One of the main reasons why I got a Palm, and later a Treo, in the first place was to serve as an address book.  Once I read up on what the Palm was capable, I became a fan of the calendar application.  I found the calendar application to be a very important tool for helping me keep on top of my projects at the office.

Scheduling Conflicts

One of the interesting things that I've learned about myself is that I tend to schedule blocks of time in my calendar rather than jotting things down on my to-do items in the Tasks application.  So, in essence, I schedule my time more like the service center at my local Honda dealer rather than creating a work queue in Tasks and then checking items off when I get to them.

I know that a few of you have read David Allen's “Getting Things Done”, and you are probably horrified to learn how I schedule my time.  I have a copy of that book collecting dust on my book shelf.  I did flip through it and even read some of the chapters, but Allen’s techniques really don’t resonate well with me.  Maybe it’s because I like to use my own system.  Maybe it’s because of the way my team and I operate at the office.  I’m not sure why, but working off the Calendar just seems to fit my style better.

Taking Issues to Task

Slap is a great piece of software that Palm OS users might want to use on their devices to help track their tasks.  This $13 dollar add-on package, developed by Hands High Software, works well for people who are trying to gain control of their schedules and task in both their professional, educational, and personal lives.

Slap allows you to quickly jot down a note, appointment, contact information, what ever it is, and then store it until you are ready to sort and categorize the information.  Again, people who have read “Getting Things Done” will like the way this software works.  Best of all, Slap works with Palm OS 3.0 and later, so it will work on your device unless you are running a PalmPilot series handheld.  If you are serious about taking control of your tasks and calendar, you should take a closer look at this software.

A Little More, A Little Less

There are all sorts of time management tools to help you become more productive.  For people who are looking for something that gives you a little bit more flexibility than what comes with the Palm out of the box might want to look at ili’ RedSpider’s TMP.  There is no sense of having the data in your Palm if you can’t quickly and easily view it and that is where I believe TMP shines.  The interface is clean and uncluttered.  When you are ready to view the tasks that are coming due, you tap on the tasks button.  There is also a current and upcoming month calendar view that helps you to schedule your next task or appointment.  These multi-month calendar view really come in handy during status meetings when my team and I need to pick target dates that are a few weeks out.

For those looking for or need more structure or just like to keep track of every detail of their professional and personal life there is Life Balance from Llamagraphics.  Life Balance is more than a personal productivity tool; it is a way of life.  Life Balance is designed to help you track and make adjustments to the way you work and play based on what goals and objectives you are trying to meet.  I don’t possess the dedication that this software requires, but if you do, then this software can be a really powerful tool.  Think of it as a personal productivity coach in your pocket.

Conclusion

You have a Palm OS device, use it.  Many of us purchased our devices to help us stay organized and stay on top of all the things that we need to do in our ever increasingly busy lives.  When it comes to how you keep track of your appointments and tasks, there are lots of options starting with the software that comes right in the box.  For those people who subscribe to the David Allen “Getting Things Done” philosophy, there is Slap.  For people who want to get a better view of what’s going on, there is TMP.  And for those who really want to control their professional and personal time while working towards major objectives will want to invest in Life Balance.  The bottom line is that you use the tools that you have.  Don’t just sit on the side lines.  Get out there and use your device to take control!