Introducing The Organize IT Trigger List [Organize IT]

As promised on Monday when I wrote my seven point guide to clearing your head, I have written an extensive trigger list to help in the process of getting everything off your mind. It is intended to be as definitive as possible and can hopefully serve as a replacement for the trigger list in the GTD book (I have used that as the basis and expended greatly on it). My intention is to publish a PDF of this list for easy printing and reference this Friday in time for the weekly recap. However, I want to make sure I have added as many trigger words as possible (and organized existing ones properly), so the next stage is over to you. If you can think of any words I may have missed please suggest them in the comments!

For those who are not clear on what a trigger list is, you use it as a tool to “trigger” thoughts and ideas in your head, which you then write down. At this stage you do not attempt to process or prioritize these thoughts, just make sure you write everything down. Imagine it as though you are downloading every open loop in your memory, so that your head is totally clear and can focus properly.

Projects

  • Started, not completed
  • To start
  • To finish/acknowledge as complete
  • To clarify/process
  • Define next actions
  • In notepad
  • From meetings
  • In calendar
  • In journal
  • On to-do lists
  • On post-it notes
  • Scraps of paper
  • From inbox
  • Planner

Commitments/promises to others

  • Boss/managers/partners
  • Colleagues
  • Subordinates
  • Other people in workplace/organization
  • Customers
  • Other organizations
  • Professionals
  • Spouse
  • Children
  • Pets
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Borrowed items to return
  • Sold items to deliver
  • Payments/debts to pay
  • Deadlines
  • Subscriptions

Communications to make/get

  • Phone calls
  • Conversations
  • Voice mails
  • Text messages
  • Pages
  • Faxes
  • Memos
  • Letters
  • Emails
  • Cards
  • Social networks

Upcoming events

  • Meetings
  • Special occasions
  • Anniversaries
  • Weddings
  • Graduations
  • Holidays
  • Travel
  • Weekend trips
  • Vacations
  • Bank holidays
  • Social events
  • Cultural events
  • Sporting events
  • Local events
  • Dinners

Administration

  • Bills to pay
  • Banking
  • Investments
  • Loans
  • Taxes
  • Filing
  • Forms to fill in
  • Insurance
  • Legal affairs
  • Personnel
  • Policies/procedures
  • Sorting
  • Organizing

Waiting for…

  • Mail
  • Orders
  • Repairs
  • Loaned items
  • Data/information
  • RSVPs
  • Deliveries
  • Delegated tasks
  • Replies
  • Tickets
  • Decisions of others
  • Calls
  • Proposals
  • Reimbursements
  • References
  • Subscriptions

Repairs/upgrades/replacements

  • Computer software
  • Computer upgrades
  • Downloads
  • Printers
  • Routers/modems
  • Electronic equipment
  • Appliances
  • Entertainment equipment
  • TV
  • Stereo
  • Consoles
  • Tools
  • Home/household

Community

  • Neighborhood
  • Schools
  • Colleges
  • Universities
  • Local government
  • Interests
  • Parties
  • Events

Errands

  • Hardware store
  • Pharmacy
  • Groceries
  • Bank
  • Market
  • Post office
  • Laundrette
  • Office supplies
  • Fueling station

Hobbies/interests

  • Books
  • Music
  • Games
  • Magazines/newspapers
  • Subscriptions

Home/household

  • Landlords
  • Plumbing
  • Electricity
  • Roofing
  • Landscape
  • Gardening
  • Driveway
  • Walls/floors/ceilings
  • Decorating
  • Furniture
  • Utilities
  • Appliances
  • Lightbulbs/wiring
  • Utensils
  • Decluttering
  • Cleaning
  • Repairs/maintenance
  • Heating/air conditioning

Transport

  • Car
  • Truck/van
  • Bike/motorcycle
  • Vehicle insurance/tax
  • Vehicle financing
  • Commuting
  • Fueling
  • Cleaning
  • Repairs/Maintenance

Professional/personal development

  • Training/seminars/workshops
  • Topics to learn
  • Research
  • Skills to practice
  • Resume
  • Health/exercise
  • Recreation
  • Hobbies
  • Diet
  • Counseling
  • Relaxation/leisure
  • Creative expression
  • Books/blogs to read
  • Videos to watch
  • Audio to listen to
  • Formal education

Wardrobe

  • Professional/work
  • Casual
  • Leisure
  • Formal
  • Hobbies
  • Sports
  • Underwear
  • Accessories
  • Luggage/storage
  • Clothes that don’t fit

Planning/organizing

  • Goals
  • Targets
  • Objectives
  • Projects
  • Next actions
  • Business/marketing plans
  • Initiatives
  • Upcoming events
  • Meetings
  • Presentations
  • Organizational structuring
  • Travel
  • Installations of new systems/equipment
  • Teaching
  • Subscriptions
  • Career planning
  • Mission statement
  • Education

Read/write/review

  • Books
  • Documents
  • Websites
  • Publications
  • Memos
  • Emails
  • Reviews
  • Adverts
  • Letters
  • Drafts
  • Reports
  • Evaluations
  • Proposals
  • Promotional material
  • Manuals/instructions
  • Rewrites/edits

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Original post here: James

16 April 2008 | GTD, Productivity, Tech, tools, u | Comments

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