Comments on: Getting Things Done - again

By: hughmcguire.net · iGTD - Final Assessment

hughmcguire.net · iGTD - Final Assessment — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 19:34:15 +0000

[…] using it for about a month now, and I can report that I am happy with it (here are my first, and second posts about […]

By: Hugh

Hugh — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 19:07:53 +0000

yeah i think these management systems can’t do much unless you are already inclined to be anal about getting things done, in which case you likely don’t need systems like this.

in the end, there is very little difference between iGTD and my written-in-red-ink, lists in my notebook. except that iGTD sits on my computer, which encourages me to use my computer more than I already do, which, really, isn’t so great.

still… it’s mildly positive so far.

By: mir

mir — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:13:10 +0000

I once tried a 42 folders trick. The deal was to write *all* your priorities on file cards and then figure out which were to do now _ those you bound and carried with you at all times, like Boris’s aptly described squirrel. The others you prioritized into different piles. Each night you thematically searched your piles moving the little cards around into new piles. Think trading cards for neurotics.

I realized that basically systems thinking doesn’t work for me, when I noticed I would keep the cards with me so I could relax, but never read them, then occasionally I would pull them out of my bag go through them and be pleasantly shocked by the ones I had managed to “complete” and then throw the completed tasks into an empty hanging plant basket. My plan was to make a lovely mobile out of them, but that was a low priority task so eventually I trashed them.

There were a bunch on the wall at the library too. I actually used those ones though. Until the program started and all hell broke loose ;)

Basically IMHO, if you’re busy you should be working, organization should take up less then 5% of your time, any more than that and it’s procrastination so you might as well go for a drink or read a good book.

I however, am in Europe on a jaunt and busy for me now means buying and mailing postcards, other than that I am basically a peice of lint on the continents face.

By: Josh

Josh — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:40:53 +0000

haha!

By: Hugh

Hugh — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:02:11 +0000

have added @next. look out world.

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 04:44:41 +0000

I use GTD Tiddly Wiki. It has worked well.

So as not to focus on the tiny things, I prioritize my tasks. And I eat the frogs first instead of dealing with the flies. Judicial use of the @next tag helps when searching.

Eat that frog!

By: Hugh

Hugh — Thu, 31 May 2007 19:09:50 +0000

also: for people who want to be better at getting things done.

I am a list-maker, and iGTD is a nicely-organized keeper of lists.

whether or not that will make any long-term difference to my life, I’ll have to report back in 6 months or so.

By: Boris Anthony

Boris Anthony — Thu, 31 May 2007 15:18:17 +0000

Ahaha, I love it. I’d offer up some neat buddhist caption, but I’m too hungover.
I will say though that GTD and it’s ilk are by, and for, the obsessive little squirrels who, because they *juuuust* couldn’t quite fit into corporate office cubicles find themselves freelancing and realize they *juuuust* can’t quite get the swing of freedom.

And yes, the first step to freedom is accepting death. :)

By: mtl3p

mtl3p — Wed, 30 May 2007 19:56:43 +0000

I’m glad you liked that one, Hugh. I definitely think that I’ll remember it. The next time a good idea pops into a conversation, just remind yourself “i’m going to die” and then say no.

:-)

By: Hugh

Hugh — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:17:44 +0000

yes i usually think that new project management tools just allow me to develop new ways to behave in exactly the same way wrt work. i’ve tried a number of things… this one’s going OK tho.