Conditional and Seasonal Recurring Tasks

This post describes two variations of recurring tasks that might be useful. I use OmniFocus for task management, but converting the OF task structures to Tana structures should not be difficult.

Conditional Recurring Task

Instead of directing that watering be done immediately, this task causes the need for watering to be evaluated. The task notes contain the information needed to make the decision.

- The watering and rain dates can be quickly updated using simple Keyboard Maestro macros triggered from the OmniFocus conflict pallet.

- Not shown in the screenshot: The "should I water?" task recurs during most of the year on a four-day cycle.

Seasonal Recurring Task

Some tasks recur, but only during specific times of the year. This three-task structure can be used for that purpose. It is not as automatic as I would like, but it works. When the spraying task (the second of the three tasks) is deferred, OmniFocus "hides" it.

Red arrow: This annual task was recently completed. Its purpose is to activate the spraying task. It will next be due in March 2025.

Green arrow: This recurring task is now active and has a 10-day periodicity.

Blue arrow: In mid-September this annual task will defer the spraying task until next Spring.