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The Missing Link in GTD

So last week, I was determined to get into GTD, got my tickler file, my index, my next action lists....and it didn't work out.

I had started composing a post to this board a few days ago, but found the post sufficiently dumb and myself sufficiently vented and relieved after writing it, that I decided not to finish.

My problem was just that everything in my inbox seemed unactionable, something that seemed unique to my situation as a high school student.

Then I started listening to the book all over again (audio book thingy I got a long time ago), and I realized the piece that I was missing was the "project materials".

Like I picked up a chemistry worksheet the other day. I knew I couldn't do it right then and there, it didn't make sense to "file", or put in the tickler, and certainly I could say "what is it" and write down the appropriate action on my next actions list, but what the hell do I do with it after that? I've got it on the list, but it's still in front of me.

Now I realized that everything has to have an organized place. So I'm getting binders or containers for all my projects that don't already have them. Right now, I just carry around a chemistry book, the independent study workbook, and my notes, so obviously i'll have to bundle those together somehow, and have a folder for current work. It seems like an incredibly basic idea, but it eluded me for so long.

My "line cook" system I'm abandoning, unless I try the thing mentioned in the "would you like fries" thread (some of the other printable ceo stuff looks real slick). I didn't like all that stuff hanging over my head, though, literally.

Did anyone else have this kind of problem?

DStaub11's picture

My solution to the issue...

My solution to the issue of reference material for actions that are already in my Next Action lists is THE DRAWER. It's one of my many shallow 9x12 clear plastic drawers (in sets of three). I made a fancy label for it in a nice font and color. For instance, on my "phone calls" NA list: "call daughter's insurance re claim forms (D)." The (D) means there is reference material in The Drawer.

Project-specific stuff goes in a project folder or small drawer or really big drawer.

Do Mi

 
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