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 session 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.

After spending some time on your literary masterpiece, you may choose to shift to working on your company’s annual budget. Again, you’ll want to be able to bring all the relevant tasks and resources to the forefront and relegate anything that’s not required to work on this budget out of sight (and out of mind).

What You’ll Learn

Attend the LIVE session and learn:

• What OmniFocus is well suited for…and where it falls short.
• Why it’s important that the path of least resistance be the most productive one.
• Practical ways to conveniently shift into a specific mode of working that’s conducive to performing deep, focused work.
• Strategies for using your calendar app to help ensure that your most important projects and tasks get the attention they deserve.
• How to build a Project Dashboard using an app such as Apple Notes or Craft.
• How to use URL links to reference specific information from OmniFocus. We’ll look at examples of both native (e.g. DEVONthink) and web apps (e.g. Asana, Google Docs).
• Practical ways to use Hook (Mac) to connect related items together (e.g. connecting an OmniFocus project to both an OmniOutliner document and project support notes contained in a note-taking app).
• How to switch modes and keep project resources at your fingertips using Workspaces (Mac).
• How to use Keyboard Maestro (Mac) to add speed, convenience, and flexibility to switching between related apps and services.
• Practical ways to use Omni Automation to quickly jump between OmniFocus and other apps and services.
• And more…

Recommended Prerequisites

Especially if you’re new to OmniFocus, it’s recommended that you go through the Start Smart with OmniFocus 3 course before watching this session. You might also want to watch the recording of the OmniFocus 3: Beyond the Basics course to get better acquainted with OmniFocus’ more advanced features.