Planning Method GTD Getting Things Done

Today I want to talk about the planning method GTD. You’re probably asking yourself what are you talking about methods to plan. Yes, there are many different kinds of method to planning. GTD “Getting Things Don” is the science behind stress-free productivity. David Allen in 2001 proposed the GTD method rests on the idea of moving planned, tasks and projects out of the mind by recording them externally and then breaking them into actionable work items.

The main principle is to get everything that is on your mind out of your head and in a trusting external memory file systems, so you can have focused on what you actually have to do now.

1.      Collect

Collect everything that catches your attention like, letters, emails, phone calls, reports, personal ideas and memories. So, to begin this process you in to haver and inbox, one that you have setting on your desk one in your planner somewhere.  If you have both place with an inbox just make sure to empty the one from you planner into the one in the desk each night.

2.      Process

You need to decide how many times you would like to set down and process of your collected, for example each Sunday for the week that coming up. You need to ask yourself Does it required action?  Now it’s time to make two piles a yes there is an action or no there is no action.

3.      Organize

No, Their No Action: At this point you need to put it in one of the three bucket

·        Trash

·        Reference (file away but can go back at any time and look over)

·        Someday or Maybe (a project or activity you want to do but does not have a date.)

Yes, Their Action: At this point you need to put it in one of the four bucket

·        Calendar (Example: Bill Due 21^st) Time and Day Specific

·        Project (Example: Organize the kids closet) Take multiple step to complete or Can be complete in a given time frame

·        Action list (Example: Cleaning work Desk) Is a reminders list that can be done at any time. You can categorize (Example: Errand, Computer, Phone calls)

·        Waiting for list (Example: waiting for approval from Jan to move on)

·        Project support materials (Example: Declutter the house) This would-be information can be details, plans, list any supporting information for the project.

For you project list you should have a corresponding action step on your action list.

I hope this has showed you how to plan using the GTD method.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email or leave your questions below.

Next week I will be bringing you another planning method. Please Subscribe to see the next planning method.

Till then have a Good Day and Plan on PlanneryButterflys.