Hello everyone. I read the original GTD 6 years ago (liked it, but really didn't use the concepts other than the tickler file) and am finishing up reading the 2015 "upgrade". I'm glad I've done this! I would really appreciate any input and feedback that you would like to share to help give me some pointers.Let me give you some small background...
In short, I have been a devoted Franklin Covey user since 1994, and will likely use the 7 Habits as my over arching life philosophy the rest of my days However, as technology has advanced, it seemed I fell behind using my traditional paper planning system. (especially since all my work is cloud based now) Last year, determined to utilize modern tech to the fullest, I made myself give up my classy looking leather planner to use OneNote and Outlook exclusively. I wouldn't call it a disaster, but I went running back to my paper planner at the beginning of 2015.
I heard David Allen rebooted GTD and got the book a month ago. I purchased the Outlook 2013 instructions at the same time I got the 2015 edition of GTD. (I am an Office 365 subscriber). I like this! The categories (@HOME, @OFFICE, .PROJECTS, etc) work well in tech and Outlook, and not so well on paper imo. My career is in online sales and marketing management, and while I do need the utility of physical (i.e. pen and paper) note taking, I really need an electronic PIM to be most effective.
The one weakness I see with Outlook in the short time I've used this is with Projects, or those things needing more than two steps to complete. Should I utilize the notes within the Outlook task to spell out the steps? It seems like OneNote would work well, but I haven't found a lot of information about OneNote and GTD so far. (The idea of utilizing Outlook Notes instead of OneNote didn't agree with me but I am willing to adjust my attitude on the matter. In short, I need my notes to work.)
Also, what about adding due dates to these list items? The Outlook 2013 instructions frowned upon that it seemed. Additionally, count me in as someone who has never got "to do" lists to work for me in a consistent fashion. That, more than anything is what I am excited about with GTD and Outlook.
My plan as of today is to really give GTD the commitment and focus I didn't before. It seems GTD is a true productivity tool. I'd like to use both for what I perceive them to be designed for; FC Planner for big life stuff. (Mission/Values/Roles/Goals/Design Your Life) And then to use GTD to provide action/next action decision making ability to the inevitable stuff that the day will provide.
I am just getting started, and as I stated at the beginning, would appreciate all feedback! Thanks for sharing. I am excited to finally commit to this.
In short, I have been a devoted Franklin Covey user since 1994, and will likely use the 7 Habits as my over arching life philosophy the rest of my days However, as technology has advanced, it seemed I fell behind using my traditional paper planning system. (especially since all my work is cloud based now) Last year, determined to utilize modern tech to the fullest, I made myself give up my classy looking leather planner to use OneNote and Outlook exclusively. I wouldn't call it a disaster, but I went running back to my paper planner at the beginning of 2015.
I heard David Allen rebooted GTD and got the book a month ago. I purchased the Outlook 2013 instructions at the same time I got the 2015 edition of GTD. (I am an Office 365 subscriber). I like this! The categories (@HOME, @OFFICE, .PROJECTS, etc) work well in tech and Outlook, and not so well on paper imo. My career is in online sales and marketing management, and while I do need the utility of physical (i.e. pen and paper) note taking, I really need an electronic PIM to be most effective.
The one weakness I see with Outlook in the short time I've used this is with Projects, or those things needing more than two steps to complete. Should I utilize the notes within the Outlook task to spell out the steps? It seems like OneNote would work well, but I haven't found a lot of information about OneNote and GTD so far. (The idea of utilizing Outlook Notes instead of OneNote didn't agree with me but I am willing to adjust my attitude on the matter. In short, I need my notes to work.)
Also, what about adding due dates to these list items? The Outlook 2013 instructions frowned upon that it seemed. Additionally, count me in as someone who has never got "to do" lists to work for me in a consistent fashion. That, more than anything is what I am excited about with GTD and Outlook.
My plan as of today is to really give GTD the commitment and focus I didn't before. It seems GTD is a true productivity tool. I'd like to use both for what I perceive them to be designed for; FC Planner for big life stuff. (Mission/Values/Roles/Goals/Design Your Life) And then to use GTD to provide action/next action decision making ability to the inevitable stuff that the day will provide.
I am just getting started, and as I stated at the beginning, would appreciate all feedback! Thanks for sharing. I am excited to finally commit to this.