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Gradual start vs. mindsweep (aka crash and burn)
mdl | Mar 20 2007
I gave up GTD for a couple of months (when my life got too hectic). I found that I had built up way too many projects in my system, which was causing me unecessary stress. Lack of weekly review was probably the chief culprit, which meant that my list contained many project definitions that were outdated. I needed to pare down to the basics. I am, however, starting up again and would like to toss a question out there: Which method for starting up do you prefer--a gradual start or a full mind sweep? I know that even posing the question violates GTD orthodoxy. The book seems to suggest that you won't trust your system until you've gotten everything out of your head. I've found, however, that I need to feel confident my system before I can entrust everything to it. If I overload the GTD system with a full mind sweep, I find myself with a huge list of projects and actions and no forward motion. It's like the difference between moving a stationary car and pushing one that's already moving. Since my default organizational method is to keep things in my mind, it's easy to begin introducing stuff into a system without having "everything" in it. This time around, I began with the most crucial stuff on my mind--the stuff due in a few days time. Then, I gradually introduced other stuff on my mind; this got me in the habit of collecting thoughts and processing inbox material. Within a couple of weeks, I had a fully functioning system. This time, however, the whole startup process felt much more organic. I got in the habit of scanning smaller lists; then, gradually I became more confident dealing with larger lists. Anyway, I'd be curious to hear what other people think. 5 Comments
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 Hi there, I'm also pretty...Submitted by akr95 on March 20, 2007 - 4:56pm.
Hi there, I'm also pretty new at GTD so the following may not be what stict GTDer's would suggest but it has worked for me. I guess I am a bit like you in that I am used to committing everything to my memory (which is generally pretty good at keeping tabs on everything that I have on) but I sometimes found that when there was a lot on it became a bit overwhelming. The GTD system has helped with that, by breaking down the many projects into "bit size" pieces that are achievable. When I started off I basically wrote everything down, by everything I mean everything I could think of in that 2/3 hour timeframe I had given myself. I then divided these items into "Someday", "Projects - Later", "Projects - Current", and the various NA's (single action projects, and components of Projects - Current). I found that this gave me a great starting point as it was everything I could think off in the time I had given myself. Over the next fews days (in some cases weeks) I found that I would think of additions to these lists and added them each day (as thought of them). Now I feel I have a pretty complete system that I am more comfortable relying on rather than trying to remember bits and pieces. To clarify, I use "Projects - Current" for those Projects that are happening now or within the next 2 week period, the "Projects - Later" are for those Projects that I know are going ahead but I can't possibly think about in the next 2 weeks due to other commitments. While the Someday list is for those things that I would like to do but they are not really certain enough to be granted Project status. I find this works well as my Projects - Current list is not overwhelming when I look at it each day (and if it feels right I can elevate one of my Later Projects to Current at any time). Also the Weekly Review is excellent so I would recommend trying to keep that in your schedule. I actually do a mini Weekly Review each day so that I can reinforce the GTD habits, it seems to be paying off. Hope this helps Kim » POSTED IN:
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