2024-05-30

Introduction to the TargetNavigator [2]. Tools

Are you ready to discover the technical side of TargetNavigator - a personal task management system? If so, then this post is for you. We will focus exclusively on the technical aspects of the method. We will point out the devices and programs that are optimal for using the TargetNavigator system. We will explain what the criteria were for selecting the preferred devices and applications. 

Everything is there to help you make a good decision.

Remember that technology is just a tool. How you use it is up to you. But with the right tools and the knowledge of how to use them, you can achieve your goals faster and more efficiently.


Together we will discover how technology can help you manage your tasks and achieve your goals. Are you ready for this journey?


What features a good task management system should have.


Here are a few key features of TargetNavigator that make it an exceptional tool.


1. Accessibility - Since the inception of TargetNavigator, we have made it our goal to make it an accessible system for everyone. Using our method does not require investment in hardware and software. We assumed that in this day and age, everyone has access to a computer and a phone and the system was based on this assumption. As a result, regardless of your level of technological experience, you can easily start using TargetNavigator.


2. Flexibility - This is one of the most important properties of the TargetNavigator system. This very capacious buzzword stands for, among other things, features such as the ability to customise the tool to your own preferences such as the look of the board, workflow logic, colours and other features. Flexibility also means the ability to adapt to simple tasks and complex projects, including team collaboration, the ability to use on different devices, even without intermittent internet access (on a plane or while in countries with high roaming charges). In this way, TargetNavigator is a tool that grows with you and your needs.


3. Usability - The system should support users in their work as much as possible. TargetNavigator helps you with tasks, projects and habits. Whether you are a student, corporate employee, freelancer or entrepreneur, TargetNavigator is designed to help you achieve your goals and improve your efficiency.


4. Scalability - Whether you are managing a single project or multiple tasks in different areas of your life, TargetNavigator is scalable and can be customised to suit your needs. You can easily add, delete and modify tasks, as well as create and manage projects at different levels.


5. Ease of use and intuitiveness: TargetNavigator is designed to be easy to use. Its interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for even those who are not technically proficient to understand how to use it. Choosing tools and programmes that are easy to learn is crucial to the functionality of any system. In the case of TargetNavigator, we chose everyday devices such as smartphones and computers, and an easily accessible visual application for task management. This enables the user to use the system quickly and efficiently, without the need for lengthy training or learning how to use complex interfaces.


6. Motivating to use the system: Motivation is a key element that influences user engagement. In the case of TargetNavigator, we have created a system that encourages you to work within it. An inspiring interface that is pleasing to the eye and the way in which the user's progress and successes are presented will act as a motivator. The user can see how his or her work translates into tangible results, which increases his or her desire to continue working.


7. Attractiveness: If we have met all the previously mentioned parameters and created a system that is handy and motivating - then TargetNavigator should be seen as attractive. The user-friendly interface, the ease of use, and the value the system brings to the user's life make it attractive. 


We hope these features will convince you to try TargetNavigator and see how it can help you improve your productivity and efficiency.


Software and devices


All you need is a **free Google account** and applications that support **Google Presentations**. 


For computer users, the way forward is as simple as ever. All you need is a web browser. We've checked out the most popular ones for you: Edge, Firefox, Opera and Chrome, all running seamlessly on the Windows operating system. Through your browser, not only will you be able to work with the method, but you can also customise the TargetNavigator whiteboard template to your liking, creating a unique and personalised tool.


But it doesn't stop there! TargetNavigator is always with you, even on the go. You can use it on your phones by installing the Google Slides app. Although the mobile versions of Google Presentations do not offer all the features, they are enough to work with tasks: add them, modify them, change their status, delete them. 


If you already have a google account, open the example board TargetNavigator Basic at this link - reading mode only. Then create a copy of it on your own google drive to use it. The command can be accessed both from your computer browser and from the mobile app. 


A few words of explanation for the choice of software.


The choice of software is a key element that can significantly affect the efficiency and productivity of your work. After testing dozens of applications, we chose the Google environment which, although not perfect, meets all our key criteria.


1. Visual, graphical task progress management: The Google environment offers intuitive and graphical user interfaces that allow us to easily track the progress of tasks. We can create boards of any size to help visualise workflow and monitor progress. At the time of development, no other offline application offered the ability to create and correctly display a whiteboard over 80cm by 80cm, while maintaining other criteria. 


2. The ability to work offline and online from different locations and desktop and mobile devices. With the Google cloud, we can work from anywhere, on any device, both online and offline. This gives us the flexibility and freedom to work whatever the circumstances.


3. Easy customisation to suit individual preferences. Slides offers a wide range of personalisation options that allow us to tailor tools to each user's individual preferences. We can customise the look, layout and features to meet our unique needs.


4. Low cost, low price: Google offers many of its services for free or for a small fee. This makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. To clarify: we are in no way affiliated with Google or their affiliate programmes.


5. The ability to work in a team: The cloud enables real-time collaboration, which facilitates teamwork. We can co-create documents, share and comment on them, which improves communication and team efficiency.


6. Option to scale project complexity: The application offers tools that are scalable and can cope with the increasing complexity of projects. We can easily add new features and tools as our needs grow. We can create multi-level project management structures, with varying degrees of access.


7. Keeping data safe from loss and unauthorised access: Security is a priority for Google. That is why it offers advanced security features such as two-step authentication, data encryption and regular backups to protect our data from loss and unauthorised access.


In summary, choosing Google cloud and apps is a decision based on a solid rationale that takes into account aspects ranging from functionality to security. We hope that this decision will benefit all users.


We realise that, despite having many strengths, TargetNavigator is not perfect and could still be better. Therefore, we want to present it to a wide range of potential users in order to improve the system through their experiences and feedback.  

So start your journey with TargetNavigator today and discover how much you can achieve!






2024-05-19

Introduction to the TargetNavigator [1]

Welcome to the world of task management

Where chaos meets order and efficiency is king! Today I'm going to take you on an exploratory journey to the heart of the task management system - TargetNavigator.
This is no ordinary system, it's a real radar on the sea of daily responsibilities that will help you not only organize your tasks, but also give them the right direction.

Let's start with the basics. First about the Kanban board. Imagine a simple board with three columns: “To Do,” “In Progress or Doing” and “Done.”


It's nothing more than a visual representation of your workflow, where each task moves from left to right, from planning to execution and ultimately - success. It's a simple but powerful tool that gives you clarity and order in visualizing the status of your tasks.

But what if we could add more to it ? Here is the Eisenhower Table, which divides tasks according to their urgency and importance.



The four quadrants of this table
are your way of prioritizing work:
“Urgent and important,”
“Important but not urgent,”
“Urgent but not important,”
and “Neither urgent nor important.”
This is where you decide what needs immediate attention
and what can wait.

Now imagine that these two systems have been combined into one, creating TargetNavigator, It's like looking at a radar screen, where each quadrant corresponds to priorities from the Eisenhower Matrix, and concentric circles represent Kanban steps. The outer circle shows “To Do” tasks, the middle circle shows “In Progress / Doing,” and the center circle shows “Done.” It's an intuitive and elegant way to track progress and manage tasks.


TargetNavigator board - Basic version

TargetNavigator is more than a tool, it's a task management philosophy that combines best practices and adapts them to the dynamic world we live in. It's a system that grows with you and your projects, offering flexibility and scalability.


We'll explore each element of TargetNavigator in future posts, but you can already get a feel for how this system can transform your approach to tasks. From simple to-dos to complex projects, TargetNavigator is your guide to productivity.

You're about to embark on a journey that will change the way you think about task & project management. 


..:: References ::..


When creating TargetNavigator, we were inspired by the principles of leading task management systems. The Kanban method is one of them. You can read more about the Kanban method from the Kanban University guide. We also recommend Marcus Hammarberg and Joakim Sunden's excellent book “Kanban in Action”.  




2024-05-16

Goals

 Here are some interesting statistics about setting and writing down goals:

1. According to a Harvard University study, only 3% of graduates had clearly defined goals and plans on paper. After 10 years, it was found that these graduates earned an average of 10 times more than the other participants in the study.

2. Research by Dominican Albert Wagner indicates that people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them than those who do not write down their goals.

3. According to a report from the Harvard Business Review, people who regularly set goals are more motivated and effective in achieving professional success.

4. According to a study by psychologist Dr Gail Matthews of Dominican University in California, people who write goals and create action plans are more confident and more likely to take concrete steps to achieve them.

5. A report published by the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) found that people who regularly monitor their goals and progress are more successful in achieving them than those who do not.

These statistics highlight the benefits of setting and recording goals. Clarifying goals in writing helps to increase motivation, focus, confidence and effectiveness in the pursuit of success.


Why don't people write down their goals?

There are several reasons why some people do not write down their goals:

1. lack of awareness: Some people may not be aware of the benefits of writing down goals. They may not be aware that writing down goals helps with focus, motivation and effectiveness in achieving success.

2. Lack of clarity and specificity: There is often a lack of clarity around goals. People may have a general representation of their dreams and aspirations, but fail to define precisely what they want to achieve. Without a concrete definition of the goal, it is difficult to write it down.

3. Fear of failure: Some people are afraid of writing down goals because they fear they will not achieve them and be confronted with failure. Avoiding writing down goals gives them some comfort because they will not have 'measurable' proof of their failure.

4. Lack of habit: Writing down goals requires effort and habit. Some people simply haven't developed the habit of writing down their goals and don't realise how important this tool is in the process of achieving success.

5. Lack of time: In today's busy world, many people lack the time to think about and write down their goals. They are often busy with day-to-day responsibilities and it is a challenge to find a moment to take care of this process.

6. Lack of an action plan: Writing down goals can be just the beginning. Some people may not feel confident enough to develop an action plan to get them to their goal. The lack of a plan may discourage people from writing down goals.

However, it is worth remembering that there are many benefits to writing down goals, including greater motivation, effectiveness and success in achieving your goals. Therefore, it is worth overcoming these obstacles and start using this effective practice.

"If you don't have your own goals, someone will hire you to pursue their goals".


This thought highlights the importance of having our own goals and vision in life. If we do not set our own goals, we run the risk of fulfilling the goals and ambitions of others.

If we don't have clear goals, we become more susceptible to external influences and can find ourselves fulfilling other people's goals. This can lead to a lack of satisfaction, a sense of loss of control over one's own life and a lack of fulfilment.

In our professional life, for example, if we do not have our own specific career goals, we may find ourselves working towards the goals and expectations of our employer or boss. This can lead to a lack of job satisfaction, a lack of a sense of fulfilment and a loss of motivation.

Having our own goals is crucial for personal and professional development. Setting our own goals gives us direction, motivation and a sense of purpose. It allows us to focus on what is really important to ourselves and to take action in line with our values and desires.

It is important that we define our own goals and work towards them. Of course, there may be situations in which we work for others, for example as part of a team or organisation. However, even in such cases, it is useful to have our own goals, which will harmonise with those of the group, but at the same time express our own ambitions and values.

Remember that our goals should be authentic, personal and in line with our passions and aspirations. By pursuing our own goals, we are more likely to find fulfilment, success and personal growth.

Having our own goals puts us in control of our own lives. It allows us to shape our future and follow the path that is most satisfying and meaningful to us. Without our own goals, we can become passive participants who merely react to what others expect of us.

Accepting others' goals as our own can lead to a lack of authenticity and a loss of self-identity. When we put other people's goals first, it can lead to a conflict with our values and desires. It can also affect our sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in life.

Own goals are the key to motivation. When we have a clearly defined goal, we know why and for what we are trying. This gives us the energy and perseverance to pursue this goal, even in difficult moments. If we do not have our own goals, we can lose motivation and become stagnant or lacking in progress.

Developing and achieving our own goals enables us to grow as individuals. Setting ambitious goals requires us to learn, develop our skills and push our limits. This allows us to grow, gain new experiences and reach a higher level of personal development.

It is worth noting that one's own goals do not have to be completely independent of other people. Often, goals can overlap with those of our loved ones or communities. However, it is important to maintain your authenticity and individuality in the goal-setting process.

In conclusion, having our own goals is crucial for success, fulfilment and personal development. It gives us control over our lives, motivation and the opportunity to shape our future. Setting goals is the way to discover our true potential and realise our dreams.





2024-05-14

The Happiness Curve: How Feelings Change Over a Lifetime

Did you know that the sense of happiness changes with age ?


Happiness is a fascinating emotion
 that evolves and transforms
as we journey through life.
It’s not just a fleeting moment of joy
but a complex state influenced by a myriad of factors,
including age.

Recent research, including a study
by Nielsen for Bank of America Merrill Lynch,
sheds light on
how our perception and experience of happiness shift over the years.

As we grow older,
the nature of our happiness tends to change.

Younger individuals often associate happiness
with excitement and new experiences.
However, as we age,
our focus shifts towards peacefulness and contentment 


1. This transition reflects
a deeper understanding of what brings us joy and satisfaction.
Nielsen’s research for Bank of America Merrill Lynch
delves into the financial aspects of happiness.

It suggests that as people age,
their financial priorities and concerns also evolve,
impacting their overall sense of well-being

2. For instance,
while younger adults may prioritize wealth accumulation,
older individuals might value
financial security and stability more,
which in turn influences their happiness.

A longitudinal study from 20 European countries
supports the idea
that happiness follows a U-shaped curve over the lifespan

3. After a dip in middle age,
happiness levels tend to rise again
as people enter their 50s,
suggesting
that the later years can be a time
of increased satisfaction and joy.
This pattern, however,
is not uniform
across all demographics
and can vary based
on individual circumstances.

Scientific American
echoes this sentiment,
highlighting that seniors often
“choose happiness”
despite the challenges they may face

4. This choice
is a powerful testament
to the human spirit’s resilience
and our ability to find joy
in the face of adversity.

The concept of “banking happiness”
has also been explored,
where individuals anticipate future sadness
and accumulate positive experiences to cope with it

5. This proactive approach to emotional well-being
can be particularly relevant
as we age
and face life’s inevitable hardships.

In summary,
happiness is not static;
it’s a dynamic emotion
that matures with us.

The studies mentioned above,
including the Nielsen research for Bank of America Merrill Lynch,
provide valuable insights into this journey.
They remind us
that regardless of our age,
happiness is within reach
—it’s just a matter of perspective and choice.

For a visual representation of these findings,
charts and further details
can be found in the original research reports
and articles. 
These resources offer a deeper dive
into the fascinating evolution
of happiness across the lifespan.

Conclusion

So, as we journey through life,
our feelings of happiness
follow a U-shaped curve.
Despite hardships and physical decline,
seniors often bloom where they are planted,
choosing happiness
even in the face of adversity.
Perhaps we can all learn from Lillian Fowler,
who played golf into her 80s,
became a county fair queen at 104,
and never stopped making friends. 🌼

Remember,
happiness is not just a destination;
it’s a daily decision.
🌞

References:

2024-05-12

Happiness & Success

One day, happiness and success met on the street. Success says to happiness: "You know, everyone loves me, wants to achieve me and works hard for me." To this Happiness smiles and replies: "That's true, but when I come along, people often forget that they already have you!". 

This simple exchange is not just a playful banter but a profound parable for our lives. It speaks volumes about our relentless pursuit of Success, often at the expense of Happiness. We are conditioned to believe that Success is the ultimate prize, the key to unlocking a life of joy and satisfaction. We chase after it with fervor, believing that once we grasp it, Happiness will naturally follow.

But Happiness, in its infinite wisdom, knows better. It doesn’t wait at the finish line of Success; it walks beside us every step of the way. It’s found in the small moments – a shared laugh, a kind word, a beautiful sunset. Happiness is not the consequence of Success; it’s the essence of a life well-lived.

The irony is that in our quest for Success, we often overlook the Happiness that’s already within our grasp. We postpone joy, thinking it’s just beyond the next achievement, the next milestone. But Happiness gently reminds us that it’s not contingent on Success. It’s a choice, an attitude, a state of being that we can embrace at any moment.

So, why do we chase Success with such zeal? Perhaps it’s because Success is tangible. It’s measurable. It’s what society applauds. But if we pause and listen closely, we’ll hear Happiness whispering to us, urging us to find balance, to slow down, to savor the journey.

Let’s redefine our pursuit. Let’s strive for Success, but not at the cost of our Happiness. Let’s work hard, but also play hard. Let’s set goals, but also stop to help others along the way. Let’s achieve, but also appreciate the here and now.

In the end, the true measure of our lives is not just the Success we achieve but the Happiness we experience. It’s the laughter, the love, the memories we create. It’s the peace we find within ourselves and the joy we bring to others.

So, let’s invite both Happiness and Success into our lives. Let’s blend them together, let them complement each other, and let them guide us to a life of fulfillment. For when we do, we’ll realize that the journey towards Success is all the more beautiful when accompanied by Happiness. And that, perhaps, is the greatest success of all. 








Introduction

In today's busy world,

where personal, professional and private responsibilities are often blended together, we need an effective system to help us keep this flow under control.

A task management system becomes our ally,
helping us not only to keep track of tasks,
but also to shape our habits and achieve inner balance.

What is this system?
It's not a task list or a calendar.
It is a comprehensive approach that allows us to:

  • Plan our tasks, projects and goals.
  • Monitor progress and deadlines.
  • Prioritise tasks according to our values and goals.
  • To let go from time to time to avoid overload and burnout.

Habit formation is a key element.
A system helps us develop routines that lead to success.
Regularity and consistency are our allies.
With the system we can:

Take small steps towards our goals every day.

Develop habits that support our productivity and well-being.

Avoid exaggerated perfectionist pressure while striving for excellence.

I invite you to explore a task management system.
Let this blog become your guide on your journey
towards efficiency, peace and fulfilment.



Simple project example & Ivy Lee method

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