GTD Newbie questions

[ScatterBrain]

I recently read GTD for the first time and wanted to try and implement some of its ideas.

I first had to decide on going the paper route or electronic. I decided to try the paper route first before investing in a PDA. I set up my tickler file and right now I am trying to set up a personal binder. Here is what is in it right now:

Calendar (May 2006-December 2007): monthly tabbed calendar 8.5x11"

I have a tendency to let things slip up on me so the monthly calendar helps with the "big picture".

Someday/Maybe: I used to keep these lists and my goals lists in my computer but I wasn't accomplishing much since I didn't review them often enough. Hopefully, having them in black&white will help.

Agendas: I have a separate section for my lists of people I have to meet with often/regular basis.

Now here is where I am stuck:

Projects section:

Do you keep separate projects sections for work and home/personal?
Or do you keep on master list for simplicity?

next Actions:

After reading other threads, it sounds like most people here do context lists. If you keep these on paper, do you put them all on one sheet or do you keep separate sheets?
Also, do you have daily action lists or just weekly?

And last: things that come up during the day
Do you wait to process them or process as they come in? I have a bad habit of processing as they come up and it typically ends with me off course. However, they might not get done if I wait.

Help!

ScatterBrain

 

[apinaud]

First of all, Welcome!

My advice will be FOCUS ON THE SYSTEM after you nailed the System Focus on the Tool, Any Tool will Work for the System, but Only one System will work for the Tool...

In fact, I think people should start GTD in Paper, becasue the it is easier to understand process and create a solid system.

Going back to your questions...

Projects section:

Do you keep separate projects sections for work and home/personal?
Or do you keep on master list for simplicity?

How do you keep your projects will be your call at the end of the day, you will find close to all the different possibilities here in the Forum.

In my case, I keep ONE master list, it is Simple. I do my Weekly Review at Work, I made no distintion between Work and Home, it is just actions... Because of that I keep one list. If that work for you, that will be my recomendation.

next Actions:

After reading other threads, it sounds like most people here do context lists. If you keep these on paper, do you put them all on one sheet or do you keep separate sheets?
Also, do you have daily action lists or just weekly?

I have a page (or many depending on the context) per context, one for @home, @calls, @Office. No matter if they have only one item. (I discover early in my implementations days that save paper was counterproductive.)

And last: things that come up during the day
Do you wait to process them or process as they come in? I have a bad habit of processing as they come up and it typically ends with me off course. However, they might not get done if I wait.

This one trust your GUT, sometimes I wait the end of the day, sometimes I am toast and I do them first thing in the morning, some days I do as they come, time and your system will say...

 

[ScatterBrain]

Thanks for the welcome! ;-) I'm looking forward to hearing y'alls ideas.

 

[Max]

Projects section: Do you keep separate projects sections for work and home/personal? Or do you keep on master list for simplicity?

I maintain one master list; however, that list is subdivided into seven roles (work, family, scouts, church, web design, etc.) It is just one list from the perspective of all my projects are listed in one place, in one system. I divide that list into the seven section because I find it easier to do weekly reviews and personal planning. I maintain the list on my computer and print it out weekly and insert them into the projects section of my binder.

next Actions: After reading other threads, it sounds like most people here do context lists. If you keep these on paper, do you put them all on one sheet or do you keep separate sheets?
Also, do you have daily action lists or just weekly?

Definately on separate sheets. Tried more than one context on a page but found it akward. Also, it helps when you are in one context not to see the other context lists.

I think you need a change of perspective on actions lists. They are neither daily nor weekly. They are an ongoing list of current next actions that you are committed to. You work from on a daily basis and review on a weekly basis.

And last: things that come up during the day
Do you wait to process them or process as they come in? I have a bad habit of processing as they come up and it typically ends with me off course. However, they might not get done if I wait.

This really depends on the stuff. In general though, I would say place this stuff in you inbox and stay on course. Then, process your inbox regularly. If you are having trouble getting around to processing it, try scheduling an appointment with yourself.

HTH

 

[DoingIt]

I first had to decide on going the paper route or electronic.

I use a spreadsheet that I sort and print as necessary.

Do you keep separate projects sections for work and home/personal?
Or do you keep on master list for simplicity?

A single list although I have provided for a column showing Work, Home and Other.

After reading other threads, it sounds like most people here do context lists. If you keep these on paper, do you put them all on one sheet or do you keep separate sheets?

I use a separate list per Context.

do you have daily action lists or just weekly?

My action lists are not time-bound. Only Calendar entries become tagged with a date (and time). I may also put an item on the Calendar as a reminder that it should be paid attention to, on a particular day.

And last: things that come up during the day
Do you wait to process them or process as they come in?

I process them during the day and I try and use the 2 minute rule etc.

 

[RADDmom]

Thank you for this thread!

I am almost finished with the book and have begun implementing the "system." As I read the book, I feel free and ready to practice the ART of stress-free productivity. I have to learn a new vocabulary,

After finding the forum and reading a number of the posts, I feel as though there is an unspoken standard that is used to measure whether someone is GTD enough. Yet this doesn't seem fit with what I read in the book.

I am a teaher and artist, I do not work in the corporate business world. My MSED is in Workforce Education and Development and I teach CTE classes. I also have a disability that affects my brain's executive functioning, ADD.

I really do believe GTD is a great system that will enable me to become more creative and productive, accomplishing my list of life goals! This quote from the What is GTD thread is a perfect explanation of how it can accommodate the needs of a person with ADD.......

Implementing GTD alleviates the feeling of overwhelm, instills confidence, and releases a flood of creative energy. It provides structure without constraint, managing details with maximum flexibility. The system rigorously adheres to the core principles of productivity, while allowing tremendous freedom in the "how." The only "right" way to do GTD is getting meaningful things done with truly the least amount of invested attention and energy. Coaching thousands of people, where they work, about their work, has informed the GTD method with the best practices of how to work (and live), in that most efficient and productive way.

The quote above is my mantra for using GTD-I just want to know that whatever way I implement GTD will be understood and accepted on this site! I am not working towards a black belt-my goal is to live my life unhindered by stuff, able to capture and express my creativity, and that the ART of Stress-Free-Living will be a part of transforming my life through what the Zander's call,The ART of Possibility.

Thank you for helping me understand what I see as a dichotomy.
RADD