GTD Bonsai
Bonsai is a Palm program by a company called Natara. You can find it at Natara.com and download a free trial. Bonsai is what you would call an outliner program. An outliner displays information in a tree-view or explorer-view like interface. There are a few really good ones out there for the Palm but I happen to think Bonsai is the best. Do not underestimate their power as I have taken the time to read manuals for programs like this that can reach over 150 pages. I’ve researched quite a few outliners & you need not look further than Bonsai if you use a Palm.
What I will do here is “outline” a way to implement GTD (Getting Things Done) using Bonsai. This is what I believe to be an almost flawless implementation that with upgrades to its features that I’ve already made to the Natara Forums will take it to a whole other level beyond what already is an amazing resource.
This is the start screen on the desktop. Peaceful in its simplicity yet it holds all of your Next Actions, Calendar Events, Project Actions, Ticker file, and Someday/Maybe items. In fact, all your contexts are created without using Categories, Filters, or even Keywords. This now means that you have the freedom to use them in other ways to customize your outline to your liking. You are not limited to 16 categories, hard to access keywords, or complex filters that are difficult to create. How is this even possible? This is all now possible because of a little feature suggestion of mine that got implemented that allowed for Zooming in & out on the 5 way navigator.
The “context parents” which before would have cluttered your list are no longer an issue when you Zoom into them. This frees you from a 16 category limit because you can create as many 2nd level “context parents” as you want. This also frees you from dialogue boxes you’d encounter with filters and keywords. This system allows for quick one handed operation on the palm when you’re navigating using the 5 way.
Filters can now be powerfully used to augment the added Calendar heading. If you can keep your actions and events together, why not do so? Viewing your list using flat list filters and zooms makes adding more headings and items a non issue. You can see I leverage time in my use of filters.
How do I handle someday/maybe items? Very simply by using the start date attribute. I can set the start date for a someday / maybe item for 6 months from now. Six months later it will show up in a either a this week or next week filter. However, just like in the previous picture I can create headings to group items and yet all headings disappear when the list is filtered. How about alarms and the fact they are missing in Bonsai? I simply link out to date book and set the alarm there for only the current week. If I use “Back to Bonsai” I can easily jump back and forth.
How are project actions managed? How can this system be used to track projects and their actions that can come from multiple contexts? Well, I have a project myself and that project involves this very blog. Beyond what I have written here I have written a full description of this system with all the specifics inside a Bonsai Outline. You can import it into your Bonsai Desktop and then synchronize your palm and have an actual template to create from. It’s free and all I ask is that you leave a comment. I’ll send you the outline by email. Your email is not used in the comments at all and remains private. I will also add you to my weekly (once a week email) newsletter which you can unsubscribe from at any time. If you would not like to be on the newsletter just send me a reply email telling me so when I send you the outline.
Your participation will help to create a lively interaction and sharing of ideas. Leaving a comment will allow me to update you on my blog as well as send you this Bonsai Outline Template. If you use the Natara Forums you will know me by my Username Fox Mulder as someone who contributes to the community and not some spammer. I participated there for 3 months before I started this blog. You will even find my site listed on the Bonsai Page at Natara.com
If you’d like the outline just leave a comment. I’ll assume you want it. If you only want to leave a comment then let me know not to send the outline and I won’t. Also, If you don’t already own Bonsai download a trial and check it out. You will be then be able to use it to see my full description of the implementation. The best way to view the outline is using Bonsai Desktop. I’ve included a video so you can understand why I have “Parent Contexts.” It is the Zoom Feature that makes it sing on the Palm
PS - Even though I have not responded to each and every comment doesn’t mean I have not been sending out the templates. If for some reason you did not get one due to an oversight just use the form below to get a template. It is the fastest and simplest way for me to manage these requests and get the template to you fast. It also serves to allow me to keep you updated on new developments. Thank you.
Update June 6, 2007 In the video I mentioned a product called one key I meant Okey. Click here for my blog post on it. You’ll also find the link to the download link from the Palm Freeware site where you won’t need to submit an email to download.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:34 am
excellent work look forward to using the template
November 30th, 2007 at 12:31 am
Hi! I’m very interested in the GTD template and wonder if you could please email me a copy. I’ve just purchased Bonsai and am running it off a non-U3 usb drive. Works just fine!
Thanks!
Sally
November 30th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
id love an outline
December 1st, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Please send me a copy of your GTD template for Bonsai.
December 2nd, 2007 at 8:16 am
Hi, I am very interested in the GTD outline for Bonsai. I have been a Bonsai user since it first came out.
Thanks!!!
December 7th, 2007 at 2:04 am
Please send me the Bonsai GTD outline. Thanks!
December 8th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I would love a copy of your outline
December 8th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
Can you send the the GTD templates for Bonsai? Thanks!
December 10th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Please send me a copy of your GTD template for Bonsai, thanks, jason
December 13th, 2007 at 2:51 am
This is a great site and if the outline is still available, I’d like a copy.
Thanks!
December 13th, 2007 at 5:22 pm
Please send me your GTD Bonsai template. Thanks.
December 14th, 2007 at 12:38 am
Get blog. I have a copy of you old outline, could I get a copy of the new one? Also could you add me to the mail list?
December 14th, 2007 at 4:12 am
I am requesting a copy of your outline so I can get a good handle on using bonsi. I recently started using it and it is a fantastic piece of software so far. I cant wait to really unlock its potential.
December 18th, 2007 at 9:32 pm
Please could you send me your Bonsai GTD template?
December 22nd, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Please send me a copy of your Bonsai templates and add me to the mailing list also, thanks, j
December 28th, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Great Blog. Interesting ideas. Please send copy of your GTD Bonsai outline. Many Thanks JP
December 31st, 2007 at 5:44 pm
I would love to try the outline you have.
Thanks
December 31st, 2007 at 9:46 pm
I’d appreciate a copy of your GTD template for Bonsai. I’ve been through MLO/Thinking Rock (both great apps) but I think I’ve found the Holy Grail with Bonsai and your methodology.
Many thanks!
Chris
January 1st, 2008 at 12:12 am
Thanks, would love to check out your template, can you send? Thanks!
January 1st, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Please send me your GTD Bonsai outline. I’d love to be able to figure this system out for my wor!
Happy New Year!
Neil
January 2nd, 2008 at 1:54 pm
can I also have a copy of your GTD Bonsai, please?
Thank you in advance,
N.
January 2nd, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Please send a copy of your GTD Bonsai outline. I like your blog, some good ideas. I’m interested to see how you’ve implemented your GTD as I too am an avid Daynotez and Bonsai user on a treo 650.
January 8th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
yes, pls send the outline, interesting but not sure bonzai is just too complicated…
January 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Sounds great - I’m just starting to use Bonsai, but it sounds like you have it sussed. Please send me a copy of your outline.
January 15th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
You motivated me to start with GTD and Bonsai. And I realy like your Videos! Please send me a copy of your GTD Bonsai template. Thank you
January 20th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Great ideas. Could I get a copy of the template? Thanks. J.
January 22nd, 2008 at 1:44 am
Please send me a copy of your template. Good stuff.
January 22nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Have been reading my xmas present copy of GTD and to be honest finding long winded. By coincidence was looking at ways of having all my tasks to hand in outline form on my Palm and PC. Looks like your outline for Bonsai could be a way forward. Would appreciate a copy.
With thanks
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:26 am
I’ve just started using bonsai and can see the benifits. I am very interested in checking out your GTD template.
January 23rd, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Great Implementation. Could you please send me the Templates? Keep up the good work!
January 24th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I am using Bonsai on trial, and joined the Yahoo group to obtain your GTD template. I am looking through it as I work. It may take me a few days to reach any conclusions, but I like what I see so far. More later as I become better acquiainted with your approach.
January 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
I’ve had a hard time warming up to the digital GTD setups. So much so I’ve seriously considered putting my uber-functional Clie NX73 into semi-retirement in leu of the “Hipster PDA” (note cards & a rubber band).
Your common sense, ‘KISS’ able methods (Keep It Simple, Sailor) turn a cold coexistence between bricks & digits into a much more compatible coupling. Ah, tech-requited romance. [Pardon my prose; just trying to link myself to Valentines Day for the little woman.]
The problem I’ve had is getting my routines forced around the software instead of the other way around. There are great developers out there, but tailoring to the masses is rough, AND coding skills don’t automatically come with user interface / human behavior / process optimization expertise.
You’re on to something, and practical input helps. Good Work!
February 1st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Love the videos!!!
Could you also send me the GTD template??
Thanks JJ
March 20th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
I’m so happy I found your blog- any way I can get a copy of your outline- my computer won’t show the pictures. Thanks, Laura
March 22nd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Would be interested in experimenting with your GTD Bonsai template. Thanks!
March 27th, 2008 at 1:33 am
How do you handle all of the actions in a project, that are not the very next action? Do you assign a date into the future and use a filter to only show close up next actions? Or do you put the tasks in the note of the project (contact) to later add?
Fox - I think those are both good options. A third is number the actions in a 1.1 1.2 way and sort by name. It has been a while and I am getting back into things. The iphone is a game changer.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:30 am
Hi Mulder,
I was hoping to get the PDB version of the GTD Bonsai, please.
Thanks.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:51 am
Looks lke a good idea, I’d like the bonsai outline on how you do it. Thanks
April 9th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
You mentioned an even better workaround for the inability to use the center button on a Treo with Bonsai and your GTD template.
Any progress on that?
Fox - Forgive me, it has been a while. I think what I may have had in mind is a program that reassigns keys to certain command strokes. Please let me know if this is still an issue for you and I will send you what I have.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Very interesting blog. Thanks for sharing the GTD Bonsai outline. I certainly would appreciate a copy. Thanks.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:53 pm
I’d love to get your template. Thanks for sharing.
May 22nd, 2008 at 1:14 am
At last someone who, like myself, sees the Palm PDA not only as a digital calendar but as an ultimate life-actions management tool. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Please send me your GTD template.
Cordially, M.A.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
may i please have a copy of your bonsai outline?
August 25th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
“I have the outline and reviewed the notes, what I am still unclear about is the actual development and entry of a project. I get the filters once a project is entered. It seems confusing to have to enter the project steps in various next action lists, how would they NAs even be linked together? I am clearly missing something.”
From GTD Bonsai, 2008/08/25 at 11:25 AM from RS
Hello RS - Deleted your comment by accident but I was able to recreate your question here and address it. I understand what you are saying. This is primarily a context focused list with the idea of keeping everything together. You may need to create a separate outline for a project which works better in Bonsai but you lose all that zooming action. You can decide to have your projects be primary but then I believe that would require a similar workaround to view the contexts.
October 10th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I would like to try your GTD Template.
Thank you,
May 26th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Please send me a copy of the template.
Thank You.