GTD Software Comparison
A training company called Priacta maintains a comprehensive list of GTD Software titles. The list is up to date and currently compares 102 GTD Software applications. The list details applications features, current release, cost and supported platform (MAC, PC, Handheld, etc). Priacta specializes in coaching and training people and organizations on Time Management. I have no experience with or ties to Priacta. My only exposure to Priacta is their nicely kept-up-to-date GTD Software list. So why does Priacta maintain a list of GTD Software? Per their website;
Priacta provides time and task management coaching and training services for clients in a wide range of environments. We stay abreast of the latest software to support our clients and recommend tools that meet their specific needs in any situation. Because our Total, Relaxed Organization (TRO) system is a GTD extension, we research tools for all GTD-like systems.
If you have experience working with Priacta, I'd be interested in hearing from you.
7 Responses to GTD Software Comparison
I have been working with Priacta and have found their assistance invaluable. This is the case because I had read the GTD book (and loved it) AND purchased the GTD software that interfaces with Outlook...however, I was still at a loss to really implement the recommended strategies in my business. After a couple of days, I just couldn't keep up, my inbox was overflowing, tasks were getting lost, etc.
I know from experience that Priacta offers some VERY specific ways to categorize tasks and activities, in conjuction with creating a Strategic Calendar in Outlook (don't worry if you don't have one yet, they'll teach you how to do it). The result is a very "smart" and effective way to stay on top of your tasks, appointments, projects, etc.
Plus, the support they offer through their 21-day coaching program is phenomenal. I can't recommend Priacta highly enough.
Priacta has combined the best of the GTD concepts WHILE offering specific tools and strategies to implement those concepts.
Disclosure: This is not a shill for Priacta. I have been trained by/and currently use TRO - the Priacta system and am very happy with the results.
I call TRO "GTD++", but, that's a gross understatement. It extends GTD in so many ways, but more importantly, TRO has techniques that are so flexible that it can be adapted for any situation. All computer, mix of technologies, and even paper systems (although I haven't experienced that).
I'm in control of all of my numerous tasks and projects and for the first time in years, I've been able to think about things other than "what am I forgetting" (the brain is not an approved collecting point). I've also been able to spend time with my kids - and more importantly, spend that time with them without having nagging "mental piranhas" eating away in my brain. "Did I pay that bill?" "Did I get that information sent to my friend?", etc.
My email inbox went from 2800+ messages to the current 9 messages (and it regularly goes to 0).
TROG Bar is their software to help manage tasks, projects and schedule and relies on Outlook automation. This can present some challenges, as Outlook is not completely bug-free (say it isn't so!)... Having said that, the worst that happens is that you have to shutdown/restart Outlook if it starts acting flaky. Priacta has software revisions in the works to decouple from Outlook as a data store.
The common saying that "people make the difference" is particularly true when working with the people at Priacta. Their team is effective and highly personable.
I would recommend Priacta and TRO to anyone, without any reservations.
I have told numerous people about Priacta, and at least one GTD'er has purchased material to get greater control of the shortcomings of GTD.
Highly recommended.
My experience with Priacta has been very positive, from a customer support, training, methodology and tools perspective. I am a long time Franklin Covey advocate (also fully online/minimal paper) who tried to convert to GTD and found it challenging to meet my personal objectives of being able to focus on what's important, getting a lot more work done and (perhaps most importantly) minimizing the amount of time spent dealing with email.
The combination of the TROG bar tool (which, in my opinion, is quite innovative and reliable), workbook with tons of useful ideas and available coaching is unbeatable.
Let me add myself to the chorus of kudos for Priacta and TRO. While the basic GTD philosophy remains the best approach to working productivity, Kevin and his team have taken the next step to add a missing ingredient – the ability to do and accomplish. Like many others I tried to implement GTD via the Outlook add-in, but found the transition from the Franklin-Covey methodology difficult. The TRO approach along with the TROG Bar makes improved productivity a reality. The “Field Guide” is easy to follow plus provides great tips and even a troubleshooting section. And while I am only on day 4 of the 21 day coaching program, I have reached an empty inbox on both my desk and email. That’s quite an accomplishment. Kevin as a coach has really been there for me. He has gone past just the usual coaching to help me improve both my personal productivity using TRO to challenge my own ideas of productivity and what I can accomplish. I expect great thing to come.
Dusty
Thanks for the pointer Tim.
You might wish to have a look at
http://sites.google.com/site/rocketdm/gtd-software
- a customizable database that can be used as GTD, very flexible.
You may want to check out http://www.GoalsOnTrack.com, a very nicely built web app designed for tracking goals and todo lists, and has time tracking. It's clear, focused, easy to navigate, worth a try.
Something to say?