Getting Things Done™

no more weeds... for now anyways, originally uploaded by jonathanerichall.

Ironically and contrary to popular belief, I'm a big fan of "Getting Things Done" also known as "GTD." One of my personal philosophies is work smarter not harder. To quote wikipedia:

Getting Things Done (commonly abbreviated as GTD) is an action management method of The David Allen Company, and the title of the book by David Allen which describes the method. GTD rests on the principle that a person needs to move tasks out of the mind by recording them somewhere. That way, the mind is freed from the job of remembering everything that needs to be done, and can concentrate on actually performing those tasks.

One of the biggest GTD theories I have put to use is called "Inbox Zero." It's a plan and a mindset when it comes to handling e-mail. You can watch the video and read all about it at 42Folders.com I know the audio lip sync goes off a bit toward the middle but its worth the view. I watched it for the third time last Thursday after suggesting it to our "Process Improvement Team" at work which has a goal of simplifying and streamlining processes in city government for the betterment of our community.

At the beginning of this post I start out by saying "Ironically and contrary to popular belief..." Thats because I'm propably the laziest person you'll ever meet. When it comes to doing chores, I find other things to occupy my time (ie blogging on jonathanforpresident.com)

I get every other Friday off (I work 80 hours in 9 days to get the 10 off) and after every three day weekend I go back to work wondering what I did with my time. This Monday I wont be asking that question, I was super busy this weekend.

As the photo at the top of the post suggests, I completed phase 2 of 3 of my quarterly weeding in my supposed-maintenance free front yard. Last week I did phase 1, and spend 2 hours today going over more of the front yard with a fine toothed comb pulling all traces of weeds and grass. I justify phasing it because I don't want to aggravate my herniated disc in my lower back.

Other chores I need to accomplish and put on the list for the sole purpose of pushing myself to complete the tasks:

• Clean the house (vacuum, mop, the whole shebang!)
• Submit reciepts from the SanFran business trip for reimbursement
• Get the dishwasher fixed
• Look into pricing for "whole house fans and installation."
• Laundry
• Clean the garage
• Make out with a cheerleader.
• Wash the European engineered automobile.
• Pay registration for said automobile.
• Mail out invoices for sideproject dollars.

Ive been told lists are helpful, lets hope so.