Introduction
The endless strategy and team meetings, emails flowing in and out and even the impromptu chat around the coffee machine inevitably leads to us thinking “This is all great stuff but what do I do now? How to I process these ideas, actions and ‘stuff’ to actually get things done?” One of the problems with new technology, whilst delivering us tremendous productivity, is that we try to cram more life into our, well, lives. This invariably means more ‘stuff’ to do.
Now, there are two schools of thought on how to deal with this. We can lead a simpler life and reduce our expectations, our life’s passions and our life’s goals. But I have a feeling that our high-capacity, high-striving readers won’t settle for that. What we can do is to come up with a personal system for dealing with the small things to work on, so that we can focus on the bigger picture and achieve our life goals. And reach Level 5 on Maslow’s Hierarchy.
This is where David Allen’s “How to Get Things Done” comes in. He proposes a system for dealing with issues, tasks, projects, odd-jobs etc. that crop up in your life. Notice I said “life.” This includes your personal and professional as well as your electronic and physical world. It gives practical tips on organising your inbox, your desk, removing clutter and getting your files in order. Whilst Allen does talk about the small things and how to plan projects from the ground up, he does spend a chapter on the bigger picture to show you how to link the small actions you do a daily basis to achieve your overall medium and long term plans.
Who is it aimed for and why should you read it?
The GTD methodology (as the disciples call it), can be used by anyone – but in reality it is most suited to knowledge executives and workers (and who isn’t a knowledge worker these days) who spend the majority of their day making decisions, communicating with staff, partners, contractors etc and have an active social/family life to boot.
I have started my own technology company, run a consulting company, am head editor of sharcmedia.com and CIO of jdrlegal. Plus I was recently married and adjusting my life with my new wife. It’s in my best interests to have a solid system for dealing with my tasks. Yes, of course, certain things “slip” through but I am trying to continually improve dealing with the small things in order to achieve something bigger and worthwhile in life. I used to be quite disorganised in the past, but this book has helped me enormously.
So if you feel a little out of control, too “busy” or you feel that you need a hand in getting more organised then this book is for you.
Spawning an Industry
Allen’s book has been somewhat of a phenomenon. New tech start-ups are using this methodology from the get go and embedding it into their culture. There is now a whole industry of consultants and websites offering advice, tools and tricks to help businesses and executives implement the GTD process. Check out 43Folders for further resources, forums and help. Also be sure to check out my previous article “Taking Control of Your Task List” for tips on integrating the GTD process with Microsoft Outlook.
Graeme is an entrepreneur and CEO of MyPed – Empowering Healthy Kids to be fit and healthy. He is also CIO and technology advisor at jdrlegal. He is also Head Editor of sharcmedia.
THX that’s a great asnwre!