A Community Contribution from April Perry

Just about every mother I know has a refrigerator that is completely covered with party invitations, handouts for school assignments, reminders for community events, coupons, and about 50 other things calling out, “Me! Me! Me!”  We’re so afraid of the “out of mind, out of sight” rule, that we want to keep everything that needs our attention smack dab in the middle of the kitchen.

Although this tactic might help us feel slightly organized, the drawbacks greatly outnumber the benefits.  For example, how are moms supposed to calmly make it through the dinner hour when every time they turn around, they’re reminded of all the things they’re not doing?  How are they going to remember which items have associated computer work or which ones require a run to the grocery store?  What happens if an important notice gets buried under alphabet magnets–or stolen by a toddler looking for something to color?  It just doesn’t work. [Read more →]

16 Comments »

A Community Contribution from Jan Cherlet

Hi fellow GTD’ers,

April 9, 2009 was the morning that changed my life. For the 4th time that week, I woke up at 4 am and couldn’t close another eye because of all the things I had to do (recognise this?). But this time I got up and surfed the web for a solution. Pretty fast I ended up with GTD and David Allen. One year later I’m the biggest GTD-fan in Europe (well, in Belgium anyway). The approach David and his team developed, helped me control and overview all the different responsibilities I’m handling. Being a musician in a lot of totally different kinds of music projects, music teacher, project coordinator, husband and father of two wonderful girls (you know, this takes time). A house, a beautiful garden, 3 chickens and a rabbit to maintain. I want to keep in shape–don’t we all–but I love drinking our famous Belgian beers, so this demands some balancing… [Read more →]

7 Comments »

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 →]

8 Comments »

We just posted a short excerpt from an interview where David talks about how he explained GTD to some teens.  Many of you have asked how to get your kids involved in GTD and this may give you some interesting language to engage them.  Listen Now>>

1 Comment »

David’s second book, Ready For Anything, is a wonderful little book, chock full of inspiring essays and helpful coaching questions.  It was born out of the “Food For Thought” essays he does in the free Productive Living newsletter (formerly called Productivity Principles.)  Kim, a mom in Ohio, wrote to David to share her experience with Ready For Anything.

I just wanted to let you know that I really have gained a lot from your book, Ready for Anything!  I am not a business person, or an entrepreneur.  In fact I do not even get paid for my work…but I do work — I am a Stay At Home Mom.  And, while I know I am not your target audience, I just wanted to let you know that this SAHM really got a lot from listening to your audio book. [Read more →]

1 Comment »

I recently presented a seminar where a participant brought up the project of getting her daughter into college.  Since that had been a project for me as well, I wrote to her about how I applied the “Natural Planning Model” to this project. For those of you unfamiliar with the Natural Planning Model, it is David Allen’s approach to getting projects creatively under control. The specific details of this five-phase approach can be found starting on page 54 of David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done.

Here is the email I sent to this participant regarding her project:

Dear Sara,

I wanted to share with you what I did to help my son with his efforts to get into college. [Read more →]

2 Comments »

GTD simply emerged after paying attention to the things that get in our way…

Mr. Allen.

I am writing to pay a special tribute to my Grandfather – who passed away last week at the age of 94.  He led a good, long life and was successful in many things.  He was the first President of Fording Coal and Superintendent of Mines for Comino in British Columbia, Canada.

I was in Vancouver last week, helping the family with the final tasks that are inevitable after a loved one passes.  Now – for the record, I have read all of your books and personally, have struggled with being successful in the implementation of the full GTD System. [Read more →]

4 Comments »

Meghan Wilker–mom, social media maven, and GTD’er-extraordinaire, brings her tips for surviving the holidays GTD-style. Enjoy!

This weekend kicked off the holiday season which, for most people, is synonymous with utter chaos. Often, work projects need to be wrapped up by end-of-year, we are inundated with party invitations from friends, clients, and vendors and — on top of all that — family commitments multiply. Oh, and then there’s that whole “buying presents” thing, which is made all the more fun by the current economy (aka “these uncertain times”).

Here’s how GTD can help you maintain your sanity this holiday season:

Calendar Kung Fu
If you haven’t already gotten a calendar management black belt, use the next two months to earn it. My favorite moves include:

• [Read more →]

1 Comment »

This community contribution comes from Tara who uses GTD to care for her ill mother.  It’s a wonderful story from someone who–already naturally organized and productive–found ways to improve on her systems to provide the best care she could for her mother.

Dear David,

I’m probably in the camp of those who need GTD the least and who benefit from it the most. I’ve always been an “organized” person and have been praised for my ability to get things done and not let things “fall of my plate” or “radar screen” depending on the metaphor you prefer. That said, my life has taken a turn for the more complex and chaotic recently and I’ve found GTD to be the thing that helps me keep it together. [Read more →]

5 Comments »

We wanted to share this amazing letter from Kevin, who recently attended a GTD Mastering Workflow class.  He describes what he did after the class, including a wonderful experience of connecting with his daughter.  For those of you feeling like you’re in “always on” mode in your work and personal life, Kevin’s story may be inspiring to you to see what’s possible…

[Read more →]

8 Comments »