As part of the Ready for Anything Yahoo! Group, I'm leading the charge to read a chapter a week of Ready for Anything. I will be posting my submissions to the group here.
This chapter, more than anything else, outlines the true definition of what the "Getting Things Done" methodology is about - clearing your head. I do mini-mind sweeps all the time - mostly in my head, and not writing them down, which is silly.
I have spent the first few weeks of 2009 REALLY working on capturing everything and putting it in my system. I've done that pretty well, but I've slipped - here is a great reminder of what happens. The idea of buy milk / buy a company REALLY hits home for me - there is no line between business and personal, but my mind still wants to.
The chapter was kind enough to have me write down the two things I have to do tomorrow morning - put the recycles at the curb and ensure I take the car seats out of the car so they can go in my wife's van. Now written down, and I will see it on the "put it in front of the door method": it's on the coffee maker.
Showing posts with label tasks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tasks. Show all posts
Feb 8, 2009
Chapter 6 - 2 Commitments in your head create stress and failure.
As part of the Ready for Anything Yahoo! Group, I'm leading the charge to read a chapter a week of Ready for Anything. I will be posting my submissions to the group here.
While this one is, like Chapter 5, somewhat of a rehash of the basic
tenets of GTD, this one I like because it does talk about the conflict
with trying to remember 2 things - just 2 bloody little things! - on
your way to the office, or wherever. One, probably. Two - neither.
It reinforces that the system must be worked by getting your mind
clear and, more importantly, DECIDING on the next action.
I also find it interesting that there is a quote from John-Roger,
David Allen's spiritual leader. I suppose it had to be included, but
Mr. Allen really is part - and a leader - of an odd religious group.
While this one is, like Chapter 5, somewhat of a rehash of the basic
tenets of GTD, this one I like because it does talk about the conflict
with trying to remember 2 things - just 2 bloody little things! - on
your way to the office, or wherever. One, probably. Two - neither.
It reinforces that the system must be worked by getting your mind
clear and, more importantly, DECIDING on the next action.
I also find it interesting that there is a quote from John-Roger,
David Allen's spiritual leader. I suppose it had to be included, but
Mr. Allen really is part - and a leader - of an odd religious group.
Dec 14, 2005
Task lists and label makers
Well, over the past three days, I was very successful in working through my task list. Naturally, I didn't get all of them done, but I did make progress on a big project that had been stuck, and got it moved. I whacked through a bunch of "Next Actions", hacked through my in-basket on both days, and felt like I got a lot accomplished in a short time. Too many out-of-office meetings the last two days means that I haven't had the chance to really move on stuff, but I've been keeping the incoming stuff under control. I'm very happy with where I am, but hope to make some larger breakthroughs soon, maybe this weekend.
In fact, I think that may be what keeps me motivated. I keep working, hoping that immediately before I feel the "mind like water", I have a "EUREKA!" moment. It's coming. I already feel like the rushing river has at least turned into a small lake, with defined edges. Yes, the wind ripples the water a lot, and the currents can still pull you under, but at least they aren't constantly visibile in a rushing torrent that threatens to pull me under. I consider that real progress.
I took David Allen's advice (surprise) on another issue - a labeller. Well, I sort of took his advice, I didn't buy the optional AC adapter that is the same price as the labeller that I got (*blink*). Admittedly, the unit I bought had a $30 inducement in the form of a mail-in rebate. I decided on the Brother P-Touch PT-1280, which has the rebate on it until December 31st, 2005. I had put off a buying decision for a bit, as I thoguht the best/easiest/quickest/most practical solution would have been a computer-based printer such as the PT-1500PC or the Dymo Labelwriter 330 Turbo. I think my PT-1280 is a wonder. It's right beside me in my desk drawer. It doesn't require that my laptop is up and running. It doesn't take up a USB port. I just pull it out, tap out the label on the QWERTY keyboard, hit Print, and cut the label. Done. I'm going to buy one of the PC connected ones for our receptionist, who has a desktop, but this little Brother unit is outstanding - any handheld is. 6 'AAA' batteries is a little much, but we'll see how long they last before I complain. The thing just works.
Now, here's the kicker. I have, so far, printed ONE LABEL. That's how effective this thing seems to be. It won me over immediately. I completedly understand why David Allen has recommend it in his book and recommend that you don't share.
I should mention something about Staples - they have a great online system for registering for "mail-in" rebates. You go online, follow the instructions, enter the information from the receipt, and you're done. Outstanding of them to make the wait the hardest part of the whole process.
In fact, I think that may be what keeps me motivated. I keep working, hoping that immediately before I feel the "mind like water", I have a "EUREKA!" moment. It's coming. I already feel like the rushing river has at least turned into a small lake, with defined edges. Yes, the wind ripples the water a lot, and the currents can still pull you under, but at least they aren't constantly visibile in a rushing torrent that threatens to pull me under. I consider that real progress.
I took David Allen's advice (surprise) on another issue - a labeller. Well, I sort of took his advice, I didn't buy the optional AC adapter that is the same price as the labeller that I got (*blink*). Admittedly, the unit I bought had a $30 inducement in the form of a mail-in rebate. I decided on the Brother P-Touch PT-1280, which has the rebate on it until December 31st, 2005. I had put off a buying decision for a bit, as I thoguht the best/easiest/quickest/most practical solution would have been a computer-based printer such as the PT-1500PC or the Dymo Labelwriter 330 Turbo. I think my PT-1280 is a wonder. It's right beside me in my desk drawer. It doesn't require that my laptop is up and running. It doesn't take up a USB port. I just pull it out, tap out the label on the QWERTY keyboard, hit Print, and cut the label. Done. I'm going to buy one of the PC connected ones for our receptionist, who has a desktop, but this little Brother unit is outstanding - any handheld is. 6 'AAA' batteries is a little much, but we'll see how long they last before I complain. The thing just works.
Now, here's the kicker. I have, so far, printed ONE LABEL. That's how effective this thing seems to be. It won me over immediately. I completedly understand why David Allen has recommend it in his book and recommend that you don't share.
I should mention something about Staples - they have a great online system for registering for "mail-in" rebates. You go online, follow the instructions, enter the information from the receipt, and you're done. Outstanding of them to make the wait the hardest part of the whole process.
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