I LOVE "To Do" lists. So when I found out this was about to-do lists, I was elated! The "Getting Things Done" workflow process includes 5 steps: collect, process, organize, review and do.
I have a list for things to get done at school, a list for things to get done for MSU, a list of things to get done around the house and a list of errands. I love to do lists and I am constantly making them and updating them. I usually stick to a pencil-paper method. Occasionally I will use my iphone notepad or the stickies application on my computer to help organize me- but I mainly stick to pencil and paper. So as I read about Getting Things Done and started the process, I realized that, I do this a lot. But for this assignment, I really sat down to think about all my tasks.
As I thought of tasks to put in my "inbox" to help clear my mind, I found myself constantly thinking of things that I can do this moment to things I would like to do this summer. It was a bit overwhelming writing everything down, but once I got it all down, I felt a bit relieved. As I moved on to the process stage, I was able to filter my tasks into those that needed be to done right away to those that can be put off until a later date. It was actually the organization part where I started to feel overwhelmed again. I slowly broke my list down into when my task needed to be accomplished. Then, I separated my tasks into Liberty, MSU, and Home. I also noted which tasks I can complete on my own and which ones I will need the assistance of my husband.
I review my lists daily making sure that I have accomplished what needed to be accomplished and check off any tasks I may have completed ahead of time (usually very unlikely). I also take that time to look at the tasks for the upcoming day. One of my favorite parts of the "do" step is a sense of accomplishment and getting to cross something off the list. I look forward to my continue use of this process. And while I really like the idea of a software program to help me do this, I have this odd obsession with writing things down.
A kindred spirit! I pretty much follow a similar procedure and have been slowly transferring everything to Google. I love Google's task tool. I've been using it since September as my "to-do" list place. I'm also looking to add my G-calendar to my new droid I got a couple of weeks ago. May be on the next snow day, I'll take a few minutes to read through the directions on how to set up the connection.
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