Create a Getting Things Done System & Increase Productivity

This lecture guides you to gather essential supplies for implementing a getting things done system offline, including paper trays, sticky notes, stapler, labeler, in-trays, index cards, and digital note tools.

Establish a dedicated work area with ample writing surface to support the Getting Things Done system. Mirror your setup at home and office to maintain identical systems across locations.

Set up a single alphabetical general reference filing system with high-quality drawers, label folders, and binders for quick access, while organizing non-actionable reference materials and keeping drawers 3/4 full.

In step six, gather and capture all tasks by listening to voicemails, writing them down, and printing reminders to add to your in-tray. Keep emails in inbox for now.

Review the top item from your in-tray, decide its next action, and place it into appropriate lists, aiming to empty the in-tray.

Identify and inventory your projects using the Getting Things Done method, turning multi-step outcomes into clearly defined projects described with verbs like finalize, resolve, or research.

Organize action support material by creating an easily accessible action support folder that stores single items needed to complete actions, with travel options for on-the-go productivity.

Decide where to store project support materials, choosing digital notes, emails, databases, or paper files, and regularly review for next actions while keeping folders organized per project.

Set up a tickler or bring-forward file with 31 daily folders and 12 monthly folders, organize in-tray reminders, and refile daily to manage future tasks in the GTD system.

Conduct a weekly review to clear your mind, align your entire system, and decide on next actions in one to two hours, typically on Friday.

Clarify and review your larger outcomes, long-term goals, and visions to guide decisions and align life and career while considering areas of focus, accountability, interests, relationships, and next actions.

Decide actions in light of limited criteria by evaluating context, time, and resources available, and align tasks with your current energy level to maximize productivity.

Decide action using the threefold nature of work—doing as it appears, doing pre-defined work, and defining your work—to manage your projects, actions, and time proactively.

Decide actions by applying the six horizons of focus from getting things done, aligning ground-level actions with projects, areas of focus, goals, vision, and purpose to increase productivity.

Celebrate completing this course and embracing your getting things done journey. Continue by reviewing your actions and staying current, and consider leaving a review to help others.

Discover tools for getting things done across devices, from computer to mobile and iPod, and stay connected with free lectures and updates via my websites and YouTube channel.