GTD, Get Things Done! noob
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- Mojo
I want to implement GTD, but have no idea where to start. What are your experiences with GTD, how did it go, what worked best, how did you start?
I am constantly overwhelmed and experience lack of productivity from it.
help
- canuck0
Make a list of things that need to be done in order of importance, then start checking things off. Re-use from other projects/tasks to make things move quicker. Reward your self at milestones.
- So you don't think I should try GTD?Mojo
- I know nothing of this gtd, only how I stay on top of things.canuck
- Mojo, you have nothing to lose by submersing yourself in a new system to see if it works for you. At least try it at 100% before deciding.JKristofer
- JKristofer0
My favorite topic.
GTD has absolutely changed my life from a "stress wreck" to an absolute enjoyable controlled life. Once you've committed 100% of yourself to your system you will wonder how you've even managed to wake up in the morning without it. I have been completely GTD for almost 2 years at this point.
I would suggest you start off by purchasing stacks and stacks of index cards (without lines) and find your favorite pens to purchase. I would also recommend purchasing those big plastic file boxes for inbox storage.
Once you have these, grab some binder clips and clip half stacks of index cards to be placed in various spots in your home (next to the bed, kitchen, living room, office, etc.) and couple these with pens.
Now for the fun part, begin downloading on index cards, every single thing you can think of. Just list a thought per index card. I would not suggest that you try and fill the card, but rather use a card for each individual thought. Even if it's just a word. use that 1 card for that 1 word.
Once you've gotten most out of your head grab those plastic storage boxes and begin (collection time) to throw physical misplaced items and questionable items (including bills, things that you wanted to replace, things that need attention, business cards, appointments that you've jotted down on some odd receipt, ideas you once wrote down on a take-out menu, an unidentified DVD that's been sitting on your desk, etc.) in the box.
Take your time with these steps before you begin processing and organizing.
I would also recommend you download Omnifocus. http://www.omnigroup.com/applica… I like this app right now and have tried just about every app available to date.
Good luck and feel free to email me regarding GTD if you want. I love to talk about it.
- Omni products are great.Jaline
- Agreed. My altitudes are all created in OmniOutliner. http://www.omnigroup…JKristofer
- I need a mac, I just don't like using them. Perhaps I'll try installing OSX on my PC.Mojo
- RoomFive0
post-it notes + pen = GTD :)
- Mojo0
JK: Thanks a lot! I was sure there'd be some here who swear by it!
But .. I am a PC user so no omnifocus :(
I am so desperately in need to take control of my life, it's amazing how things can pile up and actually cause you to do less.
Thanks again
- I live by it and love it.JKristofer
- For there is nothing to worry about, and it's not your fault. Leave behind one's nonsense.AlphaOmega
- Options aren't your brain's best friend. Clear one's mind, then everything else will open up.AlphaOmega
- rafalski0
I hear iGTD is good (mac only)
http://bargiel.home.pl/iGTD/
- Mojo0
The software looks great as a tool to implementing the GTD, but I don't think it's the main thing. iGTD and OmniFocus look great.. though, are there no PC alternatives? I'm surprised.
- JKristofer0
No sweat Mojo!
David Allen is a PC user as well. There are plenty of tools available for Outllook. From what I understand Outlook is fantastic for GTD.
Don't even worry about the software just yet. The entire system can be used and was designed to be used without software anyway.
Start by collecting/downloading.
I never use post-its as RoomFive recommends above, and would never make that recommendation. Stick with index cards. You'll never be without them and there will also be a stack in your pocket and more available within reach.
Once you've started collecting you will already begin to feel more in control.
- different things work for different people I guess, post-it's have always ensured I get stuff done! :)RoomFive
- I know and I want to agree, but in this particular case I don't see how post-its would be effective at all.JKristofer
- Outlook and post-it notes for sure. Omnioutliner looks steller!danthon
- JKristofer0
- Written for Outlook 2003 so I am sure you can run a google search and find better.JKristofer
- Thank you. :)Mojo
- madirish0
on same topic: http://anxietyapp.com/
- Mojo0
I have my bin, I have my cards. Ooh this is fun..
- barbtastic0
never heard of this, but it sounds interesting... i'd probably benefit from it if i could force myself to stick to it, but i never would.
- Mojo0
I've been like that, but to be honest, if I really want to achieve the things in life I want to - I have to manage in it in an efficient way. I really think this will give power, but only if it has full commitment.
- menos0
what is this exactly?
- czawada0
This sounds very interesting.
Where can I find out more about this? I think it could definitely help in my life.
- seed0
You really need to read the book to fully understand it. There is info on every page that could help you improve upon how you currently organize your work.
http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Th…
JKs suggestions about index cards are good (I may try that) but you can end up using whatever works best for you from software, PDAs to just paper.
I'm 2/3s through it now so I'm about to gather everything and start processing.
- seed0
One basic idea is that until you have gathered all the things you need to do in every aspect of your life along with next action steps these things with be in the back of your mind as a constant source of stress. Once you note all these things in a 'trusted system' your mind can be free from them until you are ready to work on them.
- menos0
hmm this sounds very interesting and make some sense. so it could be something from finishing a project to do the laundry to whatever else? big or small?
- Mojo0
I haven't got the book.. yet. I'd rather buy a digital version so I can read it NOW. Can't find one...
hmmm..
- Mojo0
you don't have to use the computer, but lets face it, it's much faster to have all your data easily searchable, editable, organisable - quick to input, quick to change etc..
GTD is more about the process, you don't have to use a computer - I intend to at least use my PDA and/or computer to save me time.
- i defo agree on the GTD process, I just don't understand the attitude that the 'best' option is to use a computer...RoomFive
- You don't think it's more efficient? You can just as easily do it on paper, but it's definately going to be faster and easier..Mojo
- yeah more efficient, depending on the person doing it, but people are making out it's the ONLY solution...RoomFive
- I guess you can be a hipster and do that hipster pda crap and have a million pieces of paper hahMojo