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Getting Things Done
May 16, 2005
I just received my copy of Getting Things Done from Amazon today. So far, I've read about midway through Chapter 2.
And I'm feeling really really hopeful.
I think David Allen's system works. It definitely sounds like it works. I haven't read far enough to give a review of the book yet (and of course I haven't implemented anything yet) but what I've read so far makes a lot of sense to me. Gives me that "aha" feeling.
Right now, what I like best is the fact that he insists that a proper time and productivity management system must apply to our lives across the board. It has to include both our personal and our work lives. When you work at home, and you wear all sorts of "hats" while you're at home, this is a pretty important concept.
His process isn't really about managing your time or productivity. It's "action management". You can't really manage time, manage information or manage priorities:
- you don't manage five minutes and wind up with six;
- you don't manage information overload - otherwise you'd walk into a library and die, or the first time you connected to the Web, or even opened a phone book, you'd blow up; and
- you don't manage priorities - you have them.
Instead, the key to managing all of your "stuff" is managing your actions.
There are nuggets like this all over the first two chapters.
I guess I'll be doing more reading tonight.
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Posted by BJ at 09:15 PM in Taking Action, Time Management | Permalink
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Comments
I just bookmarked it for my next order - I am an Amazon/Book Addict.
I definitely need more structure in my life and I am fighting hard to find it. I can feel myself on burn out with all the projects/kids/summer/house/jobs that I have going on and burn out is not an option.
Thanks for sharing, your blog is full of good nuggets too ;)
Posted by: Chrissie | May 16, 2005 11:22:39 PM
Chrissie, I am in the third chapter now, and the Getting Things Done system is definitely something I'll be implementing. I've never read a time management book that pushed all the right buttons with me. I've talked about it with my husband, and he's game to give it a go, too.
One of David Allen's main points is that when we don't have a good, effective system for holding all of our "stuff", it clogs up our mind. That's why we feel stressed and burned out. Our minds are for thinking, not for storage.
Let me know what you think of the book when you get it.
BJ
Posted by: BJ | May 17, 2005 1:05:34 PM
If you like GTD, then you should take a look at 43Folders.com. Way cool, even if it is a somewhat Mac-centric site.
Posted by: Dave | Jul 9, 2005 12:19:21 PM
Dave, I LOVE that site :) Have you read the hipster PDA post there yet? I now carry index cards with me everywhere!
Posted by: BJ | Jul 9, 2005 12:23:37 PM
I kept track of the Hipster as it developed, but no I do not use it. I doubt it would survive even a week around the house with my almost-3 year old son Keller on the prowl.
I'm buying a Mac Mini in a couple of weeks, and I will be implementing a lot of the Mac timesavers mentioned on the site. I'm also mulling over a Moleskine(now how's that for alliteration?).
Posted by: Dave | Jul 9, 2005 12:52:27 PM
Ooh, a Moleskin. I like the alliteration, but don't get me started on Moleskins. I love them, especially for journaling and sketching. I've been known to stand mesmerized at the art store, opening each one I find and fingering the silky touch of the paper ...
See? Definitely, don't get me started!
Posted by: BJ | Jul 9, 2005 1:34:33 PM
