Getting Things Done

Ep 193: Slice of GTD Life with Jim Small

Feb 8, 2023
Jim Small, a pathology professor at Rocky Vista University and self-proclaimed "science nerd," shares his journey of integrating the Getting Things Done methodology into his life. He discusses the transition from medicine to teaching, highlighting the necessity for robust organizational systems during difficult times. Jim emphasizes the value of a simple approach to list management and the underappreciated Waiting For list. His humor shines as he reveals the origin of his GTD system's quirky name, Tembo, and offers insight on engaging diverse learners in the classroom.
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ANECDOTE

GTD Journey and Early Challenges

  • Jim Small, driven by his "inner geek," explored various list management systems, from Palm OS to Outlook and Word.
  • His initial GTD system with 400+ items overwhelmed him, highlighting the importance of starting small.
ADVICE

Digital Simplicity over Complexity

  • Use a digital system for portability and accessibility across devices.
  • Simplify complex systems; Small found Evernote effective after abandoning a granular, tag-based approach.
ANECDOTE

Managing a Complex Project with GTD

  • Small used a Google Doc to manage the complex project of his father's passing, capturing actions and important information.
  • He later "GTD-ified" the document, creating more granular actions and projects.
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