Newbie ! Where to begin ???

[BoyMom]

Hi Everyone !
Im a mom of 3 boys (ages 8 and under !) and a part time Special Needs Teacher as well. I just came across the GTD Audiobook and LOVE LOVE LOVE it !
I was quite impressed with myself when I realized that I do MANY of the things Allen speaks of, my lists are written strategically by shopping location, context, time of day, etc. Many of his ideas are brilliant and make me feel like Im not alone in wanting to be productive and keep up with life ! I hear so much of "oh just relax, it will get done" from others, and it drives me crazy !
I NEEEDD to implement his program in order to free up my mind, bc it can definitely take a toll when so much more is going on, both in life, and in my mind maps, as he calls them!
I have great ideas on organizing, great strategies in mind, im super-productive, but I can sometimes be counter-productive or simply overwhelmed bc I dont know where to begin !
Ive listened to the audiobook twice, and have the hard copy book as well. Ive seen the filing systems, etc.
But I just need more clarification on where to begin, how often to do what ? Does he have strategies such as "every morning at 6am check 2minute list". Im also self diagnosed, ADD, LOL, so I can miss something I read very easily! and my mind is "all over the place" especially when it's not CLEAR and FULL of so much !!

can someone help me get started ? Im excited but anxious at the same time.:shock:
Also, where can I get the pdf ?
I forgot to add: Although I have these mental strategies and lists, and great ideas, and thoughts on every single project in my life, big or small, my problem is implementing things and being consistent and keeping on top of these lists ! I have amazing spreadsheets that are not utilized to their full potential =(

Thanks so much ! Looking fwd to getting to know you all (without wasting too much time on here ! :razz

 

[kelstarrising]

I'd recommend starting by doing a thorough Mind Sweep and getting it all into a trusted list manager.

You can also walk yourself through the setup process with the GTD Implementation Guide. You'll find many other PDFs there as well.

There are many, many resources we offer for getting started. I don't want you inundate you with all of them at once, but hopefully this gives you some suggestions.

Does he have strategies such as "every morning at 6am check 2minute list".

That's not one David Allen recommends. In fact, if you can do it in less than 2 minutes, it wouldn't be on a list. And as far as routines and rituals, they are important for you to set to create some success with GTD, but there are actually few that are "required" with GTD. It's quite flexible.

 

[BoyMom]

Thanks for the info, I will look into it !

My main struggle is focusing on a schedule & structure. Even as simple as morning routines, or evening routines. Are there any master sheets to follow where we can add recurring/routine "TO Do's" (Such as prepping kids for school, put laundry in, quick cleanup of a high traffic zone, etc.)

 

[ellobogrande]

Use checklists to establish routines

Thanks for the info, I will look into it !

My main struggle is focusing on a schedule & structure. Even as simple as morning routines, or evening routines. Are there any master sheets to follow where we can add recurring/routine "TO Do's" (Such as prepping kids for school, put laundry in, quick cleanup of a high traffic zone, etc.)

Something like this would be best parked in your system as a checklist. This checklist would go into a section of your planner dedicated to reference lists.

In a paper planner it would be a section underneath a specific tab. In a software program like Outlook it would be stored in the Notes component.

I suggest that you download the free articles available on the main davidco.com site, particularly one about setting up a paper planner. Unless you are already *really* saavy with a particular software program or tool, I suggest you start on paper and focus on the habits. Technology gets in the way when you're trying to learn this material.

Welcome to GTD. It can change your life. It changed mine.