GTD- The Getting Things Done Challenge

It was both easy and challenging for me to go through the getting things done challenge. First it was easy because I have been using a similar process since I can remember. On the other hand, it was challenging to critique where I could improve the process. Still, I did find that I was able to "tweak" my current process. I refer to the process as a challenge because I was forced to challenge my current way of doing things.

To begin with, I considered changing my current process of writing things down with a paper and pencil to possibly using Stixy.com or the sticky notes on my computer as my primary collection box. However, I don't visually see these unless I am on my computer. In fact, I've already tried using the post it system on my laptop to maintain lists. This also doesn't work because I am very kinesthetic. Maybe someone can develop an online augmented reality sticky note program.

Also, I like to keep separate in boxes to maintain our home and my life. As mentioned in the 5 Phases of Mastering Workflow article by David Allen, I do try to limit my collection boxes. Typically, I have one at work, one for myself, and a shared one with my husband. Now that I am taking this class, I have added one for school. This may seem like too many collection points, but I have never had a problem with time conflicts or getting things done. In general, most people usually notice and comment on my productivity.

In fact, when I knew I was going to be taking classes from home, I knew we would need to set up a room in our house that was my own office. This worked out great because we previously lacked a guest room and we were able to create a multi-functional space. In this way, I accomplished two goals in one project. I love to be creative and was able to get two things done with one project. Now that's getting things done!

Later, after I collect these ideas and to do items on lists, I then process what to do with each item. Do I handle it right away, defer the item, or delegate to my husband's list (at home)? In the processing stage, I also do a task analysis of any large projects breaking them done into smaller tasks. After processing the information, I then organize and start to "build" my weekly schedule and long term calender year schedule. The most challenging part of the "waiting for list" is that my husband's schedule is all over the board and we have to organize a shared year in our lives into six months. Lately, we have been compacting a year into four months. This is challenging! However, this is minimized because he is very organized and efficiently takes care of this when he is home and I am good at planning ahead.

Next, I typically review each list daily and cross off items as I complete them. At the end of the "work session," I evaluate and add anything that was not completed to the next day's list. Also, I typically keep my "to do" list at seven items. In other words, my process is very similar to the one described in the 5 Phases of Mastering Workflow by David Allen.

When going through the steps, I found that I was more cognizant of why I used my current process and it allowed me to re-evaluate what I was doing. For example, in the "do" step I am not good about monitoring how much energy I have for the day or how much energy I have left. I typically just push through. In this way, I found the process very helpful and I will integrate this into my current process. Another aspect I would like to work on is to spend more time on the "focus" step.

Honestly, I plan on continuing my previous process but will "tweak" some things based on my new learning. As I mentioned, the biggest change will be in monitoring my energy level in the "do" step. Finally, I feel this project was worthwhile and will benefit my health!

Allen, David. 5 Phases of Mastering Workflow. GTD Tools. 2006.