Tom and I are both endeavoring to make the most out of our time, by looking into Getting Things Done. We’ve already been using OmniFocus, and I’ve been using the idea of an Inbox folder where things go to be sorted, but in reading the book, I’m seeing how much we’re not doing.
It’s actually highly enlightening to see how much more we can do towards making the most of our time and having fewer things slip through the cracks.
It was (as David said it would be) to go through my @Inbox folder, as well as my downloads folder, and completely clear it out. Things got sorted, deleted, etc, and at the end both folders were empty.
I’m almost halfway through the book, and hoping to get the rest read before Tom and I get together in Indianapolis, so we can truly and powerfully brainstorm.
If you’re looking for a personal productivity tool, I highly recommend checking GTD out, the book, ain’t too big (which is always a damn good thing!), and the concepts are easy to implement whether it’s with pen, paper, and wireframe document holders, or using something like OmniFocus, or Things.
Hopefully this journey of productivity will bring really great things to 360|Flex events, and the phrase, “That didn’t get done?” won’t be common when Tom and I are talking anymore.
For implementing GTD you might try out this web-based application:
http://www.gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.
With the new added iCal feed, now you can subscribe to Gtdagenda with third party services like Google Calendar or Apple iCal, and stay up-to-date with your Gtdagenda tasks.
Hope you like it.
@dannielo,
Cool I’ll take a look. One of the things that I like about OmniFocus, is the upcoming iPhone app. I think that’s very cool since my biggest problem right now with GTD is the away from a computer time. Even when I’m in bed, at least the phone is right there.
GTD is one of the books I need to re-read. I got half way through it the first time. ;)
I wish I could use OmniFocus, but it’s Mac only unfortunately.
One solution to the “not always at the computer” syndrome is to carry a bunch of index cards. Write on the index cards when you need to, and just update when you get back to the ‘puter.
I remember thinking that a GTD app would be a great Web / AIR application. If only I had time to build it.
Good luck, John. I too am a fan of GTD and keep it around to refresh on every now and then. I can’t say I’ve ever fully drank the Kool-aid but the focus on immediate prioritization and preventing the trap of getting spread into too many areas is a very valuable mindset to keep charged up with.
As for the comments on gtdagenda and other handy tools, I’ve become dis-enchanted with the search and use of such techno-magic-bullets. I DO think certain tools HELP (e.g. a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard is required for managing my life now), but in the end, I think most of this GTD stuff (and other time management and goal setting/achieving things) come down to (self) discipline.
But let us know how your pursuit/usage of GTD tech-helpers works for you.
@DeronDilger I’m still keeping up with the OmniFocus. I still haven’t finished reading GTD though. Great concepts, but I’m afraid the writing just ain’t that good. :( I read a few pages and before you know it, I’m falling asleep. Though that could be the procrastinator in me fighting for survival. LOL