My GTD System (Revised)

I'm sure some of you guys have seen my previous posts and some of you have helped me revise my GTD system. So here is my GTD system revised. I'll try and explain it as best as possible to my ability.

1. Hipster PDA - I use the Hipster PDA for my ubiquitous capture tool. I write down all my thoughts as well as important data (phone numbers, events, test dates, etc.). The next time I make it to my inbox (which is a pile on my computer desk at home), I throw all index cards from hPDA which have been used into my inbox.

2. My Inbox - As soon as I have time available, I process my inbox. As I stated above, all incoming data and thoughts, written down on 3x5 index cards, are collected into my inbox. I also keep a few stationary items in there as well such as daily, weekly, and monthly lists as well as my checkbook and project planner. Processing the inbox comes next.

3. Processing the Inbox - My daily, weekly, and monthly lists are the first thing I process in my inbox. On my daily list, my first thing is to complete my homework and the second is to process my inboxes including e-mail, notebook, and my physical inbox which I am typing about right now. As I come across projects, I title the project and write down one project per page in a medium-sized planner (9.5 x 6in, 80pgs, college-ruled) to leave room for any planning. Each 'next action/step' I need to take gets written down onto it's own index card and placed into my inbox. Phone numbers go into an index card filing box where I keep all contacts. Important events and dates are imported into my soon-to-be paper planner/calendar (right now, I'm using 30Boxes). Receipts from using my debit card get written down into my checkbook. If my 'next actions' can be done, I will do them. If not, they are left in my inbox.

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I don't think I have any holes in my GTD system. I'm not really having any trouble with it. If you guys think I can upgrade it somehow, I'm open to any constructive criticism. Thanks :)

P.S. I just got a new job where I'll be working 20-30 hours a week! I'm excited. I know some of you guys are more 'acquainted with life' than I am, so I was wondering if you guys have any tips for it being my first job and all. Not just GTD tips either, but work tips that will help me be a better employee and become successful.

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Originally Posted by dropdeaddustin

P.S. I just got a new job where I'll be working 20-30 hours a week! I'm excited. I know some of you guys are more 'acquainted with life' than I am, so I was wondering if you guys have any tips for it being my first job and all. Not just GTD tips either, but work tips that will help me be a better employee and become successful.

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90% of life is showing up. Be on time and work hard. If you run out of stuff to do, ask for more. (By which I don't mean ask for more hours, but make sure you aren't sitting around in the hours you're there.)

Almost as important, never badmouth other employees or your boss, no matter how much they might deserve it. Conversely, if they deserve credit, give it to them.

Good luck,

Katherine

Along the lines of what Katherine said, Always be positive. Many work environments have many negative people. Try to be positive and speak positively.

Additionally, always be learning. That includes asking questions, reading, taking classes that enhance your industry knowledge etc.

Also, constantly ask yourself how you can add value. Can things be done, faster, better, cheaper, differently, and like Katherine said stay productive.

I have found people who act like this in any setting, rise to the top.

Good Luck

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Originally Posted by dropdeaddustin

I don't think I have any holes in my GTD system. I'm not really having any trouble with it. If you guys think I can upgrade it somehow, I'm open to any constructive criticism.

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Congrats!

I think you have a solid system. I recommend you just use it for a while and see what happens. Some bits of it may not work for you three months from now. So, react then.

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P.S. I just got a new job where I'll be working 20-30 hours a week! I'm excited. I know some of you guys are more 'acquainted with life' than I am, so I was wondering if you guys have any tips for it being my first job and all. Not just GTD tips either, but work tips that will help me be a better employee and become successful.

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Hard to give useful advice without knowing you better, but this is the one thing I tell teenagers I know:

At some point, you will resent having to work. You'll wonder why you can't just stay at home while they pay you. It's illogical, it's petty, but it's very very human. And it's okay. Let yourself feel it, and let it pass.

My other piece of advice: Execution is more important than organization. Worry less about tracking every detail, and more about getting things done. Really done.

Best of luck!

Your next-actions-on-index-cards system is well suited for playing Next Action Balls Have fun while getting thing done! haha

It seems strange to keep next actions in the inbox.

Strange is always a good thing. Who wants to be normal/average/boring?