Longstreet
Professor of microbiology and infectious diseases
I have embraced the changes described by Moises in the great piece on GTD 2.0. I do not use the priority field to sector out next actions for this week. Instead, I assign target due dates when I am doing my weekly review.
One thing in GTD that I have always had trouble with, as many others have too, is the physical context categories. I have tried many types, but none seem to fit me overall. Oh, of course the categories of @Errands, @ Agendas, and @Waiting For work well, but the other physical contexts -- @computer, @Office, @Work, etc. just never have worked well for me. The computer category is a good example – I have a computer in my office, two at home, one which is on cable internet, and I have a new laptop. I can easily transfer files between the home and work, so the strict physical context is lost. I can be in contact with my research staff by phone and email practically 24/7 no matter where I am, so the @Office only category does not work real well either for me. Oh sure, there are some obvious things that can only be done at the office, but in this unbelievably connected world we are in, these are becoming more of the exception than the rule.
I came across a book written by Dave DeSousa entitled “Power Scheduling”. I was intrigued by it and read it easily and carefully in one evening. I think a major light bulb went off for me! There are numerous similarities in what he says to GTD. The way he suggests in grouping tasks together is by the type of task – writing, reading, spreadsheets, etc. Then one can schedule different times during the day to concentrate on all of your tasks (next actions) in that particular category.
I am finding that this works well for me. I am the type of person that needs weekly planning and structure during the week. One of the issues that I have always had is reviewing long lists of next actions in all of the categories and trying to decide which one to do next. This process simplifies it well for me. For example, my most creative writing time is in the morning. So, I power schedule a block of time in the morning and work from my writing category of next actions. I stay focused on this category only. Of course, I am interrupted and he discusses that in his book. No, he is not old school and does not try to have you stop interruptions. He realizes that this too is part of our work-life situation and that we have to simply deal with the interruption and then move on. The power schedule is not hard-coded on my calendar as busy – I use Outlook and I simply identify block times during the week when I want to focus on different categories.
I suggest people that like more structure look at this book. I am using a nice blend of GTD and Power Scheduling that works for me.
Best wishes to all,
Longstreet
One thing in GTD that I have always had trouble with, as many others have too, is the physical context categories. I have tried many types, but none seem to fit me overall. Oh, of course the categories of @Errands, @ Agendas, and @Waiting For work well, but the other physical contexts -- @computer, @Office, @Work, etc. just never have worked well for me. The computer category is a good example – I have a computer in my office, two at home, one which is on cable internet, and I have a new laptop. I can easily transfer files between the home and work, so the strict physical context is lost. I can be in contact with my research staff by phone and email practically 24/7 no matter where I am, so the @Office only category does not work real well either for me. Oh sure, there are some obvious things that can only be done at the office, but in this unbelievably connected world we are in, these are becoming more of the exception than the rule.
I came across a book written by Dave DeSousa entitled “Power Scheduling”. I was intrigued by it and read it easily and carefully in one evening. I think a major light bulb went off for me! There are numerous similarities in what he says to GTD. The way he suggests in grouping tasks together is by the type of task – writing, reading, spreadsheets, etc. Then one can schedule different times during the day to concentrate on all of your tasks (next actions) in that particular category.
I am finding that this works well for me. I am the type of person that needs weekly planning and structure during the week. One of the issues that I have always had is reviewing long lists of next actions in all of the categories and trying to decide which one to do next. This process simplifies it well for me. For example, my most creative writing time is in the morning. So, I power schedule a block of time in the morning and work from my writing category of next actions. I stay focused on this category only. Of course, I am interrupted and he discusses that in his book. No, he is not old school and does not try to have you stop interruptions. He realizes that this too is part of our work-life situation and that we have to simply deal with the interruption and then move on. The power schedule is not hard-coded on my calendar as busy – I use Outlook and I simply identify block times during the week when I want to focus on different categories.
I suggest people that like more structure look at this book. I am using a nice blend of GTD and Power Scheduling that works for me.
Best wishes to all,
Longstreet
She recommeded to block out the time for different activities like you did. I.e. you blocked out time for reading and then took what to read from your NA's list or day-specific NA's. This approach allows to balance activities becase as I think GTD doesn't allow for this as it's dependent on the Context and Time available. And Julia's approach guarantees context and time available for some of NAs at the convinient time for you and in balance with your other activities.