‘Getting Things Done’ in 2007

Last week, I suggested five New Year’s resolutions to help you at work. Number three on that list, in case you missed it, was, “You will manage your time better.” Well, I didn’t mention it then, but that particular resolution happens to be at the top of my own list for 2007. Indeed, improved self-organization and productivity are my major goals this year.

My action plan involves implementing a version of the “Getting Things Done” program, designed and explained by productivity guru David Allen in his book by the same title.

Allen argues that in order for us to be productive, we need to get information out of our heads and store and process it into appropriate folders and lists. For example, is “buy new lightbulbs” something that I really need to think about today or tomorrow, or can the task be put on a distinctive “errands” list and accomplished when next I’m driving around in my car?  And why trouble myself with “call babysitter” thoughts while I’m trying to crank out a blog post, when instead I could tackle that action item on my lunch break, as I review my “calls” list?

Allen’s program, along with the whole life-hack movement, is excellent for simplifying your work life, in theory, but it does take time to truly become ingrained into your day-to-day DNA. Hey, I have the whole year to make the system work for me, right?

Check out these additional resources on work productivity:

• “Can Less Work Increase Productivity?”
• “Productive Talk” -- an eight-part podcast interview series with David Allen
• “Best 50 Hacks for Your Life"
• 43 Folders

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