Monday, July 10th, 2006...9:50 am
The GTD® System Overhaul (in progress)
Well, my system overhaul is underway.
As I have mentioned in other posts, for me, the geek factor is huge. So I tend to use more gadgets than the average bear. So my notebook and my PDA will weigh heavily in the equation for me.
First I am trying, on a trial basis, MasterList Professional. My initial take in my first few days is that it is certainly a more sophisticated piece of software than I expected. It may just be that I am trying to learn to use it, and will take to it like a duck to water as I learn it better.
If it does not work for me, one option is to dive into Tracks full throttle. I have sort of been a part time user for some time now. But at the moment I am experimenting to find what works best for me. My hunch at the moment is that I will be in Tracks in a couple of weeks. But I want to give MLP a fair chance. I also want to give some tools I have received recommendations for a run as well.
I want to continue to use EverNote Plus for taking notes. It works well for me since I can use Word on my PDA and then sync to my notebook, and copy any notes to EverNote. This makes some of my reporting tasks very simple. Unfortunately, this makes my Moleskine somewhat useless. I can still take notes at Bible study and church in it. I actually think if I use it for that purpose exclusively, it will be easier for reference later.
BTW, when I was in New York recently, I purchased a Lamy Pickup. I have found this pen to the be the best tool for Bible study, you can write with a smooth ballpoint, and highlight with the highlighter that simply pops out of the end. I highly recommend it.
My next major exercise is to have a goal setting session. This will serve, in part, as a more in depth weekly review for me. I have already refreshed my thoughts on chapter 9 of the book. So I am mentally ready to tackle it. Now, if I can just get some uninterrupted time and a little quiet, I am good. I have a 4 year old and a 6 year old. So that state is rare at my house. I may find myself hanging out on the deck tonight. Maybe it won’t be too hot and muggy here in the deep south tonight.
BTW, I am still open to recommendations, I plan to test out several things before settling in with a permanent plan. To those who have responded recently, thanks for the tips.
- Jason
6 Comments
July 10th, 2006 at 11:42 am
Jason:
The geek factor is a factor for me too. I am planning to try out something in the near future. Maybe you can try this too. I am planning to consolidate my phone and pda into one. For this, I am planning to try my dad’s phone (sony-ericson t61). This cool phone apparently has blue tooth outlook sync up.
This would link my outlook to my phone (wherever I go and in my pocket).
GCM
July 10th, 2006 at 12:03 pm
[...] Is your GTD setup in need of a major overhaul? Here comes the Black Belts to the rescue. [...]
July 10th, 2006 at 12:20 pm
Jason - best of luck to you! Although I’ve got very geek tendencies I decided for my implementation (http://www.smartminion.com/blog/?keyword=gtd) my key factor was on the system - not on the tools — so, I went very low tech.
There are still 2 aspects that aren’t 100% for me:
1. managing links. Currently I just have a desktop folder with thousands of links in it
2. The higher levels of the “six-level model for reviewing your work” (pp. 51,200).
So far I’m over a month in on my initial implementation and it’s made a huge difference - best of luck on yours. My opinion is still that the weekly review determines success/failure so be sure that’s as easy and efficient (and routine!) as possible.
John
July 11th, 2006 at 1:44 am
Jason - I looked at a number of programmes for trying to organise my system along GTD lines, and I decided after looking at a number of programmes and systems that My Life Organized was the best. Take a look if you haven’t seen it.
http://www.mylifeorganized.net/index.htm
Edith
July 12th, 2006 at 9:27 pm
GCM,
Thanks for the note. Let me know how that phone works out. I am surprised that such a phone would have a robust enough organizer. Hopefully, it will work for you.
John,
Agree with you on all points. It is about the system. I think the tools can aid in making it more fun, and also provide some functionality to make it easier.
Edith,
MLO is a nice program. Glad to see that it works for you.
July 16th, 2006 at 8:58 pm
[...] Black Belt Productivity » The GTD® System Overhaul (in progress) [...]
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