Active timestamps participate in Agenda. Inactive timestamps record history. SCHEDULED is not a synonym for due date.
Five marks, five jobs
Use C-c . for an active timestamp, C-c ! for an inactive one, C-c C-s to schedule, and C-c C-d to set a deadline.
SCHEDULED means “do not expect this task before this date” or “plan to work on it then.” It is not a synonym for due date. DEADLINE expresses the last acceptable date; -3d begins warning three days earlier.
Repeaters distinguish scheduling semantics. +1w advances from the previous timestamp, ++1w catches up from the last scheduled occurrence, and .+1w schedules relative to completion. Consult the current manual before choosing: the difference matters after missed repetitions.
Enable habit display with org-habit. A habit is a repeating TODO with STYLE set to habit. The Agenda consistency graph makes patterns visible. Track only behavior where the graph improves decisions; turning every ordinary activity into a streak creates administrative guilt rather than insight.
Summary. Active timestamps enter Agenda. SCHEDULED means plan to work then. DEADLINE is the last acceptable date. Repeaters and habits are easy to overuse.
Exercises
- Basic: Insert active and inactive timestamps and observe their different appearance.
- Practical: Schedule work and give it a separate deadline with warning period.
- Advanced: Create one habit, miss a test occurrence, and study how your chosen repeater advances.