Getting Things Done Reflection

I've been using the Getting Things Done method for about a year. Pocket Informant, an iphone app, introduced the method to me, and I bought the book. I collect and process my information in several ways. The items in the physical inbox on my desk can go into Google Calendar, Toodledo, A-Z files, Programming Files, or the trash. I process my email inbox in a similar fashion except that I have name folders inside my A-Z Folders and I have no Programming Files. I sync Google Calendar/Contacts and Toodledo with Pocket Informant. I use an app called VoCal to record audio reminders, and the app Use Your Own Handwriting for note taking. Items in Vocal and Use Your Own Handwriting that are left at the end of the day are typically dumped into calendar, tasks, or contacts. In the morning I take a screen shot of my Calendar and integrated tasks, and I place that on my iPhone's lock screen.

I already have this in place so this assignment was easy to complete. When I started using GTD last year, I was looking for a way to manage the development of upcoming programs and summer camps, and my task list wasn't that heavy so it was easy for me to implement at that time. Right now, I utilize 4 contexts (@Home, @out, @Sloan*Longway, and @MSU), a series of tags, and colors to filter and prioritize my tasks. When it comes to Task Action categories I tend to use Planning, Delegated, Waiting, and Hold but not Next Action. This method really helps me because of the way it allows me to capture and manage my tasks.

The GTD method really helped me streamline my organizational process, but I'll admit my in-boxes are a bit backed-up right now. My place of work has what we consider to be a blockbuster exhibit opening on Saturday and we've been extremely busy. I've been using VoCal a lot over the past two weeks. What's important is that everything is taken down, I'm not having the "Oh, I need to remember..." thought popping up in my head every 5 minutes, and that it works for me. I'll definitely continue to use it because of the way it helps me capture my tasks and the peace of mind it gives me.

Here is a picture of my Lock Screen

Here is a picture of my Home Screen.

A Picture of Pocket Informant's Calendar Day view.