Linking OmniFocus: Beyond Task Management

Learn how to build a productivity system that centres around OmniFocus and is tightly integrated with apps for schedule management, planning, note-taking, researching, and more.

It’s no secret that we’re fans of OmniFocus. There are many things that make OmniFocus uniquely useful for managing personal tasks. OmniFocus is highly customizable and, since it’s a native app, it’s well integrated on Apple platforms. OmniFocus also sports some unique features, such as Review and Forecast, that help foster a proactive approach to life and work.

Beyond OmniFocus

Despite its considerable strengths, OmniFocus isn’t very well suited to some types of activities.

For example, OmniFocus is generally not the best place to perform higher-level planning. This is where an app such as MindNode or OmniOutliner shines. And OmniFocus isn’t well suited to keeping track of reference information. Instead, it makes more sense to use an app that’s designed to be an information repository, such as Apple Notes, DEVONthink, or Craft.

Building the Ultimate Productivity App

This course focuses on developing a productivity system that consists of a collection of best-of-breed apps and services. Think of it as creating the ultimate productivity app in a way that combines the best features of a suite of thoughtfully chosen apps.

This system is most useful when there are quick and convenient ways to navigate between the various components. For example, if you have an OmniFocus action prompting you to spend 30 minutes researching a specific topic, it’s very helpful if you have seamless access to the relevant research material and a place to keep the notes that you’ll be capturing in the process.

Creating a Space for Deep Focus

Once we’ve covered the mechanics of linking apps and services to OmniFocus, we’ll look at a variety of ways that you can quickly shift into the context that’s most relevant. These strategies are the digital equivalent of clearing everything from your desk, except what’s required to work on a specific project or area of life.

For example, if you’re working on a novel, you’ll likely want to have OmniFocus-related projects and actions at the forefront and have convenient access to the app that you’re using to do your writing (e.g. Ulysses). To enter a focused, productive state, everything that’s not relevant to the task at hand needs to fade into the background.