Task Management Flow
Understanding how tasks move through GoingOffline: Capture → Plan → Focus → Complete
Step 1: Capture to Inbox
The Inbox is your brain dump. When a task pops into your head, throw it in the Inbox immediately—don't think, just capture.
Quick Tips:
- • Use the quick add input at the top of the page
- • Add priority with
!highor!low - • Assign to project with
@ProjectName - • Don't worry about organizing yet—just capture
Step 2: Add to Today's Plan
Every morning (or night before), review your Inbox and select the 3-8 tasks you'll tackle today. Click "Add to Today" to move them to Today's Plan.
Why limit to 3-8 tasks?
Studies show most people can only complete 3-5 meaningful tasks per day. Planning 20+ tasks just sets you up for failure and guilt. GoingOffline encourages realistic planning so you can actually finish and feel good about it.
Time Blocking (Optional):
Drag tasks from Today's Plan to the Day Timeline (right sidebar) to schedule specific times. This helps you visualize your day and avoid overbooking.
Step 3: Focus Session
Click the big "Start Focus" button on your suggested next task (or any task). This opens the distraction-free Focus page with:
- A countdown timer (default 50 min, customizable)
- The task name and details
- Interruption logging (if you get distracted, log it)
- Pause/resume controls
The Focus Philosophy:
During a focus session, nothing else exists. No notifications, no sidebar, no distractions. Just you and the work. When the timer ends, take a break. Repeat.
Step 4: Mark Complete
When you finish a task, check it off. GoingOffline tracks:
- How long it actually took (vs. your estimate)
- When you completed it
- Any interruptions during focus sessions
This data helps you get better at estimating and understanding your work patterns.
Pro Tips
- Morning Planning: Spend 5 minutes every morning planning today. What MUST get done?
- Evening Review: Reflect on what got done and why things didn't finish. Learn from patterns.
- Don't Overthink: Capture fast, organize later. Inbox zero isn't the goal—making progress is.
- Drag & Drop: Use the Day Timeline to visually organize your day. See conflicts before they happen.
- Keyboard Shortcut: Press ⌘K anytime to jump between projects, tasks, and pages.