Meme: My Killer GTD Setup [Gearfire Productivity]
A couple days ago, I read this meme over at GTD Experiences, and I felt inclined to respond. What can I say? I like talking about my GTD setup! I think I have a fairly simple system compared to a lot of other bloggers with more customized and complicated (and probably more effective for them) systems. Here are the main three parts of my GTDing.
Inbox/Item Collection
I try to centralize it, but I always end up with multiple in-boxes and item collection points. I have my physical inbox and outbox by my desk, which takes care of papers and most physical small items. I also have a virtual inbox on a sticky note on my desktop, to record ideas when on my laptop. I could use the inbox feature of my online GTD system, but I like to keep my inbox accessible at all times.
I also use a folder in my bookmarks, and the starred section of my google reader as an inbox. If I really like an article or website, but don’t have time to view it now, I will put it in the inbox for later. Whenever I can, I empty my in-boxes into my central GTD system.
Filing System
I use Vitalist as my complete GTD system. I prefer this over traditional methods because it is all in one place, and the GTD system itself is fairly complex, with filtering and sorting options. I import the Vitalist iCal feed into my Google Calendar to display the due dates for tasks, as well as my ticklers. This eliminates the need for manually entering items into both my to-do list and my calendar.
Daily Ritual
Every night before I go to bed, I do a daily review. I check to make sure my in-boxes are empty, and then choose my three MITs (most important tasks) for the next day, as well as several others that need my attention. I set the MITs to high priority, other tasks to medium, and anything that I will not be doing that day on low. A couple of weeks ago, I wouldn’t have been able to do this because I had so many tasks in my inbox. Since then I have cut down drastically, and I now review all my pending tasks each night to re-prioritize.
I usually write out a brief outline of what I want to get done the next day, taking into account any commitments I have. I usually include specific MIT tasks in this. Then I review my mission statement before retiring to bed.
Passing on the Torch
Now it is your turn to tell us about your killer GTD setup. Bloggers, post an article, and be sure to leave a comment so we can come look! Other readers, fell free to describe your systems in a comment!
Original post here: Geoff R.
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