Comments on: Review: Getting Organized

By: bakednudel

bakednudel — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:57:48 +0000

re: turning off email

I would love to do this, but am in an office situation where email is now used instead of the telephone. So if I turned it off after the initial read, I might get an email from the director asking me to do something for her immediately.

I’m not really keen on telling everyone I’ll only be checking email 2 or 3 times a day because it’s too distracting–would be interpreted as lack of focus on my part (which it is, of course!).

Has anyone used this idea successfully in an office environment?

By: Ann at One Bag Nation

Ann at One Bag Nation — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 21:59:11 +0000

Regarding #6, gadget-based solutions: I’ve thought for years that there’s no difference between a rock and a stick and a PDA if you don’t use them properly! Starting with paper and pen is wise advice.

By: Kathy Henderson-Sturtz

Kathy Henderson-Sturtz — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:39:32 +0000

I’ve been a GTD fan for couple year. For me, the key to making it or any system work is adapting it for your own work and life-style. One needs to feel secure in tweaking the basic concepts and procedures. Those who don’t…or aren’t willing to…are the ones most likely to label things “too complicated” or “too simple” to work.

Trent, your blog is the one must-read for me, always full of great insight, sensible sharing, and personality. It’s that sharing from your own life that helps me, and others I’m sure, foster the adaptability for their own needs. Thanks,
Kat

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:57:14 +0000

I think there are gender differences with respect to multi-tasking. The advice in this book appears to be directed toward men, who have difficulty focusing well on more than one subject at a time. But then, wasn’t the author a man?

By: My Small Cents

My Small Cents — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:44:02 +0000

I’ve been think a lot about organizing and efficiency lately, especially as I view my mountain of to-do obligations grow higher and higher. I’d heard of GTD, but not this one; I’m putting it on my BookMooch list immediately.

By: Shanel Yang

Shanel Yang — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 21:28:50 +0000

I’ve stayed away from GTD b/c I’ve heard it’s a complicated system more suited to CEOs than for everyday people. But, on your recommendation, Trent, I’m going to check it out.

I’ve found Eat that Frog! to be an amazingly quick and useful read on this topic and sufficient for all my time-management needs. (I summarized all of Brian Tracey’s 21 excellent tips on my blog.) Have you read it yet? I saw it on your list of books for future review in your “Who Won the 6 Books?” post. Thanks for the helpful review!

By: Jules

Jules — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:37:43 +0000

“Over the last few years, I’ve learned to really hone my time use…I’ll get distracted by playing with my son (i.e., allowing interruptions), which is pleasant, but over the long haul means I get to spend less time with him.”

That is an apt description of the reason why I insist on having some kind of plan for EVERY day, whether or not I’m “on”–the hard part is convincing the counterpart that this is a good thing.

Though I’m learning the hard way that it’s best to save Sundays for resting–I essentially work six days a week (five at an actual job, and Saturdays running errands and cleaning and cooking) and things planned for Sunday just don’t happen. Taking your personal limits into account is vital for staying on track, too….

By: Sandy Naidu

Sandy Naidu — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:28:17 +0000

I am going to give the notebook and pen tip a try…And while I am it, I am going to place one on my bedside as well…Should be helpful.