Getting Things Done is a method for productivity and organization. It involves emptying your brain of all tasks and projects by writing them down, then determining if each item requires action or no action. Items that require no action are filed, binned, or incubated, while items that require action are done immediately, delegated to someone else, added to a next action list or project list. Maintaining next action lists and a tickler file system with 43 folders is essential for staying organized and completing tasks.
What is Getting Things Done? A system of “getting things done” based on a book of the same name Book was written in 2001 by David Allen has sold over 1 million copies The unabridged book comes on 7 audio CDs I'm go to attempt to show you in 15 minutes
For me... Start a project but it would get put “on-hold” - some kind of mental block stooped me from moving it forward Stuff not getting done when it was supposed to get done which resulted in more admin or fines Wasted opportunities – come back from a shop and then realising there was something else I needed So, lets look at how this system works...
Probably the most important step Get EVERYTHING out: Every half-started project Every commitment you've made to yourself Every odd-job around the house you Everything We call this “stuff” We'll talk about how to organise stuff shortly...
Once you've got stuff, for each item, decide... Does someone need to do something about this? Action! Do you just need to hang on to this stuff? No Action
File it – in a single alphabetized filing system Bin it Incubate it – keep it for the future (I'll show you how to do his in a cool way soon)
Do it Delegate – maybe you boss needs to look review a document before sending to the customer. Start a Project – if there are many steps to getting this done, create a project. Put it on a “Next Action List”
Have seperate list depending on context. This make its easier to scan the list and make a good judgement about what to do next
Well stokced desk: Stapler Rubber bands Labeller Paper clips Pens and pencils Fast Filing Filing a sinle piece of paper in a new file < 1 min If not, you'll put it off (maybe put it back into the in tray)
Weekly review is essential. Reads all your project and next action lists, update as necessary – adding, deleting Ok, I said I would going to talk about how to incubate stuff – enter... The Tickler file