We've blogged before about private workplaces, one of the key features of OnePlace. (See “Just give me a little privacy” by Steve Kickert) We here at Riverock use our private workplaces to manage our personal lives every day, so I thought I'd share some of our favorite uses of this powerful tool for managing your private life.

The OnePlace private workplace lets you unleash the full power of a top of the line project management tool on your private life. You can build projects and tasks for managing your personal todo's and you can store files, lists, and notes to track information that is valuable to you. All the information stored in your private workplace is visible only to you.

I, personally, get a lot of use out of the lists feature of my private workplace. For example, I have running lists for items I need at the home improvement store and static lists of items that I'll need at the next boy scout camp. The information in your private workplace is available on your mobile device, so I maintain my lists on my Mac and use my iPhone to check off the items as I shop.

The file and note sections of your private workplace are a great place to retain important personal information. I've used mine to retain electronic copies of physical exam forms so I don't have to take a needless physical before the last one expires. (No one wants to take a needless physical!) In addition, you can securely store notes containing such confidential information as passwords, PINs, or account numbers.

Private projects and tasks may seem like overkill at first blush, but most of us know how complicated it can be to manage an anniversary event for your significant other, plan an event for a church, school, or scouting group, or even plan a birthday party for ten or so children. Creating and scheduling projects and tasks for these types of events removes much of the planning stress and ensures that the event goes off without a hitch. In addition, you can use standalone tasks with deadlines to ensure you don't miss those important dates in your life such as anniversaries and birthdays.

Give managing your personal life with OnePlace a try, you can do so for free. I think you'll find it addicting.

In closing, here is my top 10 list of favorite uses for my private workplace. (With apologies to David Letterman).

10. Remembering the screws at Menards.
 9. Not buying a book I've already read.
 8. Remembering to backup my Mac once a week.
 7. Remembering to call my mother on her birthday.
 6. Prevent using the “forgot my password” link on dozens of web sites.
 5. Keeping track of half a dozen retirement accounts.
 4. Not forgetting little Timmy's medal for the awards banquet.
 3. Ensuring that I have toilet paper at the week long wilderness camp. 
 2. Remembering my anniversary.
 1. Avoid hearing the doctor tell me to “cough” unless absolutely necessary. 

Priceless!