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Listing of unprocessed, but due tasks
After a little struggle, I just found out that if a task does not have a context or project (is still int he inbox), even if the task has a due-date, it will not get listed in the "due" view of tasks. In my experience, this is a dangerous setup because:
e.g
I created some tasks quickly yesterday and I knew that I wanted to do them today. I did not bother to enter a context of project because they are burning tasks. When I go to "all Tasks" perspective, I can search for and actually see a red badge next to the task, but if I click on the "Due" button to see things that are due today (to have an idea of what I need to do in my next errand), I do not see those burning tasks even if they are due right now.
Initially I got scared that I cannot trust the system, but after some clicking around, I found out that if I give the tasks a context, they suddenly appear on my next items list.
I know that I need to process tasks and add a context or project, but sometimes burning issues remembered int he last minute may not wait tot he next review/processing session. I know that I can disable the requirement for a context or project in the settings, but the side-effect is that I will not have a way to review other quick tasks that need organisation unless I start using miscellaneous as the new inbox
e.g
I created some tasks quickly yesterday and I knew that I wanted to do them today. I did not bother to enter a context of project because they are burning tasks. When I go to "all Tasks" perspective, I can search for and actually see a red badge next to the task, but if I click on the "Due" button to see things that are due today (to have an idea of what I need to do in my next errand), I do not see those burning tasks even if they are due right now.
Initially I got scared that I cannot trust the system, but after some clicking around, I found out that if I give the tasks a context, they suddenly appear on my next items list.
I know that I need to process tasks and add a context or project, but sometimes burning issues remembered int he last minute may not wait tot he next review/processing session. I know that I can disable the requirement for a context or project in the settings, but the side-effect is that I will not have a way to review other quick tasks that need organisation unless I start using miscellaneous as the new inbox
I’m frustrated
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Inappropriate?Hi Again, Donny
Thank you for your feedback. Sorry for any confusion or frustration this is causing. Again, this is one of those situations where the current behavior of OmniFocus is intended to aid in the GTD workflow.
The inbox is intended to be a repository for unprocessed input, as you point out. If it's unprocessed, typically that means its undecided.
Context lists are for actionable tasks. It's set up this way to prevent you from seeing things that are unprocessed and therefore not actionable.
The fact that you are assigning a due date to this task means that, on some level, you are partially-decided about this task.
If you switch your Data Preference to automatically clean up actions with a project assigned, and set your default list for single actions to be "miscellaneous" you should be able to have those actions available in context mode.
If having a "miscellaneous" single action list as a catch-all feels too fuzzy, try renaming it "undecided". This way, you'll be honest with yourself about the nature of the task and put it where it belongs (out of the inbox, rembember: "Inbox Zero" whenever possible) until you have more time to process your inbox and review your lists.
All that said, we do have a request to change this behavior to "allow inbox items to show up in contexts", and if that would be something you'd prefer, I'm happy to add your vote and feedback for our developers to consider.
Does that help? If you have any other questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact omnifocus@omnigroup.com for more direct 1-on-1 feedback.
I’m Getting Things Done
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Inappropriate?I'll be honest, that is a good understanding of my frustration and a complete explanation of the workflow change that will eliminate the obstacle.
Thank You
I’m thankful
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