Mind like water?

[SoonerRyan]

I know having all my items on a list is supposed to take them off my mind, but as long as something isn't done I still think about it.

I find GTD does help me break down complex tasks into more manageable tasks and to keep track of what commitments I have made. Clearing my mind, not so much. My mind was already clear of those items because I was constantly forgetting them.

I guess I don't live in fear of forgetting important things I'm responsible.

Is anyone else doing better than me at this? Any tips?

 

[TesTeq]

You don't need GTD if forgetting important things doesn't stress you.

I know having all my items on a list is supposed to take them off my mind, but as long as something isn't done I still think about it.

I find GTD does help me break down complex tasks into more manageable tasks and to keep track of what commitments I have made. Clearing my mind, not so much. My mind was already clear of those items because I was constantly forgetting them.

I guess I don't live in fear of forgetting important things I'm responsible.

Is anyone else doing better than me at this? Any tips?

There's nothing wrong in remembering. The fear of forgetting important things is a nightmare that you can avoid using GTD.

You don't need GTD if forgetting important things doesn't stress you.

 

[Suelin23]

It's ok to still think about your tasks, GTD is supposed to stop you STRESSING about your tasks.

For example, if I have a task to review a 200 page document and it's on my list, and I'm thinking about the things I need to check, and look for, that's actually good - capture those thoughts straight away, write them down in the project support. I find that often because I have been thinking about major tasks before I start them, when I actually do sit down to do the task, I have already written down heaps of ideas and thoughts about it that it makes the task so much easier to do. There's no longer any thinking "Where do I start?", I start by looking at all the thoughts I had about the task, and this is usually enough to get me going.
The other plus side is that thinking out tasks helps your motivation to do them.

As long as it is thinking not stressing that is fine, but always capture the thoughts otherwise they are wasted efforts.

 

[mthar1]

I guess for you the benefit of GTD is then mainly the being more productive part from not forgetting important stuff.

And as for mind like water, I don't think that is something that can be expected until having practiced GTD consistently for at least a couple of years. So hang in there!