The Computed-Score Priority mode in MyLifeOrganized (MLO) uses various factors to calculate an individual score for each task in your outline. These scores are then used to generate a priority-ordered task list. The primary factors that contribute to each task’s score are its Importance, Urgency, and Time. Below is a detailed explanation of each factor:
- Importance:
- Relative to Parent: The importance of each task is set relative to its parent item. This means you should consider how crucial a task is in the context of its parent task.
- Hierarchy Inheritance: Importance is inherited down the hierarchy. If a parent task has lower importance, this will reduce the importance of its child tasks. Conversely, a highly important parent task will elevate the importance of its child tasks.
- Ranking: Tasks with higher importance will appear nearer the top of the task list.
- Urgency:
- Relative to Parent: Similar to importance, the urgency of each task is set relative to its parent item. This involves assessing how time-sensitive a task is within the context of its parent task.
- Ranking: Tasks with higher urgency will be prioritized higher in the task list.
- Time:
- Start Date: The start date of a task can influence its priority. Tasks that are scheduled to start sooner may be given higher priority.
- Due Date: The due date is another critical factor. Tasks that are due sooner will typically be prioritized higher.
- Elapsed Time: The amount of time that has passed since the start date can affect the task’s urgency and, consequently, its priority.
- Remaining Time: The time remaining until the due date is also considered. Tasks with less time remaining until their due date may be given higher priority.
- Overdue Boost: If a task is overdue, it may receive an additional boost in priority to ensure it is addressed promptly.
- Additional Factors (if applicable):
- Weekly Goal Weighting: Some systems may allow for weekly goal weighting, where tasks contributing to weekly goals are given higher priority.
- Preferences and Custom Weighting: Users may have preferences or custom weighting factors that influence how start dates, due dates, and other attributes affect the computed score.