Task Compass provides two operation modes:
The Stream
The simplest mode. Task Compass provides you with a single stream of prioritized tasks. Tasks you check off as done get replaced with new ones from the task pool, following your prioritization choices.
The Shortlist
Based on Oliver Burkeman’s 4000 Weeks.
A Plan-Execute pendulum. Adds a new stage after The Stream. You schedule tasks for a given day (for today or for tomorrow), building a Shortlist.
Then you switch to Execution mode, and can focus on your plan until it’s finished.
Comparing the modes
What’s shown
- The Stream: Top tasks from enabled lists.
- The Shortlist (Planning): Top unplanned tasks from enabled lists.
- The Shortlist (Executing): Tasks you scheduled for today, regardless of enabled lists.
When it ends
- The Stream: Never. Completed tasks are replaced by the next ranked task.
- The Shortlist (Planning/Executing): When all tasks planned for today are done.
Planning and execution
- The Stream: Mixed — you plan and execute continuously.
- The Shortlist (Planning): Dedicated planning phase.
- The Shortlist (Executing): Dedicated execution phase.
Adding a new task
- The Stream: Prioritized immediately.
- The Shortlist (Planning): Prioritized immediately.
- The Shortlist (Executing): Not shown unless it is scheduled for today.
List selection
- The Stream: Only tasks from enabled lists.
- The Shortlist (Planning): Only tasks from enabled lists.
- The Shortlist (Executing): All tasks planned for today, regardless of which lists are enabled.