Tuesday, February 19, 2008

GTD

When I was driving home tonight, there was a story on NPR about GTD. It is an organizational system developed by a guy named David Allen, it stands for Getting Things Done, and apparently it's a very big thing right now. He's written a book, he does seminars, etc. After reading a bit about it, it does seem that it's fairly extensive, but what really struck me on the NPR story was that it talked about making lists. Here's what Wiki says about that:

Capture everything that is necessary to track, remember, or act on- in what Allen calls a bucket: a physical inbox, an email inbox, a tape recorder, a notebook, a PDA, or any combination of these. The idea here is to get everything out of one's head and into a collection device, ready for processing. All buckets should be emptied (processed) at least once per week.

Allen doesn't advocate any preferred collection method, leaving the choice to the individual. He only insists upon the importance of emptying the "buckets" regularly. Any storage space that is inspected regularly by the individual is acceptable.

I had to laugh, because I've been a list maker for years. As I write, I have my little notebook right by me, with my list of things to do tomorrow, my day off. How do I "empty my bucket?" I cross an item off my list when I've completed it. As I said, I'm sure there's much more to it, but I find it amusing when people come out with "systems" that consist of things like making lists. Doesn't everyone do that? Besides, instead of GTD by David Allen, I prefer TCB, like Elvis! <doing the Elvis "Hunh!"> Thank you. Thank you very much.

No results yet on today's primaries. The usual huggermugger is going on with little barbs and arrows flying around, the Clinton campaign is going negative, and I think it's obvious that things are heating up. Reader Ziggy left a great comment today about it all.

As for the Clinton - Obama campaigns, not much of a comment from me as I am sitting up north of the border looking down on all of this. It is good to see people get involved, have an opinion and be passionate about what they care about. It is good to see open debate on the issues. I just hope the momentum continues and everyone, regardless of age or political persuasion gets themselves out and exercises one of their most valuable democratic rights and votes. When more people vote for an American Idol than do an American President, others in the world take notice.

It IS great to see people involved, and I agree with Ziggy--I hope the momentum continues. And did you catch that last sentence? "When more people vote for an American Idol than do an American President, others in the world take notice." That's probably one of the best things I've read in some time, and it should serve as a wake up call to each and every one of us. This is such an important decision, and the apathy of American voters sends quite a message to the world, one that I don't think we want to be sending. Thanks, Ziggy.

Finally, adios, Fidel! I hope this results in more freedom for the Cuban people, and I hope it eventually leads to unrestricted travel to the island. I would LOVE to go there! We sailed past it on the cruise, and it looks gorgeous and lush, and I think it would be a very interesting place to visit. A little trivia: did you know that Desi Arnaz's grandfather was one of the original partners in the Bacardi Rum company? It's true!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm a list maker too, and it feels so gratifying to cross things off my list as I complete each task.  My problem is that I make so many lists, and they're all over the house, that I don't quite finish one list!  Sometimes, I 'll find an old list and consolidate it into a new list because that one wasn't quite finished!  In any case, it helps keep me on track...what a concept!
xoxo ~myra

Anonymous said...

What do you do when you have so many collection buckets that your mental house looks like it needs a new roof due to the downpour? I spend most of the time with my glasses on my forehead as I search the house for them.

Jimmy

Anonymous said...

Myra, I also don't always finish my list in a day, and have to carry things over to the next list. I prioritize!

Jimmy, I don't know what to tell you about your glasses...sometimes at work I stick a post-it note to my computer to remember a stat, or something I need to do. In fact, on rare occasions, I have stapled a post-it note to my lab coat. Sad, isn't it?

Beth

Anonymous said...

With Fidel gone or going, I wonder if Arnie will be able to stock up on his favourite Cuban cigars. You know, he used to come up to my city when he was acting and making films and he would always seek out the speciality stores that sold Cuban cigars. Can't buy them down in the States, but you sure can here.

Oh my goodness, now is not the time for Americans to become apathetic. I think that happened four years ago and look what has come of it all. The economy is faltering at best, the American dollar is taking a beating, the national debt has likely doubled, tripled or quadrupled since then, ordinary Americans are finding it increasingly more difficult to keep  a roof over their head and food on their table. They still cannot afford to be sick, their children are getting second rate education, and the once proud American eagle, representing the leader of the free world is missing a few feathers and soon about to be fricasseed if things do not improve. Whatever happens in the States affects the rest of the free world, and most especially your neighbours to the north. We have a vested interest in what happens down there and we do care --- probably more than some Americans. You want to put the "United" back in the USA. Gosh, sounds like we should have a little pep rally here, but if that is what it takes to get people to the polls, then that is what needs to happen.

Anonymous said...

I've grabbed a notebook & made lists for friends or coworkers who swore they had so much to do but could not even begin;they were directionless.  I'd just start jotting down the things they said they'd need to do, & if I knew anything about it (like where to get the best Italian bread for when their mother in law was coming ), I'd add it as a note on the list. Some people bounce from pillar to post without one(list), but once they have it, they are amazed at how much gets crossed off. ~Mary