Why Using Reminders on Tasks in Outlook is a Bad Idea

As someone who advocates for effective task management systems, I often find myself at odds with the conventional wisdom of using reminders on tasks in Outlook. In this post, I want to share my perspective and explain why I believe that relying solely on reminders to stay on track can be a recipe for disaster.

Firstly, it's important to recognize that when a task has a specific deadline or time constraint, it's essential to treat it as an appointment rather than just a task. According to the principles of systems like 1MTD and MYN, if a task must be completed at a certain time of day, it should be scheduled as an appointment on your calendar, rather than relying solely on your task list.

Many people question my stance on this issue, wondering if I'm sure about not using reminders on tasks with future deadlines. For those who have read my books or taken my classes, they know that I strongly advise against relying on Outlook's reminder feature for tasks, even when there are future deadlines involved.

Using reminders on tasks in Outlook can lead to a false sense of security, making it easy to overlook other important responsibilities and commitments. Additionally, relying solely on reminders can create an over-reliance on technology, which can be problematic if the system fails or becomes unavailable.

In contrast, scheduling tasks as appointments on your calendar allows you to visualize your entire day, including both personal and professional commitments. This approach enables you to prioritize your tasks more effectively, allocate sufficient time for each activity, and make better use of your resources.

In conclusion, while using reminders on tasks in Outlook may seem like an easy way to stay organized, I firmly believe that it's not the most effective approach. By treating tasks with deadlines as appointments and scheduling them accordingly, you'll be able to maintain a more structured schedule, prioritize your tasks more effectively, and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life.

Outlook task reminder