Testimonials

The System is a Game-Changer

I have used to-do lists on index cards before so that I can carry them around (usually as a bookmark), but the point system and prioritising has been a game changer. It’s really, really difficult for me to figure out what to do first and often doing my tasks in the wrong order messes the day up. So this is helping me to put what’s important first and get that big reward (7 points! wow!) for getting something challenging done. I just wanted to say thank you very, very much. I’ve tried and given up on so many self-help systems and have felt quite disappointment in myself for not sticking to things that seem so easy. Quite a lot of people must feel this way and finding that thing that works is just such a relief.

– Tanuja

Helped when GTD couldn’t

I’ve been using GTD since 2007 or so, and although it has helped me to achieve a ton of objectives over the years, there have been too many times where my system has collapsed under the weight of too many projects, someday/maybe items, and next actions without skin in the game.

I like the way that the Today System forces you to prioritize right off the bat, and how building out your projects from a goal/no-goal perspective forces you to think about what’s really important.

Takes out the overthinking

I’m really trying to find what works for me. My biggest challenge is always getting started!
I like the clear measurable-ness of this system, both in terms of the points, and in terms of the 1.25 rule of thumb for how many items to put on your card. Takes some of the overthinking out of planning your day, which seems helpful.

Minimal and frictionless

I love how minimal and frictionless the today system is.

Tried other systems, but came back because this one works!

I used the Today System for a couple of weeks…It was successful for me.
Then I stopped.Why? I decided to give Todoist another go – in the past I hated the fact that items I hadn’t done had to be moved to the next day, the gradual build up of tasks that just are not high enough priority to do and being driven by the software. so after a month I stopped that as well.
Then I tried to do it all in my PKM/GTD system…
It was too hard to see the MOST important things to do that day.
and I never knew how successful my day was against what I needed to do.
So I am back [to using The Today System] and I love it.
I track the scores/quantities in my google score sheet.
I feel in control and I know what success is and why it doesn’t happen every day.

IT WORKS. Thanks Mike

I was skeptical, but pleasantly surprised

As someone who’s pretty skeptical and jaded about all this productivity porn, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the efficacy of this method because:

1. I didn’t need to turn my life upside down to try it or spend $$$$ on fancy supplies
2. it was flexible and if I got the list wrong I just threw away the card and started over
3. it’s brilliance lies in its simplicity-it forces you to do only what matters -ie articulate and commit to small, concrete tasks , one day at a time.

A system I can trust

It’s real and a system I trust.

That’s the big difference. There are so many books and experts on productivity and you seem to come at this from an intensely practical place.

I love the card!

I love the card! I do find that I’m more productive on the days when I use it.

It’s helping me be more productive

This has provided one major benefit: making me think of my unprioritized daily list in terms of where I want to start for that day, and how much I think I can reasonably get done in the day. I think I am learning more about my own pre-planning by doing this, and it’s helping me get more productive…I like the act of thinking through my priorities and how much I can reasonably get done, and I like having it on a card.

It makes sense

I really like it. It makes total sense to me. I can’t figure out why I didn’t think of it. I’m glad somebody did and I found out about it. Thanks.

The first system I feel excited to use every day

This is the first productivity system that I feel excited to use every day (or most days!). It is particularly helpful during this time in my life as I deal with unemployment and applying for jobs; it will be interesting to see if I can still use it to the same degree of effectiveness once I go back to work full-time. Or, perhaps I will use the card to help tackle tasks at work—I see it as helping me with the follow-through aspect of things.

More Focused, Less Distracted

Just wanted to send you a line to let you know that the card system is working for me! I used to do the blank, new page everyday in just regular paper followed by a to do list. But rating the efficiency is so much more motivating!
In general I see myself more focused on the use of my time and get less distracted. I helps to prioritize activities based on career impact too, which I find extremely useful.

Provides Discipline and Structure

With the today card I no longer keep the running task list open or accessible. Because I don’t need to reference the master task list during my day I am no longer tempted or distracted by different tasks when assessing what to do next…The daily scoring also gives structure to make each day count, avoid a low score, or procrastinate to later in the week. It has also been insightful to see where my expectations and reality varied and how my actions or planning contributed

Overall, it has been a useful tool providing a helpful discipline and structure without a burdensome or tedious process.

Helps Keep Me Focused

I’ve been using the Today Card for a few months now. I absolutely love it. Helps keep me focused on my most important tasks. I’m in Los Angeles and juggle work, kids preparing to leave the nest, and active community support. I can’t remember how I found Mike Sturm, but am so glad I did! He’s so chill about productivity. Exactly what I aspire to.