General Question

chogg's avatar

How do you stay on the GTD wagon?

Asked by chogg (6points) March 23rd, 2009

I have been reading lifehacker, and trying to get the hang of GTD, but it seems so overkill. Is it really as good as people say?

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6 Answers

marinelife's avatar

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What is it about the getting things done process that is not working for you?

irondavy's avatar

GTD only worked for me when I loosened it up a bit, any aspect that requires me to do specific things in specific time intervals or on specific days I don’t pay attention to. It’s also so important that you make it as easy as possible to add new stuff to your inbox. In my case, GTD really started to soar when I got an iPhone and had a quick, reliable way to keep it going.

Also, the way it’s outlined in the book is better than any articles or blog posts that I’ve read. It starts you off slow and you get deeper into it. Less intimidating that way.

Trustinglife's avatar

Yes, the original Getting Things Done book is thorough and excellent, and the next one, Ready for Anything, is great as it helps ease you into the ideas behind it. But Irondavy is right, when you’re really ready, read GTD.

Personally, yes, it’s absolutely as good as people say. I actually did organizing coaching for people even before I read GTD, and after I read it, I started coaching from within that framework. It’s that good. It’s comprehensive, without being dogmatic. It’s a set of principles. There’s really nothing to rebel against. How do you rebel against gravity?

If you don’t have a trusted system, stuff goes back into your head for your mind to manage it. If you’re ok with that, fine, but please realize that it will have a cost on your attention, your energy, your productivity, your creativity, and your ability to enjoy your life. If you’re interested in having all that, develop a system that you trust and manage regularly. That way you get a free head.

chogg's avatar

Thanks!!
I actually own the first book, GTD, by David Allen, but I haven’t read it all, I have heard most of it on audiobook, but I can’t seem to make it work for my student life.

Thanks for the great answers :)

I’ll definitely give it another better try! Just need to get a set of tools that I like and trust. I have been trying to use Remember the milk, but the lists grow to be longer than the bible. How do you keep the someday/maybe list small?
How critical should I be when adding stuff to my lists?
What lists do you have?

Trustinglife's avatar

I have a word document I keep open on my computer all the time that holds all my lists. I can find whatever I need very quickly.

I also have capture tools that I keep elsewhere throughout my life. I like 3×5 notecards for that, and I have them by my bed, in my car, in my backpack. When I get to my desk, I process the notes there and put it in my word doc system. Once they’re all in, I sort for importance, and decide what I need to do today.

The someday-maybe list probably shouldn’t be small. That’s a good place to be dreamy, not critical. And welcome to Fluther!

chogg's avatar

A thousand thanks for the answers people! =)

A nice and warm welcome is appreciated ;)

I think I’ll try a moleskine, if my wallet allows it of course.

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