Get Started — The Docket Method

Option A — Paper & pen (zero setup)

Start in 60 seconds

Open a notebook. Write today's date. At the top, write MIT and pick 1–3 things that would make today a win. Draw a line; below it, timestamp what you actually do as the day goes (09:15 coffee, 10:40 deep work). At the end of the day, read it back.

That's it. More detail on The Method page.

Option B — Text files (Obsidian or any editor)

Keep everything in a folder with a data/ folder inside. Many people use Obsidian: create a vault and put your plain-text files in data/.

TheDocketMethod/
└── data/
    ├── rtm.md          # tasks
    ├── cal.md          # calendar
    ├── log.md          # Time Log
    ├── inbox.md        # quick capture
    ├── health.md       # optional
    └── notes/          # lists & projects

Files to create

Put these in data/. Exact format details are on the Files page. Quick reference:

rtm.md — Tasks: - [ ] Title and - [x] Title for done. Optional due: YYYY-MM-DD, priority: 1 on indented lines.
cal.md — Date line YYYY-MM-DD Mon, then 2-space indent: 11:00-12:00 Meeting or Holiday for all-day.
log.md — One entry per line: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM then two spaces then your note.
inbox.md — One bullet per item: - Thing to process later.

Example log (timestamp + two spaces + content):

2026-03-05 09:15  Started with coffee and planning.
2026-03-05 14:30  Deep work block.
2026-03-05 18:00  Wrapped up; dinner.

Option C — The app (when it's ready)

Right now the app is a local setup — not super friendly yet. I'm smoothing that out. If you want a single "it's ready" note when it's easier for normal humans, DM me on X @kevinwlee. No newsletter, no spam.

For copy-paste file templates and full format rules, see the Files page.