening to the news.  So little of it has lasting value, but think about what you can learn.  Pimsleur language lessons usually contain 3 levels of 30 30-minute lessons.  So basically in 90 hours (assuming you repeat each one twice) you could have reasonable fluency in a foreign language.  If you just did 30 minutes a day, in one year you could have reasonable mastery of two new languages.  Audiobooks are normally from 3-20 hours.  Many people can get through an additional 10-20 books a year this way.  That can get expensive, so try Podcasts there are thousands of them and most are free.  It's true that most of them are lousy, so try some out until you find something that really speaks to you.
9. Close the Loops. At the end of a long day most people will have engaged in far more multi-tasking than is really healthy for normal human beings.  Multi-tasking often means there are a lot of  incompleted tasks at the end of the day and that wacky unconscious mind just keeps working on them.  If you have a minute before leaving the office go through and consciously complete things.  Consciously shut-down email (get to Inbox Zero if you must), turn off the machine, monitor or fold up the laptop very deliberately.  Organize the papers on your desk in some conscious way.  Pick up the phone and  hang it up again.  Open and close your desk drawers.  Do anything else to signify that you are closing up your day and transitioning.  As you walk out, notice the sound of the door closing on your way out.  As you begin your transition home, let your mind wander to any unfinished conversations or activities, and note mentally if needed, but preferably on paper or a voice recorder what needs to happen tomorrow to move those things forward.  Then consciously shift your thinking to something else.  If you do this thoroughly you will have a very smooth transition to your next set of activities and be able to approach things with a fresh mind the next day.
10. Practice Progressive Relaxation. As you drive or ride home, begin to pay attention to the feelings in your body.  Begin with the toes and notice them, notice the weight of your toes, notice any tension, and allow the tension to fall away and consciously make your toes relax.  Work slowly and progressively up your body, noticing the feelings in each part of your body and relax each part.  Only keep the tension necessary to be safe and alert.  If you find yourself getting drowsy, stop and move your body to get alert again.  If you can learn to relax your body like this then you can really release tension and arrive at your destination ready for what's next.

Hopefully these tips are useful.  I'd love to hear your ideas on how you use your commuting time wisely.

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Leo Babauta is the author of the Zen Habits blog which is now one of the Top 100 blogs in the world.  His blog is based on his inspiring story of changing his life beginning with quitting smoking, becoming a vegetarian, running marathons, turning his financial life around, creating a blog with 100,000 readers.  The theme of his blog if you haven't read it yet is simplicity, doing less, enjoying more by being absorbed in the moment.  It's a simple, focused message that permeates every area of life if you adopt if fully.

This book is a simple, short, quick read at 170 pages.  If you have read Getting Things Done and Four-Hour Work Week, you will find many familiar topics, but consistent with its title, its presented with fewer words.  For those not familiar with David Allen's Getting Things Done approach, this book is an excellent introduction to the core behaviors of GTD.

What I like so much about the book that I think GTD misses is the focus on simplicity and eliminating the non-essential.  Where GTD is great for getting a handle on your busy life and getting more done.  Power of Less is more about being less busy and doing the things that really matter.

The book discusses Leo's approach to building new habits which is simple and powerful.  He seems to have a good track record of applying it with success.  Definitely worth reading.

One of the real strengths of the book in my opinion is his very simple approach to having One Goal and having a simple, manageable number of projects, and picking your Most Important Tasks everyday.  With GTD it can be really easy to focus on cranking through tons of Projects and Next actions because you can, even if those things don't really matter that much.  Leo's approach is wonderful for stripping life down to the bare-essentials.  (I suspect David Allen would disagree with my characterization of GTD and we'll be reviewing his recent book next month).

There are a number of how-to sections toward the end of the book like: simple filing, simple e-mail, simple internet, simple committments, tips of getting fit.  None of these break any new ground but offer reasonable advice.  Some of it seems a bit overly simplistic, like his suggestion that you don't schedule appointments, you just ask people to call you a bit before they would like to meet and see if you are free.  For anyone who is at all busy and doesn't have an administrative assistant this seems like a recipe for inviting massive disruption into ones life.

Overall I'm not sure what I think of books that take blog content freely available and put them into book form (Leo seems to have similar mis-givings), but as a standalone book this is a worthy effort and worth reading, especially if you aren't already deeply familiar with the zenhabits blog.

In future book reviews I will summarize the 3 main things I got out of the book

The 3 Big Things

1. Focus on the Essential and Simplify
2. One Goal, 3 Projects (only add new when all 3 are done), and Most Important Tasks
3. Implement one new habit at a time.

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