Almost two years ago to the date, I wrote a Productivity Whitepaper describing my complete GTD/Notetaking/Staying-on-top-of-stuff system at that time form top to bottom. I described a number of tools, applications, processes – Basically everything I could think of that got me through the day. Of all that I included in the post, nothing has seemed to catch on and resonate with people the way that my dash/plus Markup System has. Merlin Mann even referred to it as “sexy” in a post featuring my whitepaper on 43 Folders. Not a week goes by when I don’t see it mentioned in a post on someone else’s blog or I see it in actual use by a friend or co-worker. Here are some examples of how others have put it to use:
* Joe Ely posted about how he uses it for A Simple Index Card GTD System over at GTD Times. A nice little HPDA system he has set up for himself.
To save you the jump, the dash/plus system works a little like this…
In all, it really makes me feel all proud and puffed up to know that I started something that has proven so useful to many. If this blog were to get hit by a bus tomorrow, I would be satisfied with this accomplishment alone.
Are you using dash/plus? Do you have a blog? Have you posted about how you are putting it to use in your system? I encourage you to link it up in the comments.
I tried using your system, because it really appeals to me. Unfortunately, I found I had too much engrained muscle memory in terms of my note-taking system, and couldn’t successfully convert to your system, even though it is WAY better than my own.
In my new job, I also have less meetings, and so fewer notes.
At the desk, I rely on the d3 tiddlywiki to manage my life. I just wish I could use my Mac at work, because life is so much better managed with OmniFocus.
I like your system, but since I am rather attached to using a small circle for to-do items and a dash for data items, I have used ideas from your system to expand my notational system. Adding symbols for “waiting for” and “delegated” (I put initials before or after, respectively) and noting when something has moved has been quite helpful! I also put a small dot inside the circle if I start but do not finish a task, and box the circle and add a page number if I realize a task should be a project of its own. Thanks for the ideas!
I have religiously adopted your system and will never turn back! So brilliant! You deserve the Nobel 😀