A Trusted System
The book Getting Things Done by David Allen has really changed my life.
Since then I’ve changed the way that I gather together tasks and organize projects. But it’s not all smiles and cherry pie.
Part of my problem has been moving from one system to another.
First I tried Backpack, then I’d try using a Wiki. Then I’d think about writing my own software or be distracted by other methods of “thing” management like Simpleology.
But when I started working for Engine Yard last August, I knew I needed to step up my game and really commit to a system that would help me feel like I was keeping on top of things.
The other part of my problem in “Trusting a System” is that I’d gather all my things on paper. Or in software. And then *I’d never look at it again*.
I’d take the short calm of feeling like it was out of my head… but then I’d go back to work and the projects and tasks would start to creep back into my mental RAM and bam-o! Back to anxietyville, mayor Tyler Bird.
So last night I was able to spend a bunch of time waiting around for scheduled maintenance at work. And I used the time to come up with a grand unified theory of how to manage my things.
More on that tomorrow.