Getting Things Done Methodology

1. Capture

  • everything from brain goes into inbox
  • have as few inboxes as possible to reduce places to look
  • as new thoughts, tasks, and other clutter comes up- add it to inbox

If just starting out review the Trigger List to empty brain of all loose clutter

2. Clarify

  • If it will take < 2 minutes just do it
  • If it can be delegated -> Delegate it
  • If it's non-actionable file it in correct place or delete it
  • If it needs to be done at a specific time- give it a due date
  • If its no longer actionable -> delete
  • If it requires more than one step -> create project -> assign next step to project

3. Organize

  • tasks are then organized as one-offs, repeating, agenda items to discuss with people, etc..
  • each of these should live in an easy to access place
  • tasks can be sorted with contexts which signify where they can be done

The organizing and clarifying process happen together. Organizing should fit your personal needs.

4. Engage

  • Do the tasks using the systems in place
  • Check contexts - when on the computer open the #computer context, for home work check #home

Review Weekly

To align on goals and projects, clear out stale tasks etc


References

Getting things done todoist, accessed 9/22/23