Notes To Self: GTD: Notifications

I’m putting a lot of work into Notifications to make sure they are effective for notifying me of stuff, without becoming something valueless that I ultimately ignore.  It’s a slippery slope and I think the key is going to be just managing and considering notifications habitually and also regarding each individual notification on its merit.  

I guess the idea is to be guided to the phone less and have the time on the phone the highest possible value.


  • Laptop
    • Minimal notifications to hold focus.  There is nothing worse than a popup or banner when you're right in the middle of something.
    • DnD is your friend.  Use it when you need to concentrate.  Perhaps align them to Pomodoro sessions?
    • Review notifications at the end of a DnD window.  
    • Make it clear when you use DnD via status messages that you're not available.
  • Tablet
    • No notifications!  This is a device for reading or writing and and time here should be sacrosanct.
  • iPhone
    • The yuckiest, noisiest device!  This is unavoidable.
    • Shift settings with requirements.  Travel apps at travel time.  Work apps when working.
    • Leverage the different types.  Somethings are interesting if you're bored, but not enough to disturb.
  • Apple Watch
    • ONLY the most important messages should tap you on the wrist!
    • This is a rude receiver.  Consider your company.
    • Again, shifting requirements.
  • General Tips
    • Regard every notification that reaches your attention.  If it bothers you once and you don't want that again, correct it immediately.
    • Review notifications regularly including as a preparation step for trips or activities.
    • Use Screen Tike to review notifications.
    • Leverage DnD on all devices that you can.
Location: London, UK

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