Having trouble with [starting] GTD? Try WSD :-)

[ScottL]

http://smallist.com/?p=84

Posted for the humor, but he has a point.

GTD is great but one thing emphasized here and by the Zentodone guy* is that implementing GTD means making a number of behavior changes. Trying to implement one change in behavior can be tough enough, but trying to implement a number of changes all at once can be very difficult. So if you're having trouble starting with GTD, perhaps these might be of help.

*Zen to done
http://zenhabits.net/2007/04/zen-to-done-ztd-the-ultimate-simple-productivity-system/

 

[TesTeq]

Big stressful pile of stuff.

Yes, but if you are writing things down for several weeks and not processing anything you end up with a big stressful pile of stuff.

 

[Grey1618]

I think the ZTD philosophy compliments the GTD one very well. The problem with making a habit change is that's it's very hard to do without being organized. I think you need to master GTD first to clear the runway, then look to ZTD to implement longer-term change.

 

[ScottL]

1. I posted the WSD mainly for the humor, but the point that everyone may not be able to make all the habit changes to fully implement GTD on day 1 is a valid one.

Yes, but if you are writing things down for several weeks and not processing anything you end up with a big stressful pile of stuff.

2. It's not like writing it down creates more work. Is it more stressful having a written down list of things, then having the same list of things floating around in their head? I dunno, and probably they've gotten some things done that they would not have otherwise.

3. Anyway it is a great system but if change does not come easy to you, or you feel overwhelmed by it all, or you just want to start slowly, then starting with some of the pieces is one way to go (whether Zentodone or some other way). Nothing earthshaking, or that has not been said here before I suspect.