Google Android can run several applications at once, so why is it so hard for people to multitask in real life? It’s probably because they haven’t learned to use free apps like ActionComplete to get things done.
Created by productivity guru David Allen, Getting Things Done (GTD) is about managing “actions” — clearly-defined, physical steps that can be taken to reach an accomplishment. We’ve briefly touched on how valuable GTD can be for someone trying to manage their goals and projects, and now we’re happy to feature ActionComplete, an Android app centered on action management.
ActionComplete is an app that systemizes tasks, goals, and assignments. Organizing actions is easily-managed thanks to user-friendly project tabs and filters. While a simple to-do list app may functional for some, ActionComplete is geared more towards GTD practitioners and users with a more complex set of actions. The math teacher who also coaches a sports team or the IT consultant who builds apps and runs a computer repair service in her part-time will find good use for it.
Key ActionComplete features include:
- Location awareness that automatically applies filters near defined areas. A “Personal” filter can appear near your house or a “Chem Project” filter near the science lab at your college campus.
- Multilayered sorting support. Tasks can be listed based on project title or filter, and then filtered again according to tags or urgency.
- Store long-term projects or ideas in a “Pending” tab. This is ideal to store away goals or projects that you’d like to revisit or consider in the future.
GTD is David Allen’s take on productivity, and ActionComplete is a useful take on Allen’s approach. The app is customizable and very easy-to-use, two features crucial to any productivity system. Below is a video showcasing an example of how I would use ActionComplete to run my GTD system.
App: ActionComplete
Price: Free
Website: http://www.actioncomplete.com
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April 16th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
I’m cynical about this whole lifestyle guru thing but I like the idea of a location-sensitive to-do list for non-urgent tasks. Pass by the supermarket and it reminds you that you could use some more cornflakes. Walk to the corner shop and it reminds you, as you pass, that you needed to talk to your neighbour about borrowing his hedge-trimmer.
May 16th, 2009 at 12:21 am
You can be cynical, but boy does GTD work! This can give you a peace of mind that is envied by many.
May 30th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I'd love to see any GTD app for android have a desktop version as well. The android is good for little things to get done, but for larger project planning it can be helpful to have a full screen to assemble to do lists. And then to have them synchronize! Both "things" and "Omnifocus" do this for the iPhone and I am considering switching for just this reason! Someone please make it happen so I can keep my g1! This would be a dream come true for me!
November 21st, 2009 at 4:10 am
I use the GTD Outlook setup. I provides many of the same functions on my work laptop, and provides the reminders on my G1. See: gtdsupport.netcentrics.com
December 14th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Amazing! It’s such a shame more people don’t know about this place, it covered what I needed this morning!
March 14th, 2010 at 8:08 am
I would recommend checking out http://www.Gtdagenda.com for a GTD manager.
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
Comes with a mobile version too, and with an Android app.