For those of you going to the ASTD conference in Chicago next week, there’s a discussion with David Allen on Tuesday, May 18th @ 10am in the ballroom. Topic is “How Leaders Can Get More Done.”
Community Contribution from Jason Verly
On April 3, 2010, Apple released the iPad to the world. A day later I completely changed how I do my weekly reviews. Like most avid GTD’ers, I kept my weekly review to be a sacred and solemn time. I normally did my reviews on Sunday evening in my home office so I could really dig into what was happening so I could get clear about what I had coming up the next week. My weekly review was anchored to a time and place where I believed I needed to be to get through my lists. Not anymore.
The weekend the iPad came out my weekly review was done on the couch sitting next to my 5y old son while he watched a movie. I have to tell you, it was great. I was in a relaxed place, with little distraction, and I was able to focus and process like never before. Now before you hit enter on your comment asking how could I concentrate while sitting next to my son while he was watching a movie or stating there is no way someone could get a good weekly review done in that kind of setting, see if you can give me two more minutes to explain. I’ll bet I can convince you it can be done in that kind of setting and it is so worth it. [Read more →]
For those of you using eProductivity for Lotus Notes, and are looking to view your tasks on iPhone or BlackBerry, Mark Hughes has created a solution for that. Learn more…
The Tickler File is one of the “incubation” systems David recommends in Getting Things Done (p. 173). It’s also where the phrase “43 folders” comes from, as it refers to the 12 monthly and 31 daily folders that make up a Tickler File system. What is a Tickler File? It’s a three-dimensional version of a Calendar that allows you to hold physical reminders of things that you want to see or remember–not now, but in the future.
A GTDer wrote to David to ask if there’s a “lite” version of a Tickler File system:
Q: I have set up a tickler file of the 43 described folders, but I find that I am not accessing the folders except every 7-10 days. Most of my folders sit empty because things do not cross my desk in the way a typical person might expect. I am a dentist, but take care of the majority of the administrative/ business type paperwork myself. [Read more →]
Community Contribution from April Perry
Mothers need Getting Things Done as much as (or more than!) any other group. Why? Let me show you a glimpse into my life “pre-GTD.”
My 7-year-old son, Ethan: Mom, want to see this cool toy lizard I got as a prize today?
Me: Yep. Ooh. That’s neat. (Then in my head) I need to buy paper towels, we have ants in the bathroom, it’s my niece’s birthday Friday, there’s a permission slip form somewhere around here I need to sign…
Ethan: Mom, you’re not even looking!
Me: Sorry. Okay. Yes, I really do like that lizard. What’s his name? I didn’t even exercise today. I’ll remember tomorrow. Don’t I need a sitter for Friday night? How’s the laundry doing? If I could just get that laundry room organized, I would feel so much better. Where’s that book I was reading? I need to remember to get some chocolate chips at the store. The carpet needs to be vacuumed. Where’s the baby? [Read more →]
Ruud Hein did an interesting and educational interview with David Allen. It’s a quick read. Here’s an excerpt:
A challenge for many GTDers is how to have a trusted system among several discrete software systems. Typically the situation arises in the workplace where either Outlook or Lotus Notes exists, plus other systems that may be CRMs, databases, or dashboard and reporting tools. Additionally, the workplace systems might not be convenient or available for one’s personal life.
My system was working great for me. My lists were in Omnifocus on my MacBook Pro and iPhone. I used web-based Gmail, and I would copy the URL for an email and paste its hyperlink into the note field of an item in Omnifocus. I used iCalendar that syncs to Google Calendar. I also used a David Allen Note Taker wallet for my ubiquitous capture tool.
Being hired by David Allen Company created significant problems to my tidy GTD ecosystem. [Read more →]
Many of you have been searching for the GTD Coordinator® paper planner. Created in partnership with Mead, this paper planner is designed GTD-style. It quickly sold out in the DavidCo store (except for blank refill packs), but you can still find the full 2010 GTD Coordinator in many Staples retail stores throughout the U.S. Here’s specifically what to look for:
Letter-size GTD Coordinator- Item #805099 - Last we heard, there were 4,700 units available in Staples stores.
Junior-size GTD Coordinator- Item # 805102 – Last we heard, there were 900 units available in Staples stores.
So, which Staples stores have them? This is where the adventures begins…
The easiest way to locate one is to do a live chat with Staples.com to find the location of the store closest to you with inventory. They have access to the full inventory and will be of great assistance. Give them the item numbers above or the name “GTD Coordinator.” Unfortunately, if you call a Staples store the staff will not be able to find one, but the live chat agents will at least save you from hunting around to all of your local Staples stores. If you do find one, they will be in the paper planner or calendar section of the store.
We’ll post what we know about 2011 inventory as we learn more about Mead’s plans.
For the most part, people who master the ability to stay clear and focus 100% on what most calls their attention, seem to be involved in what appears the most sustainable, long-term life- and career styles that reflect successful accomplishment. -David Allen
Rev. Chip Granthan sent this letter along to the facilitator who led the GTD Public Seminar he attended in Atlanta. Chip was happy to have this shared with our GTD Times readers too.
I’d been trying to find the tool to bring clarity to my situation and had stumbled upon the GTD Coordinator® that Staples sells back in November. I’d liked the layout, and had followed up by getting a copy of David’s book.
I’d read Getting Things Done 3 or 4 months ago. I’d tried to absorb it and get my arms around it. I picked it up about 6 weeks ago and read it again. I’d gone online to DAC’s website, and had seen the information on the Atlanta seminar. I’d downloaded the free materials and had purchased the GTD and OUTLOOK 2003 guide. I’d signed up for the seminar, and in the interim I started actually processing my email the GTD way. What a difference! I started looking at the changes I needed to make in my office. I am a stacker and a packrat. I’ve always known what was where in what stack, [Read more →]
