GTD jumpstart
Over on Lifehack.org someone asked about how to get started with ‘Getting Things Done.’ I’ll throw my hat in the ring…shoots, I’ve gotten started lots of times!
There are just two things to be clear about before we begin. Thing one: read the book. I get frustrated when people say, “I’m planning on buying the book, but until then how do I…” Crikey, it’s $15! And free at the library (though you’re really gonna want your own copy) No excuses here—either buy it and read it, or quit talking about it. (man, that sounds grumpy) Thing two: weekly review (pdf) is not optional. There’s a guy on one of the GTD groups whose signature file says something like, “If you’re not doing the weekly review, you’re not Getting Things Done.” He’s right, it’s critical (believe me, I’ve missed it enough to know just how critical it is).
That said, getting started is pretty easy. Here’s what you need (note, this is my way. If you’ve got some heretofore undiscovered way to get started with GTD, by all means drop it in the comments, or write it up and trackback):
- one day (if you’re lucky, one “vertical” (aka, do-nothing-else) day will do it)
- stack of blank paper (standard printer paper is fine)
- physical inbox
- stack of manila folders
- A-Z accordian file [optional—this is just my version of a 43 folder tickler]
- labeler [optional, but really nice to have]
Put everything (I said everything) in your inbox. Sticky notes. Random reports. Old magazines. The folded up banner from last year’s job fair. Okay, the actual banner doesn’t need to go—just write “job fair banner behind the door” on one of your blank sheets of paper and put it in the inbox. Anything that is currently not where it belongs goes in the inbox, either physically, or representationally on paper.
Done piling up the inbox? Now, starting at the top of your inbox, take the first thing out and process it. There are lots of models around to help you process your stuff—here’s the official ‘advanced’ model (pdf). Basically, you take each thing out of your inbox and figure out if it’s trash or if it’s to be kept. If it’s trash, toss it. If it’s to be kept you gotta figure out if it’s actionable or if it’s reference material. If it’s reference material, put it in a manila folder, label the folder and put it away. If it’s actionable, figure out if it can be done in two minutes or if it’ll take longer. If it can be done in two minutes, do it. If it’ll take longer, put it in a list for later.
Them’s the basics. There is much, much more GTD-fu to be learned and customized. Read the book, read the blogs (and DACo blogs), read the forums (also: here and here and here). Maybe keep an eye on the del.icio.us tag. Ask questions, figure it out, tweak to your liking. But don’t over-tweak. You really can tweak too much. You know you’re doing it right when you’ve got nothing on your mind, including how you can tweak it. Go watch Rosa—she’s blogging her start up process.
Last bit: I’ll be going to the GTD Roadmap seminar in Seattle on November 11, 2005. Anyone else going?
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POSTED IN: best of, gtd, productivity, tips and tricks
9 opinions for GTD jumpstart
desparoz On The Go
Jul 12, 2005 at 12:56 am
Slacker Manager: GTD jumpstart
Bren over at SlackerManager has penned a nice post about a jumpstart approach to GTD. I think the key point is that there is no magic without a reasonable effort, but as Bren eloquently stated there are a couple of
desparoz On The Go
Jul 12, 2005 at 12:56 am
Slacker Manager: GTD jumpstart
Bren over at SlackerManager has penned a nice post about a jumpstart approach to GTD. I think the key point is that there is no magic without a reasonable effort, but as Bren eloquently stated there are a couple of
lifehack.org
Jul 12, 2005 at 7:35 am
Brendon’s Answer on How to get started on GTD
Couple of days ago we have posted a reader’s question on How to get started on Getting Things Done? and we received some great answers from our community. Brendon Connelly at Slacker Manager went one step forward and has written an article to a…
Gregg Koskela
Jul 13, 2005 at 7:48 am
Hey, thanks Brendon! This is good timing, because I bought and read Getting Things Done two weeks ago, and this week is my clear out, start over, and setup week! Thanks for the tips and the links. I blogged about it on the URL I pasted. I’ve been enjoying your blog.
Dave
Jul 15, 2005 at 6:30 am
“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of Getting Things Done.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower
I extracted this quote from my Covey Leadership Planner, July 14, 2005. It seems Bren, that you have masterfully incorporated all three items in this post!
CMB from Omaha
Jul 16, 2005 at 11:06 am
No time to read the book? Listen to GTD on tape. You may even be able to borrow it from your local library. You can listen to the tapes during your daily workout or commute. I like to listen to them while I’m slogging thru mindless-but-necessary paperwork; keeps me focused!
Jason Pettus
Jul 18, 2005 at 6:46 am
How strange - I just heard about GTD last week (yep, that Wired article for me too), read the book this weekend, and am planning on starting my “Processing Day” a little later this morning. How great that one of my favorite blogs is run by another GTD person! I’d love to hear more about what you think of the system, if you’d be interested in posting a few more entries about it.
Franklin Z.
Jul 18, 2005 at 11:04 am
Those getting started should know it is also a good time to get started, in lieu of a computer based or paper list based system, with a card based system, such as the Hipster PDA (http://www.43folders.com/2004/09/introducing_the.html) or NACs (http://www.nextactioncards.com).
Frankie Z.
Online Idea Buzz
Jul 21, 2005 at 2:57 pm
Getting started with GTD
David Allen’s books Getting Things Done and Ready for Anything will set you on the path to productivity, however while they outline productivity methods, you need to discover your own processes. Good post “GTD jumpstart” gives you the basics