GTD Newbie Seeking Advice, Info, Suggestions

[debbieg]

I have read the GTD book and decided to take on the challenge. I began with my desktop, applying Chapters 4-7. I can already see benefits, however, I'm puzzled by a few things. Not sure if these were covered in the workshop or if those who have operationalized this approach can help.

1) New Project-Job Search
This is a new project on my list. I anticipate there will be many files, calls, next actions, and waiting for's. I think this needs to be a separate file, not part of the general reference. I'm also thinking a separate page under calls, actions, waiting for dedicated to this as well as for emails. Does anyone else have experience using GTD for a job search project?

2) Financial Files
I have a separate system in place for this already that is working well. I'm thinking this should also be a separate file and not part of general reference. Where do others store their files?

3) "IN" review
I completed my inbox review. I would up with a small stack of papers that I could not figure out what to do with. These are things that went on my calls or next actions list that are 1 step and take longer than 2 min. to do. However, once the action is completed, the info on the paper will likely be tossed. It doesn't seem to make sense to create a new folder. Should I create "Calls" or Action folders for these or put in a pending basket? For now they are back in my In which I know if a big no-no.

4) Proj Files
Are these labeled alpa in the general file or Proj-X, Proj-Y, etc. What about Someday Proj files that you are not committed to right now?

5) Calendar/List?
Where do you keep track of things that you need to complete in a particular week or complete in a certain month, but there is flexibility to do around other hard dates/times on the calendar. For example: grocery shopping.

Looking forward to hearing what's working well for others.

debbieg

5)

 

[mcogilvie]

1) New Project-Job Search
This is a new project on my list. I anticipate there will be many files, calls, next actions, and waiting for's. I think this needs to be a separate file, not part of the general reference. I'm also thinking a separate page under calls, actions, waiting for dedicated to this as well as for emails. Does anyone else have experience using GTD for a job search project?

I would not separate next action for your job search from everything else- it's not GTD, and the possibilities for unhealthy behavior are high. A job search is a project, and many people keep active projects right on their desktops, not in reference filing. I think an email folder for a job search is fine. Don't over-engineer your job search, though.

2) Financial Files
I have a separate system in place for this already that is working well. I'm thinking this should also be a separate file and not part of general reference. Where do others store their files?

Lot's of people separate their financial files.

3) "IN" review
I completed my inbox review. I would up with a small stack of papers that I could not figure out what to do with. These are things that went on my calls or next actions list that are 1 step and take longer than 2 min. to do. However, once the action is completed, the info on the paper will likely be tossed. It doesn't seem to make sense to create a new folder. Should I create "Calls" or Action folders for these or put in a pending basket? For now they are back in my In which I know if a big no-no.

Some people keep an action support folder at their desk for this.

4) Proj Files
Are these labeled alpa in the general file or Proj-X, Proj-Y, etc. What about Someday Proj files that you are not committed to right now?

"Proj" is not a very useful prefix- I use things like MS (for manuscripts) and GSC (for graduate studies committee).

5) Calendar/List?
Where do you keep track of things that you need to complete in a particular week or complete in a certain month, but there is flexibility to do around other hard dates/times on the calendar. For example: grocery shopping.
5)

I put it on the calendar for the first date I want to see it as a possible option, labeled as a tickler item. It then goes onto a next action list for asap.

 

[Brent]

1) New Project-Job Search
This is a new project on my list. I anticipate there will be many files, calls, next actions, and waiting for's. I think this needs to be a separate file, not part of the general reference. I'm also thinking a separate page under calls, actions, waiting for dedicated to this as well as for emails. Does anyone else have experience using GTD for a job search project?

Yes, I have. Job Search is just another Project. A Next Action might be "Check job board on LinkedIn for cool job." I keep it all in general reference.

2) Financial Files
I have a separate system in place for this already that is working well. I'm thinking this should also be a separate file and not part of general reference. Where do others store their files?

I store mine in general reference. However, since your separate system is working well, no need to change it. Just look for an opportunity to fold it into your general filing system, if a convenient opportunity arises.

3) "IN" review
I completed my inbox review. I would up with a small stack of papers that I could not figure out what to do with. These are things that went on my calls or next actions list that are 1 step and take longer than 2 min. to do. However, once the action is completed, the info on the paper will likely be tossed.

I usually add the paper's information to the Next Action. So, frex, the Next Action would be "Call Amy at 803-406-7819 re account 105809-2046 in arrears since 18 Dec 07." Once that NA is written, I immediately toss the paper, or file it.

4) Proj Files
Are these labeled alpa in the general file or Proj-X, Proj-Y, etc. What about Someday Proj files that you are not committed to right now?

I keep all paper files in my general reference; completed Projects, active Projects, and Someday/Maybe. (Well, except for very old Projects, which I've archived in boxes in a closet.)

Some of my current file folders are labeled "For Friends," "Facebook Games," "MasterCard," and "Personal Checking Account."

5) Calendar/List?
Where do you keep track of things that you need to complete in a particular week or complete in a certain month, but there is flexibility to do around other hard dates/times on the calendar. For example: grocery shopping.

I keep them as Projects. The deadline is embedded in the Project name or Next Action (e.g., "Write WikiSym conference article by Thursday"), or is inherently obvious.

For things like grocery shopping, I keep a separate list, and always do my grocery shopping on the same day.

Does that help?

 

[unstuffed]

1) New Project-Job Search
This is a new project on my list. I anticipate there will be many files, calls, next actions, and waiting for's. I think this needs to be a separate file, not part of the general reference. I'm also thinking a separate page under calls, actions, waiting for dedicated to this as well as for emails. Does anyone else have experience using GTD for a job search project?

Yep, and I'd strongly recommend not having separate call lists, action lists, etc. There's just too much potential for things to go wrong: every time you've got more than one list/filing system/whatever, you multiply the chances that something will slip through the cracks.

With regard to files, each project will have one or more folders of its own, but it's easiest to whack them all into the same filing system. If there are a few that you use all the time for a while, you can keep them on the desk in a toast rack (one of those file stands that hold them upright and stagger them so you can see all the titles). This is a temporary home, but really all your files belong in your filing system.

2) Financial Files
I have a separate system in place for this already that is working well. I'm thinking this should also be a separate file and not part of general reference. Where do others store their files?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, but once you're up and running smoothly with GTD, think about absorbing your financial files into your filing system.

4) Proj Files
Are these labeled alpa in the general file or Proj-X, Proj-Y, etc. What about Someday Proj files that you are not committed to right now?

Again, everything goes into the same filing system, whether you're currently working on it or not. I keep all my files labeled with an appropriate title (ie the name of the project, such as "New Job Search") and arranged in alphabetical order.

Hope this helps.

 

[darlakbrown]

I have read the GTD book and decided to take on the challenge. I began with my desktop, applying Chapters 4-7. I can already see benefits, however, I'm puzzled by a few things. Not sure if these were covered in the workshop or if those who have operationalized this approach can help.

1) New Project-Job Search
This is a new project on my list. I anticipate there will be many files, calls, next actions, and waiting for's. I think this needs to be a separate file, not part of the general reference. I'm also thinking a separate page under calls, actions, waiting for dedicated to this as well as for emails. Does anyone else have experience using GTD for a job search project?

2) Financial Files
I have a separate system in place for this already that is working well. I'm thinking this should also be a separate file and not part of general reference. Where do others store their files?

3) "IN" review
I completed my inbox review. I would up with a small stack of papers that I could not figure out what to do with. These are things that went on my calls or next actions list that are 1 step and take longer than 2 min. to do. However, once the action is completed, the info on the paper will likely be tossed. It doesn't seem to make sense to create a new folder. Should I create "Calls" or Action folders for these or put in a pending basket? For now they are back in my In which I know if a big no-no.

4) Proj Files
Are these labeled alpa in the general file or Proj-X, Proj-Y, etc. What about Someday Proj files that you are not committed to right now?

5) Calendar/List?
Where do you keep track of things that you need to complete in a particular week or complete in a certain month, but there is flexibility to do around other hard dates/times on the calendar. For example: grocery shopping.

Looking forward to hearing what's working well for others.

debbieg

5)

Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you're making a lot of progress.
Here's my input:
1) - Create a folder to hold the Active Project related materials for your job search (resume), but put the actions right into your GTD system. Call X re: interview - goes on calls list
2) If it ain't broke, don't change it. It's fine to keep financial separate, imho, as long its purely financial records, not holding actions.
3) Some things obviously take longer than 2 minutes. If I think I need to devote time to a longer action - then I book it with myself on my calendar. If it will take more than one of these bookings or has other actions, it belongs on my Projects list so I can check in on the progress at the WR.
4) Someday projects - list them on your Someday/Maybe list - you can have a Someday/Maybe Projects list. Put the materials in General Reference. You can find them there if you decide to move it to Active. Review your S/M during WR or once a month.
5) I do not schedule grocery shopping. I just do it at a regular time, on the weekends. It is a recurring errand for me. No reminder needed. Alternatively, you could keep a list near your fridge/pantry, write down things as they run out or as you think of them, then use this as the trigger to go shopping or fit it into your schedule.

Good luck!

 

[debbieg]

Thank You for Your Help

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on my first posting.

There are alot of files for the job search (resume, self-assessment, marketing plans, networking contacts etc, etc). The general concensus was to incorporate the job search files into the general files, so I'm thinking JS-resume, JS-self assessments, etc will keep all the job search files grouped together yet part of the general file system. Today, I only have 2 lateral file drawers, so at some point if my space is maxed, I can move all the JS files to their own separate file if I needed or archive many of them after I successfully land.

With regards to Question 5 --Calendar & Lists
What I learned from your replies is that I need to use the tickler system more effectively.

Thanks again.

debbieg