Getting Started with GTD - Tips?

[tallmarvin]

Even the latest and greatest 'tool', in the hands of an oaf, is a useless tool. Knowing what the right process is that gets things done (for you) is far more important than having the latest snazzy tools.

[vegheadjones]

I find the discussion of what tools are needed for GTD to be very interesting.

From my experience, the advice I would give is to start off using as few tools as possible and see what works for you. You want to pay full attention to the GTD methodology, and having to stop and think "What program/tool" do I use to put down this next action," or "Where else to I have to look to see my next actions" makes the learning process even more difficult. If after a while, you realize you need more tools, then you can add, but start off with as few as you think you need.

For me, I have alsways used a Palm and have tried tons of software, I am now using Datebk5 to manage calendar, next actions, projects, someday/maybe and @waiting, and memo for project reference. I will also copy and paste E-mails using Outlook into their respective place.

[jledesma]

This discussion is quite interesting, yeah I agree with some of the writers that either Palm OS handhelds or PPC handhelds will help in setting up your GTD setup. I personally have had both types of pda's and in my humble opinion Palm OS handhelds are simply more user friendly, key word being "user friendly." For Palm OS handhelds all you need are the basic applications and a couple of others once you attain a certain level of feeling comfortable with the apps and you'll be all set to begin a nice quick method to process, action, and retrieve your information see my other post relating to "keeping projects in the memo application"

but again its a matter of personal choice I just choose Sony Clie's instead of something like an Ipaq, " not that there's anything wrong with them though" ...

[Murt]

I have to agree that you should learn the methodology and not worry about the tools (at first).

Over the past year, I have implemented GTD with Outlook, Ecco, Zoot, Info Select, Pocket PC, etc. Each tool can work fine if you understand the GTD methodology.

In my view, the ideal tools available for this kind of work haven't been developed yet. I find something lacking in almost every tool I've tried. That said, you can implement a solid, working GTD process with any of the tools. As you work with the system more, you will become familiar with the nuances of what each tool lacks.

The key, however, is the methodology. Using GTD even with paper and pen is better than not using it with all the software in the world at your disposal.

[randystokes]

The key, however, is the methodology. Using GTD even with paper and pen is better than not using it with all the software in the world at your disposal.

I couldn't agree more. After attending David's seminar in Dallas recently, I've been concentrating on getting my own implementation "clean, clear, current and complete," and I'm also trying to get my wife into GTD -- but she's more "paper-oriented," so I've downloaded the Tip from the website about setting up a paper planner. It's far more important to use tools you will actully USE, than what anyone else thinks is cool, etc.

Randy

[rossw]

I started off on holiday with a plain paper 2"x3" notebook, a pencil and a rubber.

When I got back to work I had the feel of the method and started using Outlook/Listpro/Voice recorder on PC and iPaq. I also began filing paper, which I gave up on ten years ago. Quite a revelation!

Still Learning. I backslid a couple of months ago: it was amazing how quickly I lost focus and began missing commitmets again.

[Anonymous]

I have one suggestion for beginners:

Develop A Weekly Review Checklist and go through it with your weekly reviews. This gives you a check of last resort as you get started to make sure that you look at and clean all your buckets. As you play with your system and say, create a new folder to track your wizbangs, you should put a n item in your checklist to review wizbang folder.

This gives you a check of last resort and allows you to modify your system and still know that you will remember your changes because your weekly review checklist will remind you.

This gives me the freedom to make changes to my system and know that I can trust them.

Cheers,

Carl Coryell-Martin
Seattle WA
carl@civilution.com