I have been tending toward using web applications again, but now that my main desktop is acting like a piece of rock rather than a computer, I’m starting to wonder if I should return lowtech in my quest to do better GTD. (I started going that way a couple of months ago just because I was sick of being on the computer.) So I found Flipping Heck’s description of “My ‘Killer’ GTD setup” really interesting. Basically it comes down to a blank book (OK, the post recommends a moleskine, but what’s the difference, right?), a pen, a form for projects, and a phone for the calendar. Looks like something to consider.
On the inspiration side of things, I really appreciated The Daily Saint’s pep talk on his GTD Cafe post on the power of small decisions.
Finally, I still haven’t mastered how to really use a to-do list or tasklist. So this post on the KISS approach to GTD project planning looks helpful.
Thanks. I’m only just now starting to get deeply into GTD; mostly out of necessity. I’m hopeful GTD can help overcome the disorder of juggling two vocations. The amount of GTD material on the web alone is kind of overwhelming in itself.
Up until very recently, I was using Google Calendar for a lot of stuff. But I want something low-tech that I can carry, not much bigger than 3×5″ (so I can use ordinary cards). Anything else is too bulky–don’t even get me started on the whole moleskine business.
On my desk right now I’m making my first attempt at a homemade hPDA using the popular Rollabind/Circa rings and punch. I just can’t see paying 35 bucks for this:
http://tinyurl.com/24evqt
…or this:
http://tinyurl.com/yrv9sa
…when I can do better and cheaper following the lead here:
http://tinyurl.com/2b88ve
I like the fact that there aren’t any little pockets or clips for the cards to fall out of, and I don’t need special-sized card stock or pre-printed forms.
I’m always toying and tinkering with various setups. I find that its bothersome to remember my moleskine all the time. Instead, I use anything as a capture device (notepad, sticky, etc…) and use Google Calendar and RTM for my cal and taskpad.
I don’t have as many things to do as others, but those two items can follow me anywhere. Google Calendar also lets me connect my cal with Kristen’s, which is why I favor it over something printed.
I like the idea of doing a ‘daily review’ the night before and writing three main tasks on a 3×5 that must get done, or is to be done first before email. An interesting idea.
Mark, thanks for the plug. Keep at your practice of GTD- it’s worth it.
Keep up the good work on your blog,
Mike