Goal setting/tracking packages

Question

I'm a developer working by myself. I'm looking for a computerized tool to manage my goals and activities.

I own it Microsoft Project, but I don't like it. I've started many "projects" but could never keep on using it. Too complex and heavyweight for me.

I use MS-Outlook tasks. They are not what I need. No planning capability. Tracking is not nice.

I'm using the Pomodoro technique and I like it, but I'm looking for something more comprehensive and with better computerized support. Something that would allow me to define goals with dependencies and time estimation, keep daily prioritized lists etc.

So, I'm looking for a solution. One I've found is GoalPro, but I don't like the fact I could not find a "top ten comparison".

Are you using any goal setting package such as GoalPro? Which? Does it help? Pros and Cons?

Answer 1

Might not suit your needs, but I think you could use Project a little differently and address the issues you've encountered. For example, although Project is supposed to track a project's estimates, actuals, etc, in your case I would forget that. I would create smaller "projects" in a single project. For example, Project One might have 20-100 steps. You can create them, record estimates, use planning tools, re-arrange them, do dependencies, etc. You can also create a single "project" inside that project showing your vacation, training, etc. But you should NEVER record actuals. That will completely ruin your ability to manipulate the plan as you see fit.

But since you can have an almost limitless depth, you can use Project to track ALL of your smaller projects together, and I think it might meed your needs. Good luck.