Over the past week, I’ve been playing with the idea of trying out GTD again – or at least a modified version of GTD. But the more I read about it, the more I really don’t know that it’s for me. I can’t see myself successfully using a tickler file, to be honest.
I suppose I do use a modified version of a tickler file. I have a to-do spreadsheet file on my computer with a tab for every day in the month and a tab for each month of the year. Each month, I look at the monthly list, decide if anything has to be done on a certain day, copy that to the appropriately numbered tab, and then just work from the daily tab, moving uncompleted tasks forward at the end of the day.
For my personal life, I live by to-do lists. I’ve tried online versions, but always go back to paper. Why? It’s portable. Plus there’s something very satisfying to crossing something off the list.
I’ve tried doing GTD and moving tasks around in categories. For me, the problem is that I’m proof of the “Out of sight, out of mind” adage. If it’s not staring at me, I will forget it. For now I just keep long lists of tasks and am trying to always put the “assigned” date on the task so I know if something is languishing on the list.
This seems to work for me, but I’m always looking for someting new and better. Thoughts, anyone? What do you use to stay organized?
Simple is the way to go for me. I have a to do list for work which I’d be lost without, as well as an online calendar to track meetings and use reminders of things I need to do on certain days. Personal life wise, It’s a paper diary, to remind me to do things and of events.. that’s it.. it seemed to work 99% of the time.
I’ve tried electronic organisers, but like you, I like the paper aspect.
For implementing GTD you can use this web-based application:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.