implement GTD

I’ve been following large parts of GTD. I have been using a hipster PDA, gmail, and Google Calendar to work it. I’m using a different filing system than in GTD.

I need to implement a tickler file and see if it is effective. Then, I can cross this goal off my 43 things.

I work better from Paper: 0 things crossed off this week (b/c I was trying to use the computer and got off my groove!)

I set myself up with website in the past couple weeks, based on my understanding of GTD at Rubyyot.com. So far it’s been working out, though my discipline hasn’t been as good as could be. Still being able to free my mind of all the stuff in there has been a great relief. It’s eye opening and daunting to see all of the things that I am doing / want to do spread out in front of me.

And then I fall apart when I don’t do it every day!!! discipline, discipline. I’ve felt in a huge fog recently!

I’m about 75% done with the book and love the idea of the GTD system. My mind is always full of the things I need to do, want to do, should do, etc, and I often find myself in headless chicken mode – running around and getting nothing done (GND). However, for months now I have resisted finishing the book. If I finally finish the book I’ll be able to start implementing the system – but that just seems like so much work. How do I make “implement GTD” my next action, when I don’t have next action lists, or Any lists, yet?

GTD really helps me get things done. I’ve used outlook and and a few web sites to help me. The one I like the best (right now) is Nozbe. Go to http://www.nozbe.com/a-FBE447A5 to try for free.

I could never figure out in Outlook how to look at all my items at one time for a particular project. Nozbe does that very well.

my first WR in AGES! Finally finally I have an empty inbox! I’m really going to have to make a point of scheduling a WR into my routine.

I’ve settled into a relatively productive rut that’s not truly GTD compliant but generally works for me.

- a pack of 3×5 cards and a pen go with me constantly for immediate capture;

- I’m using the application “Things” (beta, for Mac) to track projects and such. This app will require purchase in October and I’m still deciding whether it’s the best tool. They keep fixing things and adding features so it might be. The only thing that would make it better is if I could enter from multiple workstations… I think that’s at least a potential of their app due to it’s file structure but I don’t think it’s implemented yet.

- I have absolutely no mechanism for weekly review though. I just am doing all the immediate tasks with no larger picture – or actually, the larger picture remains only implicit;

- The work table I have at home is a shameful mess. There are “in” boxes there somewhere!

- the worst confession is that currently, I store my “work” lists on my work computer and my “home” lists on my home computer. For the most part, this works because both contexts are physically and functionally separate but when I’m entering info for “home” sometimes I remember items for work and vice versa.

but I’ve forgotten its lessons and need to re-visit it now I’m a few weeks into my new post.

David says “you need 3 baskets”, buy 3 baskets. He says “use alphabetic order to sort your general references”, just do it and don’t look for anything more clever. It just works :).

btw, I quite like the FREE software Thinking Rock to help me, but that’s totally up to you.

It’s been almost one year now. GTD is addictive, I can’t do without it anymore or the stress builds up like it used to the 27 first years of my life.