Quote Originally Posted by TesTeq View Post
So you should read a book to learn how to read books above your intelligence level? Interesting idea!



It does not work this way. You cannot learn to properly bend knees or to look downhill while standing at the top of the hill. In GTD it is not possible to learn Collecting step without Processing and Organizing and Doing and Reviewing because you will end up with a big pile of unprocessed notes.

I think the best way to improve an element of the process is to focus on it while performing the whole routine.
Just like skiing, being able to get things done with the least amount of effort and stress is a "skill" or an "art" (this is D.Allen's message to me in his book, and I can't speak for others).

An art or skill is possessed by those who formed a habit of operating according to its rules. Bending your knees, weekly review, keeping your back straight, keeping a master projects list, learn forward, determine next actions for projects...these are all rules.

It would be interesting to have responses from a variety of long time GTD practitioners about what's automatic for them.

As far as your analogy goes about standing on top of the hill and receiving instructions but not having to gone down the hill yet, I would say this is the equivalent of attending seminars, watching webcasts or reading the book if one is to be congruent with Adler's terms and image.