On Deeper Reflection

So my friend Michelle Lin was kind enough to solicit a “How I Work Smarter” piece on her excellent ALIEM blog. One of the things I mentioned in that piece was a book called Getting Things Done. I’ve since gotten a bunch of questions and comments about the book. I’d like to take a brief diversion from the main topic of EMCrit and discuss a bit about the book and productivity for docs and resuscitationists.GTD on ODR The BooksGetting Things Done by David Allen (A new edition, the first in years will be out in 3-4 months)The Organized MindThe PhilosophyA clear mind eliminates stress and allows creativity, so…Capture all the things that need to get done into a logical and trusted system outside of your head and off your mind, and…Discipline yourself to make decisions about all the inputs you let into your life, so that you will always have a plan for next actions that you can implement or renegotiate at any moment(altered from Mindzone Wiki)Problems with the BookMindset of the AuthorBased on an erstwhile paper-based worldCan be read as DogmaThe Steps of GTDCollect/Process/Organize/Review/Do1. Collection/Universal CaptureIndex CardsDrafts for IOSInbox(es)EmailPaper Landing Station (The Traditional/Actual Inbox)Pocket for Web and IOS2. ProcessWhat is it?Is it an action, spam, or something non-actionable you want to keep?Action ProcessingDecide if you want to Do it, Don’t do it, Delegate it, or Put it in your systemIs it a project?What is the physical next action that must occur to bring you 1 step closer to completionNext Actions & ProjectsReference ProcessingThings you just want to keep or references for actionsEliminate Paper!EvernoteScansnap Scanner (this item will change your life) 3. Organize-If you are not doing it right now, put it in the systemNirvanaHQ or OmnifocusGCal with FantasticalAdd all reference material as links in your systemCalendarOnly things that absolutely must happen at this date/timeLists on Task Management SystemEspecially important to have a someday/maybe list, a waiting list, and have a thorough understanding of scheduled events.4. ReviewDailyTry to process all emailKill all paperClean off DesktopLook at CalendarLook at Focus and InboxMake a To-Do CardPack for next dayWeekly(this list is from Mindzone wiki)Loose Papersbusiness cards, receipts, etc. – put in in basket for processingProcess Your NotesPrevious Calendar Datareview for remaining action items, reference information, etc.Upcoming CalendarEmpty Your Headwrite down any new projects, action items, etc.Review “Projects” (and Larger Outcome) Listsensure that at least one kick-start action is in your system for eachReview “Next Actions” ListsMark off completed actions & review for reminders of further action steps to captureReview “Waiting For” ListRecords appropriate actions for any needed follow-up & check off received itemsReview Any Relevant ChecklistsReview “Someday/Maybe” ListCheck for any projects that may have become active and transfer them to “Projects” & delete items no longer of interestReview “Pending” and Support FilesBrowse through all work-in-progress support material to trigger new actions, completions, and waiting-forsQuarterlyHigher Level Goals and a super-thorough version of weekly reviewYearlyVision, Life, Clean Out All Files, Am I going in the right direction?5. DoingHappens naturally if you use the method above. However, I alter the canonical method with my daily to-do card and the focus section of nirvanaThe Initial Dump (this comes first, but is being discussed last)Incompletion Trigger ListYou will fall off the wagonNot a problem, redo the initial dump and start up againFlowchartsHere is a pdf of the simplified workflow from DavidAllenCo.A more elaborate version is here:GTD Flow from DavidAllenCoOther People’s TakeOfficial GTD SiteMinezone Wiki SummaryPatrick Rhone’s Version (a bit outdated, but concepts are good. pdf)The Email Charter (not really gtd, but worth a look)Want a poster of the image you see above from Aaron Levie, just go to his siteA Pattern Language for GTDPlease tell me your thoughts on this episode. Use the comments section belowUpdate: Numerous readers have also recommended doit.imNow on to the Podcast…