The basic unit of information in your system is a card. The syntax I use for the cards is demonstrated on the card below. Your cards will become smarter over time, as you add information to them.
The process for making a card
- Format the title into proper Dozen syntax – this step highly recommended, as the formality is how you will restore order when it feels like the wheels are coming off.
- Assign color-coded labels for admin, people, and projects. Also mark cards that serve your current goals.
- Define the first action – write down the next thing that needs to happen about this topic. Be specific, and include a verb.
Card details
Click on a card to open its details. Several of the buttons on the right are useful:
Description
I use this field to add things like account numbers, notes, or to organize a more detailed list of what needs to be done about this topic. Keep in mind that the content of this field will not be visible when you view the board, so take care not to hide essential information from yourself.
Labels
- Labels are organized around core categories – admin, projects, people.
light blue – admin - dark blue – projects
- purple – people
- black – supports a current goal
Checklist
These are really handy for a couple of specialized cards, like your GROCERIES & SUPPLIES list.
Date
The Date can be useful for reminders with longer periods.If you indicate a Due Date, the card will display a red indicator when it’s time to do it. This is what I do with cards in the ADMIN column that only need attention a few times a year.
Archive
This is how you delete a card. Click Archive, then Delete.
Special cards
Dividers
Divider cards are very handy for subdividing lists. Just make a few cards like this:<br/>
——————
GROCERIES and SUPPLIES
The grocery list card is wonderful. It contains several checklists for categories of groceries (cold, produce, etc), that are populated with the food and supplies I want to keep on hand. When I run out of something, I uncheck it on my list. Then, when I’m at the grocery store, I consult that card on the Trello phone app, and check an item’s box again when I put it in my cart. Really handy!
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
This card tracks things you need to remember to do every few weeks or months, like checking smoke detectors, running generators, charging emergency equipment, etc. Use the date field on the back to cause these cards to light up when you need to know about them.
Media cards
Succinct place to collect ideas. Depending on status they live in the ACTIVE PROJECTS or FUTURE PROJECTS list.
- READ – books, etc
- LISTEN – podcasts and interviews
- PLAY – games
- WATCH – videos, movies, TV
- TOOLS – apps