Getting Things Done

Over the last few weeks, I've been somewhat overwhelmed with the responsibilities. Juggling schoolwork, exams, internship applications, and content obligations led to me shirking some of them (the reason why I, unfortunately, didn't update my newsletter for the last two weeks).

In hindsight, however, without a clear-cut task managing system - I never stood a chance. Without taking the time to do morning pages first thing in the morning, or listing out the things that I want to accomplish by the end of the day then literally nothing ends up getting accomplished.

A lot of us go through life never really taking the time to be mindful and list out those projects and tasks that need to get done. We might have the greatest of intentions but unfortunately, you don't rise to the level of your intentions - you fall to the quality of your task system.

Last week I included this quote in my piece on Journalling:

"When you have to use your energy to put those words down, you are more apt to make them count." - Raymond Chandler

And I think there is a lot of truth in those words. The simple act of getting all the things you need to do on paper (actual paper) makes a world of difference. Management guru Peter Drucker once said, "What gets measured, gets managed." I would venture to say that what never gets written down can never be managed.

Then the question becomes what system you use. Over the last week, I was recommended the system popularized by David Allen in his New York Times Best Seller Getting Things Done.

One of the core principles of the system is creating a project list. Projects can be defined as any outcome that you want to be accomplished. A project could be studying for a test, publishing a piece of content, or tasks like setting up a physical.

Below each project name, you also need to clearly define each action step that would lead to accomplishing the overall project. In regards to studying for an exam, those action steps would be to watch each lecture and take notes, read the corresponding textbook chapters, and revise the past homework.

Simply writing all these things out and maintaining a detailed project list gives you a sense of clarity and a sense of purpose on what you need to accomplish. With all the action steps spelled out for you, it really does wonders for making sure you hit all your objectives for the day. More information about setting up this project list can be found on the Getting Things Done website here.