GTD Post

Good evening fellow GTD'ers.  During this past week of using the GTD done system, I have found that I have passed through several emotions: confusion at setting up a personal system and making it work with how I want to accomplish tasks, frustration at not 1) accomplishing my entire list for the day 2)completely figuring out my system of GTD.

It tooks me several days and tries to figure out my organizational list.  I was good at putting things in the "inbox" but not as good at finding a "home" for the list of items.  Was this a project, or was just a big to do task that would take some time?  (Like finishing my Christmas Cards I handmake every year... I have most of them accomplished, and now need to address envelopes.  Making cards of more of a multi-step project.)

I also had to take several days to find a system that worked for me.  I tried pencil/paper because I'm a "list girl" at heart, always have been.  I find myself making a list of things I did accomplish in a day and then crossing them off to feel something got done that day.  (Things can be sidetracked by a two year old, but I wouldn't change my day!)

I found that I went though two iPhone apps (I always have my phone).  I tried a Google checklist app, but didn't like the setup.  I then tried a Home&Work app.  This is working better for me.  I can type what category I want my "to do" item to go into as I'm dumping.  This works best for me.  I have to know where it will go as I'm writing it.  Things need a home before I start.

I will admit... I'm a bit OC (obsesive compulsive, and sadly I can see this in my poor, sweet little boy).  Now, don't think Sheldon Cooper of Big Bang Theorgy obsessive... *knock, knock, knock, Penny*... *knock, knock, knock, Penny*... *knock, knock, knock, Penny*  I'm not that bad, but things have a place and there are a certain way to fold (and NOT fold)  the towels. :)

I think overall this process has helped me think about the steps of organizing what I need to do.  I think that I will continue to use my iPhone (I heart that thing!) to help organize just because that it one thing I always have around (unless it grows two year old legs at times).  I had used the "reminders" app, and really liked it.  But this new Home & Work app really helps me separate into categories, and mark it as partially completed to finish at another time as well.  Very helpful. 

Overall, after a first few frustrating days of finding what worked for me, it has been a good experience.