Finally Getting Things Done

Having completed the first half of Getting Things Done, I've "walked through" the process of organization with  David Allen .  At this point in the reading-halfway through the book- he has come to the point in the process where everything that needs to be organized is gathered together and labeled the "in" stuff.  As he described collecting papers, items from the desktop and even things from the shelves, I could picture a desk that would at first only have a basket on it.  Pretty soon, this basket would be overflowing with papers.  Not only that, but beside it on the desk and even on the floor beside the desk would be items waiting to be processed, put there because either the basket was full or else because they were too large for the basket.  At the completion of my reading, I could easily picture a desk with papers and other items not only covering the entire desktop, but the floor around it as well.  I could well imagine this kind of organizational activity would take a big chunk of time but would be well worth it in the long run!  OK, everything is gathered now.  In the next section  I'll find out what's next.

Getting Things Done with the Natural Planning Model

I like things that demonstrate good common sense!  One of the things that has made me glad I chose this book to read is that, in addition to having practical application, it uses common sense!  Allen's system of organization is not complicated and does not even involve a lot of high-tech devices.  Much to my delight, he simplifies the process of organization so that anybody can become more organized using his suggestions.  A perfect example is  the filing system he recommends-a simple A-Z filing system for reference materials.  I have been surprised that just as easily as he recommends devices for keeping notes, he is just as quick to suggest simply writing things down on paper.  I think that probably would make this a very user-friendly system to some who might shy away from technology.
The prominent idea in the pages I am currently reading is the "Natural Planning Model."  This process of project planning involves five steps: 
1.  Defining purpose and principles
2. Outcome visioning
3. Brainstorming
4. Organizing
5. Identifying next actions

Allen says defining the purpose of a project can be done by simply asking the question "why?"
He calls this using advanced common sense!  Next comes envisioning the outcome,  followed by brainstorming to see what activites might lead to the desired outcome. Finally, putting these steps in order, followed by identifying what is to be done next.  Allen uses the term "unnatural project planning" to describe the process that begins anywhere but with the purpose of the project.

First Comments on Getting Things Done

Having been given a choice of three books to read for our assignment, I chose to read Getting Things Done, primarily because the title caught my attention.   I like getting things done! Also, being a very pragmatic person, I like information I can use and it seemed this book would provide that.  Last but not least,  I have lots to do and I thought this book would offer a new idea on how to make that happen.  At this point, I have not been disappointed in my expectations.  This is a very practical book.  The author,  David Allen, clearly describes organizational tools that have application for both personal and work-related projects.  His definition of a project is anything that requires several steps to complete.  Because I consider myself to be a good organizer, I have not yet discovered a lot of new information that would drastically change the way I currently organize, and I am about fifty pages into the book.  However, I was impressed by one of the first point Allen makes, and that is that to be organized, you have to put things-lists, ideas, plans-somewhere and get them off your mind!  He suggests to either write them down or record them in some kind of device and then clear your mind of them until it's time to either review what needs to be done or else do the next thing that will lead to the accomplishment of the task.  I liked that!

Getting Started

OK, I have created a blog, which turned out to be a pretty easy thing to do.  As soon as I finish the reading assignment, I'll be ready to post something.