“Your filing system should be a simple library of data, easily retrievable–not your reminder for actions, projects, priorities or prospects.” – David Allen
One of the most common questions we get is how to get started with GTD. New people, especially, will ask this after coming to us dazed and confused by what GTD is really about. And, lots of people seem to be hoping a piece of software will teach them GTD. Sorry, but that’s kind of like buying a car and then learning how to drive. You’ll make your way down the road, but it won’t be pretty.
As a GTD Coach, and also intimately involved in the education and offerings from David Allen, I would suggest one of the following products:
The GTD System – This is, in my opinion, one of the best educational products we offer. You get a ton of resources to learn GTD at your own pace. You get the GTD book, coaching CDs with David Allen, GTD Connect and more. Good stuff. …more
“When in doubt, throw it out. When in doubt, keep it.” – David Allen
OK, so what you should really be keeping? This is a standard records retention list that we got a few years ago from our accounting firm in California. There may be better ones out there, or more specific to your location. It should in no way constitute final judgment for your own accounting and record-keeping. We’ve heard that it is quite a grey area, and can differ from state to state. It might help with some general guidelines, however.
Type and Retention Period (years)
Accident reports and claims (settled cases)— 7
Accounts payable ledgers and schedules— 7
Accounts receivable ledgers and schedules— 7
Audit reports of accountants— permanently
Bank reconciliation— 1 …more
David Allen’s list of cool/convenient lists to have
There are critical reminder-type lists that we all need to let our brain relax (re: outcomes and actions). There are other lists, though, that can be useful, fun, and interesting, that fit in the area of “reference” or “support.”
Account and $ numbers- credit card #s, PIN #s, etc. (make sure wherever you keep these, it is safe and secure.)
Affirmations- personal self-talk scripts for positive internal programming.
Basic personal numbers (self and family members)- drivers license, social security, insurance policies, Whatever you may need for yourself and others when filling out forms. (Again, make sure wherever you keep these, it is safe and secure.)
Birthdays- (if you don’t put them on your digital calendar system), group by date, as reviewable (those during a month, put in tickler for that month, etc.) …more
A GTD’er wrote to us to ask what resources we have for helping her manage email. She wrote that email is “vying for top ten on my list of overwhelming.” Here’s what one of our coaches shared:
There are a few excellent resources from the David Allen Company for applying the GTD methods to your email:
People ask us all the time how to get GTD to stick in their organization. Here’s a great testimonial for how to build a network of GTD’ers:
David,
Just a quick note to let you know my company is still employing GTD and getting better at it! We conversed a few years ago about a group we created at my business for people to implement and be accountable for creating their systems and establishing the habit of the Weekly Review…
Well…I am pleased to say we are still doing it! And, we resurrected the group again in January, and this time there are 12 participants (voluntary of course). I wanted to let you know some of the successes and insights we have had during this session. …more
As many of you know, we are a Lotus Notes shop. Have been for years. Even Lotus is also catching on to the value of GTD (with the GTD tool eProductivity) for adding value to Notes :
If you’re still searching for the best tools for your GTD implementation, be sure to check out our latest Productive Living newsletter.
If you’re not doing a Weekly Review, then you’re always trying to do a Weekly Review, but never really doing it. The real reason to do it is so that 6.9 days of the week you don’t have to. -David Allen
Looking for motivation and coaching on the GTD Weekly Review? Get the CD set. Includes Coach Meg Edwards walking you through a Guided Weekly Review.
