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jan 30
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This one is all over the internet, but just in case you missed it! It just is a nice 45 minutes introduction from David Allen:
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jan 26
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Sometimes flow is far from available in my life. You are running around like crazy or just without the right amount of energy to get things done. The funny part is that although this has happened to me for the last week my GTD system is still in place. I have even added next actions and projects.
In fact, all my lists are in place, I just need to review them and start doing. Even though the lists don’t become shorter I still have a clear head. So, what’s the thing here?
Being productive isn’t primarily about the amount of stuff you can handle. It is about being clear about your focus and values. Being seemingly unproductive for over a week isn’t that bad at all. I have spent a lot of time thinking about bigger pictures, about some decisions I had to make and spent time with my family.
I didn’t do a lot of Next Actions and I didn’t finish one single project. But now I can tick off one, Maintain blog / write blog item about unproductive week.
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jan 12
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I have a two hour time slot in my calendar every Friday. I sit down and do my Weekly review. For me this is a perfect start of the weekend. It helps me to keep track of everything. It also ensures me that nothing is falling between the cracks.
It is a special time in my week. During the review I listen to music, not always the same kind of music. Mostly music that reflects how my week has been.
I can do the weekly review almost everywhere. I only need my Treo 680 with me or my laptop computer. I have set up a note with a template of things I do during my review. I just open up that memo on my computer or my Treo.
Here are the highlights:
1. I review my calendar for the week that is almost behind me. By reading through my calendar entries from the last several days I am reminded of actions that I need to write down, follow up calls I need to make. Fresh ideas are gathered and written down. It amazes me how refreshing this can be. I take notes during meetings and conversations with people, yet still after a couple of days I am getting new insights from those events.
2. I review my calendar for the next week. Do I need to reschedule some meetings? Do I need to prepare myself for some of the things that are coming next week? I make sure everything is in place for the new week.
3. I review my next actions list. I see if there are any actions that I can mark as complete. Some actions are removed to my Someday/Maybe list. This leaves me with a fresh and current list of next actions to tackle for the coming week.
4. I review my projects list. By going through my list of projects I am reminded of the things that are important in my life. On my projects list I have work and personal projects all in one list. During this time I write down any next action that comes to mind for every single project I am currently doing. By reviewing the projects lists every week I ensure myself that the projects are still going strong.
5. I review several short memos with important stuff in it. I have memos on my short term goals, long term goals and focus areas in my life. This is more a time of thinking about the higher levels of life. Am I still on the right track?
6. I review the action support file folders for my current projects. Just to keep completely informed and up to date on the projects I am doing.
7. I do some errands. I empty my pockets for credit card slips, business cards or other info I need to keep. I go through my briefcase to see if there is something in there that needs my attention. I make a backup of the SD card in my Treo on my computer and then I do a complete backup of the computer. (During the week incremental backups are done with a online backup service I use, Mozy).
During the Weekly Review I have a nice cup of coffee with me, preferable with a bar of chocolate. It truly is a fun time! When I fall behind on this habit I experience more stress in my life. That is the main reason I have scheduled it as an important meeting with myself.
