More time for fun: GTD—Getting Things Done
David Allen’s book changed my life. Simple and true. Like David I belong to the lazy crowd. And I love to get things done! Not really a contradiction – for me it’s a way of achieving fun in my life.
Like David puts it so well, GTD is about “winning at the game of work and business of life”.
“Don’t believe me: try it out for yourself!”
During the Road Map seminar David showed me how he does GTD. I do my stuff differently – but I do use the same tools. David: “don’t believe me: try it for yourself” That is all I can say too.
I do it as best I can to have fun. And I am getting to be taught by the very best teachers I know: my kids. They love having fun! Just like I do.
What is Getting things done – GTD?
GTD® stand for “Getting Things Done®” a work and life management system. Explained here and in the book by David Allen.
GTD is a powerful tool I use to manage my commitments (to myself, children and others), my information (stuff), and all my communication.
Simple. But not simplistic! The effectiveness of GTD lies in the idea that when I know what my commitments are, have organised and reviewed everything (on paper so that it is not on my mind): then I can focus more clearly on what I want.
With this peace of mind, I can make better decisions. The choices I have about what to do (or not do) in the moment. Now.
Relaxed and ready for anything!
GTD gives me an easy, step-by-step yet highly efficient method for achieving a relaxed, productive state of being. Doing it my way, it includes:
- Capturing anything and everything on my mind
- Defining my actionable things discretely into outcomes and next steps
- Organising my reminders and information, into categories, based on how and when I need to do or access them
- Always ready with regular reviews of the six horizons of commitments (purpose, vision, goals, areas of focus, projects, and actions)
Having implemented GTD I have more time for fun. Am less stressed and love every moment I am working, with the kids or just relaxing in the garden with a good book.
I have lots of creative energy. Energy for painting, cooking and playing with the kids. Whatever comes up, I am ready to go.
Flexible and never finished
GTD’s simplicity, flexibility, and immediacy are its attraction. Its personality is found in every individuals approach and ideas. As David puts it: “What, indeed, is GTD? More than meets the eye…”.
