Sometimes Silent

So Getting Things Done what is it?

It’ s a book about getting organized. I first read it in February of 2004. I got gung ho about it and followed it to the letter at first. I also experimented with a paper system partially modeled after something in 43 Folders, decided I was taking too much time and trouble in trying out a new system and then I settled on an electronic system involving a Treo PDA/Cell Phone.

After a few months though, I slacked off a little in that I didn’t always empty my email in-boxes, and then I slacked off a little more by not checking my tickler files. Now; however, I’m back on track.

What I did not fail to do since February of ‘04, was to keep my task and project lists. I think for that part alone, this book was well worth it. And when I’m completely on track, I’d say it’s even more so.

The whole thing centers around two main things in my mind. One is “what the next action” is. Care is taken to show you that the next action isn’t something like, “Clean the apartment” but “Pick up the clothes on the floor” which can be the difference between something that sounds overwhelming and something that can be done. Taken to bigger levels it can mean that “Get a new job” can be accomplished one smaller next action at a time instead of being a nagging thought in your brain.

The other main concept I found very helpful was actions in context. This is so that you only keep in mind things that can be done when you can actually do them. You don’t sit at work worrying about cleaning your apartment. Also, when you are out at errands, you have a list of things that can be done while out on errands, or even things that can be done anywhere, including while waiting for a haircut for instance.

Both of these things help your mind in a few ways. One, you are breaking down big things into manageable steps…. at the same time you are recording these things so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to do them. Two, you don’t spend time worrying about something you can’t get done in the moment anyway.

As I said, even though I slacked off for maybe 3.5 months total since February of 2004, I still think the Getting Things Done system really helped me. Plus, the system is so easy and — as I found out — forgiving once you get done with the first brain dump, that you can get back into it without much guilt and catch up work.

I forsee sticking with this for years to come.

Technorati Tags: gtd, getting things done

Getting Things Done, OmniOutliner, and syncing to paper at Litwack.org

I was just thinking of how I’ve been lax with my GTD system lately and this article came up on 43 Folders.

I don’t think I’ll be implementing it but it was worth a read and it helps to read others successes to keep you going yourself.

I cleared my inbox today though, this is a good thing.

My Desk

I posted this to the Getting Things Done Group. But figured I’d add it here too, there’s the caption over there (plus I tagged the pic):
Paper support files are to the right of my monitor. Digital to my left. My Palm 100 is old but it does the job (it’s hooked up to my laptop). The laptop is usually on the pull out shelf to the left but I moved it on top of some in progress files for the picture.

I also carry a “Hipster PDA” just in case that’s easier to use at any given moment. I’ll upload a pic of that too if my free space allows.

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The magnetic containers I got from The Container Store: http://tinyurl.com/64mr4. I’ve since moved them to the side support bars and I hang my printed out calendar down from the bar.

Anyway, that’s my Show and Tell for today. I’m supposed to do a write up on GTD but it’s only on my Someday / Maybe list right now

“Bright people have the capability of freaking out faster and more dramatically than anyone else.” - Sidebar quote from Getting Things Done, David Allen.