Longstreet
Professor of microbiology and infectious diseases
I watched a video again of David Allen describing how he decides what he is going to do moment to moment. While it is good and very informative, one thing he said struck me. And I paraphrase: "I plan as little as I can get by with". I understand this, but for some professional occupations, this approach does not work so well. For me with major NIH grants that span over 5-year periods, I have to do an extensive amount of planning of projects, resources, personnel, etc. with built in milestones, quarterly status reports to NIH, and on and on. I AM an avid user of GTD of course and I do embrace the natural planning model. But it is evident that I cannot approach my work and my GTD practice like David teaches. I HAVE to plan carefully, and of course have contingency plans in case things go unforseen directions. And I have to timeblock to ensure adequate focus and protected time on multiple projects since I am the overseer of the entire research group.
How do those of you that have similar needs plan? Can you get by with as little planning as possible?
How do those of you that have similar needs plan? Can you get by with as little planning as possible?