GTD Connect Latest Activity

Under-used Tickler Files

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:07:24 PDT

I keep falling behind on my tickler file system. Partly its "out of sight, out of mind" for me; since I keep it in my filing cabinet with general reference. Also, I tend to use the calendar for small things so it's not used "every day". I've recently added "catch up on ticker file" to my weekly review checklist which might help. I think I'm getting the hang of customizing the checklist with the right queues to improve my process from week to week. Also, I'm using a 12 folder tickler system now instead of 43 - I just don't have so much to put in it that it's worth having a folder per day. As long as it's checked every week, things can be "yeah around March some time" for me; it'll only be 1 or 2 things anyway. Does anyone else find this problem? What are some of your solutions to tickler files being a great idea but having very few situations that fit the idea?.

Becoming More Creative

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:32:31 PDT

In today's NY Times: " ... But brain researchers have discovered that when we consciously develop new habits, we create parallel synaptic paths, and even entirely new brain cells, that can jump our trains of thought onto new, innovative tracks. Rather than dismissing ourselves as unchangeable creatures of habit, we can instead direct our own change by consciously developing new habits. In fact, the more new things we try � the more we step outside our comfort zone � the more inherently creative we become, both in the workplace and in our personal lives. But don�t bother trying to kill off old habits; once those ruts of procedure are worn into the hippocampus, they�re there to stay. Instead, the new habits we deliberately ingrain into ourselves create parallel pathways that can bypass those old roads. �The first thing needed for innovation is a fascination with wonder, ..." from NY Times online, May 4, 2008, "UNBOXED: Can You Become a Creature of New Habits?" By JANET RAE-DUPREE http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/04/business/04unbox.html?em&ex=1210392000&en=b43253e44e1fbe8d&ei=5087%0A.

Me And My Bonsai...

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:58:02 PDT

(This is a reply to Barb's post at the end of another thread - DA) [QUOTE=Barb;57820]David, I'm posting this here because I feel you might see it. I'd LOVE for you to tell us about your bonsai habit...how did you get started, how you went about learning it, what cool stuff have you done. In addition to hopefully starting a different conversation, I truly am interested! P.S. Saw the clip on Oprah...Katherine is gorgeous! Who knew! She's never in any of your pictures![/QUOTE] Barb, I've loved looking at bonsai since I can remember...the zen aesthetic, plus my love of plants and gardening and design. I was traveling way too much to manage that hobby, though. Of course then Kathryn gave me three as a birthday present a couple of years ago, and I said, what the heck... So I got a few, and then opened the infinite universe of how much there was to learn. But I've stuck with it - found a great bonsai teacher, that helped a bunch. I killed all of mine the first year - he said it takes three years to learn how to water! It's a great hobby if you have some impatience in your DNA (as I do) - snip here, wait two years, snip again! But like any cool hobby, time disappears for me just putzing around the process. Kathryn is yummy, of course. She's not in many pictures because her Myers Briggs "I" prefers being in a "secret garden" than a public one! David.

General Reference Files Purge Technique.

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:05:08 PDT

As far as I can see on this photo David Allen uses electric fan to purge his general reference files. Am I right?.

New Office, In So Many Ways...

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:34:55 PDT

New office, in so many ways... Well, this week we move into our new company HQ building! Still some finishing touches (as always with new buildings), but I decided to take the plunge and move my primary personal office into the new digs. Creative, exciting, a little nervous and freaky. First, I can't even remember when I last actually "went to my office" other than where I lived, or in an airplane or a hotel room. 1983 I think it was. Anyway, it does feel great, especially since we've now got a great team of folks...I'm looking forward to much more informal collaboration - and there's nothing like being in the same physical location. Need to eat a little crow. I've coached for years that an annual purge of files was critical to keep your system fresh. I figured I had kept mine reasonably current, simply purging bits and pieces while I was on the phone or doing other stuff that allowed some multi-tasking like that. Ha! With the impetus of the move I wound up tossing probably a third of what was in my general reference files! Nothing like a relocating to motivate that purge! The Big Purge of "general reference" ...and then first day situated at 407 Bryant Circle! David grows up and goes to "his office!" (Note cool Fedon in-trays etc...!) David.

MindMapping For GTD Made Easy

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:07:56 PDT

One page MindMapping Course for GTD 1. Turn a large A4 (11.7" x 8.3") or preferably A3 (16.7" x 11.7"), white sheet of paper on it's side 1. (landscape), or use a Mind Map pad. 2. Gather a selection of coloured pens, ranging from fine nib to medium and highlighters. 3. Select the topic, problem or subject to be Mind Mapped. 4. Gather any materials or research or additional information. 5. Start in the centre with an unframed image - approximately 6cm high and wide for an A4 and 10cm for an A3. 6. Use dimension, expression and at least three colours in the central image in order to attract attention and aid memory. 7. Make the branches closest to the centre thicker, attached to the image and 'wavy' (organic). Place the Basic Ordering Ideas (BOIs) or the 'chapter heading' equivalents on the branches. 8. Branch thinner lines off the end of the appropriate BOIs to hold supporting data (most important closest). 9. Use images wherever possible. 10. The image or word should always sit on a line of the same length. 11. Use colours as your own special code to show people, topics, themes or dates and to make the Mind Map more beautiful. 12. Capture all ideas (your own or others'), then edit, re-organise, make more beautiful, elaborate or clarify as a second stage of thinking. Mind Mapping Laws These are the foundation structures of a Mind Map. The more you use, the more effective the Mind Map. 1. Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colours. 2. Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map. 3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters. 4. Each word word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line. 5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre. 6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image. 7. Use colours - your own code - throughout the Mind Map. 8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping. 9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map. 10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using Radiant hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches. Enjoy!.

A BIG Smile...

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:19:56 PDT

Hey you GTD masters out there this is for YOU... Smile and have a EXCELLENT day!.

Lord Byron Quote

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Tue, 06 May 2008 12:46:53 PDT

My favorite new quote: �If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad.� -Lord Byron.

The NEW GTD David Allen Collection "Vision" Set

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:57:55 PDT

David Allen Collection "Vision" Set Item #: 30530 If you�ve ever owned anything made in Italy-whether it is a pair of shoes, a briefcase, or a tailor made suit-you already know the quality is unsurpassed. In creating the David Allen Collection we set out to design the finest desk accessories available and we found a legendary partner in Giorgio... Our price: $835.00 ________________________________________________ OK - Now I have seen everything...I hope there is a decimal point in the wrong place...800 bucks for a desk set...I dont care how nice it is...that, IMHO, is beyond belief....

New Desk Accessories Product Line Pricey?

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Tue, 06 May 2008 06:42:24 PDT

Would you purchase the desk accessorie product line? Yes or No, post with discussion as to why..

Advice On "treasure Mapping"

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:34:30 PDT

Any advice for "treasure mapping" that David and other DAC members have mentioned? I am interested in the process but seem to be stuck on trying to find pictures in magazines (and nothing is really inspring me). Thanks in advance for any advice. Regards, Jeff.

Looking For Consultant For Strategic Planning

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Mon, 05 May 2008 19:08:34 PDT

Hi Everyone, I recently joined the board of the International Association of Coaching. I'm now charged with creating the organization's strategic plan. Anyone know of a good consultant who does strategic planning? I need some help! Feel free to email me directly at TaraRoddenRobinson@gmail.com. Thanks in advance for your referrals, Tara.

David's Up Close About Staying Present

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:16:34 PDT

Just read the latest up close and I love this about the purpose of GTD: Staying present to deal with what's in front of you Dealing with what"s in front of you so you can stay present. I had one of those aha moments last month when I realized that my real problem was that I was almost never present in the moment. I was way too busy thinking but not doing the next 46 things that needed or didn't need doing. I gave myself a 3 day spa weekend with a purpose. I did aerobics and strengh, but I also did at least a half hour of meditation each day, Chi Gong outside,restorative yoga, as well as a massage and facial. In each case my purpose was to stay in the moment. It helped because it cost so much money, I damm well better stay in the moment! It was also easier because I did not deal with the outside world and the weather was absolutely incredible. Now I have been back for two weeks and I am much better and more focused because of that break.I also got a ton of work out. I intend to do a couple more less expensive breaks over the summer. I remember when I was a student I was able to stay present to study for hours. Of course the rest of my life was a lot less complicated then, but that's no excuse because more gets done when you actually focus on what you are doing now and make sure you do it right, even its like picking up the dry cleaning within a month after its done or returning the library book before the overdue notic That's why David's reasons for gtd really resonated with me today. I am making a label of the reasons and sticking it on the inside of my Circa GTD book so I will be constantly reminded..

Great Highlighters!

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:46:28 PDT

Like many others, I have gone back to paper for certain GTD functions. I have a "hybrid" system, using a Palm Treo 755p, and Levenger Circa Jr. sized notebooks (I use the the letter sized notebooks for other work purposes). One of the things I missed from the Time/Design system was their slim highlighters. I went to their US website and found that they are just as slim, but now shorter (which is even better). I ordered several four-packs (yellow, blue, green, and salmon). They work great, with many functions, and a special bonus is that they fit in the new, smallest GTD mesh zip pouches..

Xobni Has Been Released

connect@davidco.com (David Allen) — Mon, 05 May 2008 10:18:19 PDT

link Looks cool! Cheers, Lars Axelsen Denmark.