Maybe I’m the last person on the planet to read/listen to David Allen’s Getting Things Done, but it’s about time!

So…here’s the cheat sheet (my distillation of the Wikipedia article) :

2 Minute Rule

New task comes in…if it can be done in less than 2 minutes, just DO IT!

Core Principles

Collect

• Capture everything you need to remember
• Store it in your bucket (PDA, day timer, boxes, file cabinet)
• Process buckets at least once a week

Process

• Start at top
• 1 item at a time
• Don’t put anything back in the bucket
• For items that require action, do one of:
  • do it (2 minutes or less)
  • delegate it
  • defer it
• For items requiring no action, do one of:
  • file for reference
  • trash it
  • incubate for possible future action

Organize

• Next actions
  • Every item must be assigned a next action
• Projects
  • Periodically review to be sure it’s moving
  • Must have a next action assigned
• Waiting for
  • Must have list of “waiting fors”
  • Review list
  • Check action due or reminders needed
• Someday/Maybe
  • list of items that you may want to do someday

Review

• Next actions – review daily
• Projects, waiting for, and someday…at least weekly

Do

Make it simple and fun to do the actions…if you can!

Organization and Filing System

Calendars – should only be used for appointments and deadlines

Filing system – whatever you like…suggests alphabetically ordered folders. If something doesn’t fit an existing folder add a new one

Tickler file (43 folders) – suggests using 12 folders for the months…31 folders for days of the current month