This book was recommended to me by the lovely Music Therapy Maven at the perfect time in my life. Last year around this time, I was just a little stressed (and by a little, I mean so much so that I wrote this blog post). But I listened to the audiobook version of Getting Things Done, and immediately implemented the system.
My biggest problem before reading this book was carrying my to-do list around in my head and letting it cause anxiety day in and day out. It was a total “duh” moment for me when I read the part about getting the tasks out of my mind and down on paper. Not a huge list, as I was used to compiling on a weekly basis, but a single action step I could take towards completing a task or project.
That’s where the tickler file comes in. A simple concept, really: file folders for each month of the year, plus one for each week of the current month.
That phone call I needed to make this week? I wrote it down on a sticky note and put it in this week’s folder at the beginning of the month so that it was waiting for me. The conference I’m presenting at next September? All of that info is in the August folder, so when it’s time to start thinking about it, I can pull it out and do so. No longer do random papers, forms, and bills clutter my desk’s main inbox and cause me stress on a daily basis.
There’s one more folder in my tickler file, and that’s the “Someday/Maybe” folder. What goes in there: ideas I don’t have time for right now, information that may become useful at some point, lead sheets for songs I find that I might want to adapt and use in the future, etc. It’s my go-to place when I have some spare time and might be able to take action on any one of those items.
It’s so much easier to look at a project as a list of steps, rather than one big scary cloud hanging over my head. Of course, I still experience stress, but nowhere near the levels at which I once did. And anything that can lower my stress is effective, trust me! That’s why I always recommend Getting Things Done to everyone.
What about you? Have you read the book, or do you have another system for getting organized and keeping your to-dos from overwhelming you?
I think its a bad thing that this book is sitting on my nightstand, waiting to be read. I am truely not Getting Things Done. :)
Ha! That’s ironic…you need to get on it! You’ll be glad afterwards :)
I finished reading it in January. Slowly, I am implementing it as I don’t have time to do the total sort & set up he recommends across a few days. Thanks for the reminder to keep after this approach!
You’re welcome! It’s a little intense at first, but so worth it in the long run. Keep me posted!
Dear Rachel,
I’m an audio book addict (perhaps) and I’m currently listening to his book as I write this:) I downloaded it on your recommendation.
I love learning more about living a bigger life and how to manage it all as it grows. Thanks for sharing.
I’m a pretty organized person with a million creative ideas. Systems work for me. I have one that works for me and I am committed to. It goes kind of like this…
1-people first, then everything else (which is why my desk can become busy)
2-if it’s mail or a bill, deal with it right now (that means open the mail over the recycling bin and pay whatever bill you’re holding right now)
3-let go and let God…because it’s people first, then everything else:)
It didn’t use to be like this for me. I used to have files and a more type A system (because at heart I am a type A type). It’s just that multiple, unpredictable, really big, bad life things kept happening that somehow didn’t fit into any system. I had to learn (and am still learning) to rely on letting go and learn to trust life and my intuition and stay physically present to the most important in my life…I decided people were it. I now let go of anything that stands in the way of people including lesson plans, goals, files, paper, intention…to be with the person I am supposed to be with, whether it be student, husband, pet, friend.
I have to say though…I much prefer using a system and staying on top of paper and creative projects!! Thank you for this resource:)
I can always count on an insightful and reflective comment from you, Susan – thank you for that! I love your system. I am very much a Type A personality as well, and although the GTD system is what works now, I am always open to adaptation as life changes. Let me know what you think of the book :)
I’m so glad you like GTD–you know I do, too! If you like that, you may also like the podcast “Get-It-Done-Guys Quick and Dirty Tips to Work Less and Do More” Our good friend Jen Sokira likes it, too :)
Ooh, thanks for the tip! I’m always on the hunt for good podcasts!
Rachel,
After reading this post, or should I say while reading this post, I bought the book. I’m always searching for ways to get my life as a full time music therapist AND a full time graduate student in order. I have to laugh right now though. The book just arrived today and here I am reading it while putting off writing a research paper for class that is due on Friday. Getting things done,huh? Not so much. Thanks for writing about this book! :o)
Ha! I think I did something very similar. Once you have the system in place, you’ll see the difference and really start getting things done :) Enjoy!