Tips&Tricks: How to set dependency on a recurring task

Setting the dependency of one task on another allows you to link tasks from different folders and projects in the MLO task manager. But what if you need to set dependency on a recurring task? With the default settings such a dependency will never work: the dependency will remain on the same task, but with a new date — it creates a constant cycle.

Let's take an example

Initially, we have two tasks:
1. The recurring task;
2. Another task that depends on this recurring task.

Imagine a person who works and receives a paycheck every month. He even has a corresponding recurring task in MyLifeOrganized to keep it under control:

Next month he is going to buy a new bike after he gets paid:

The question is: How to make the task 'Buy a new bike' appear in To-Do only after receiving the money? Add a dependency? But we cannot set dependency on a recurring task, because such tasks always remain relevant, only the dates change.

Solution

1. In the recurring task properties, set 'Disable automatic reset' and 'Automatically recur when any subtask is completed':

2. Create a subtask with the same name, or with a little clarification:

3. Set the dependence on the subtask of the recurring task:

Tip: You can use alternative Drag&Drop operation for setting dependency. Drag with the right mouse button and select the option from the menu after the Drop.

What do we get

1. In active actions, only the subtask of the periodic task is displayed:

2. The task 'Buy a new bike' is hidden until you get the money.
3. As soon as the 'Receive a paycheck (November)' is completed, the task 'Buy a new bike' is activated, because all conditions are met to complete the purchase.
4. The recurring task remained unchanged, the recurrence worked, and a new due date was automatically set for it.

In the same way you can manage your work tasks. For instance, there may be a dependency of specific customer orders on periodic deliveries of goods that may be stuck in transit due to some reasons.

We hope that the examples were clear and useful to you.