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read the book etc, not sure how to start... help!
duncanshannon | Sep 13 2006
Hi- I've been thinking about GTD for about a year now (off and on) and im switching jobs again and I think it might be a good time to try GTD. I've read the GTD book, read a bunch of posts on line about people using it, studied the GTD flow chard etc... im just not sure what my first real step(s) should be. I am having stuff start to pile up at my new job already (im not 100% sure of the scope of my responsibilites is yet either) and i want to keep track of things. My boss is very driven and I want to keep up. I've been just using a notebook so far, taking lots of notes with action items on a per day basis. They use Lotus Notes (v5.0!) which im not great with yet. I think i like the idea of Gtiddlywiki (sp?) on a USB stick to be my 'system'. I can get the 43 folders setup once i actually get my desk. I have a treo 650 but am considering getting rid of it and going back to a plain ol cell phone. How do i take my first couple of steps? Do I really need to do this for work and home life at the same time? I feel like i need to determine my "@" lists to start dumping stuff in, but im not sure I know what they should be. I know the process says to collect and process. Can someone coach me a bit here and help me get my baby steps going? Thanks much in advance. Im really looking forward to some GTD nirvana. 11 Comments
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 Some thoughts, in no particular...Submitted by Stew on September 14, 2006 - 7:15am.
Some thoughts, in no particular order: Starting out can be a daunting prospect, especially with so much information available in the various message boards. Until you know your exact workflow, start with only what you need. I started with five basic things: an inbox, a legal pad, a pen, a stack of file folders, and a filing cabinet. When I needed greater portability, I added a Hipster PDA. The key is to keep it very simple. Like Jabba, I'd recommend starting on paper simply because it's easier to visualize the workflow process. Paper goes into the inbox, gets processed, and is sorted into folders, lists, calendar, etc. That stuff piling up in your office is bad juju. Make it a priority to collect and process it. Too big for a file folder? Use an accordion folder (or better yet, delegate it if possible). Anything not bolted down or already organized should be put in your inbox and processed. Speaking from experience, productivity pr0n is a slippery slope. Make sure you develop your system and establish good habits before trying every tool you read about. Unless you've got plenty of free time at work and bottomless pockets, use caution. I found Emory's whitepaper very useful as it shows how he's implemented a system that blends hi-fi and lo-fi elements. With all of that (rambling) being said, decide what context lists you will use, but no more than you need. Personally, I have @errands, @home, @phone, @internet, and @work. Some people have contexts for different mindsets, particularly if they spend long hours in one physical spot (ie computer). I prefer to use my physical locations. Obviously a @computer context isn't helpful when you spend your workday in front of a computer. Go with what works for you. It's not necessary to implement GTD at home and work at the same time. If you have a job where you are unable to separate your home/work life, do both. Otherwise, start with work. Being in a new job makes the implementation easier. Tackle your home life when you're comfortable doing so. Hope these random musings help. Good luck, and feel free to keep asking questions! » POSTED IN:
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