In last month's article I presented a brief introduction to the Getting Things Done (GTD) method. GTD is a popular productivity method designed to help you get things done while reducing stress. Throughout this series of articles, I wish to cover the five steps of this method. The five steps are:
Step 1 – Capture (Collect what has your attention)
Step 2 – Clarify (Process what it means)
Step 3 – Organize (Put it where it belongs)
Step 4 - Reflect (Review often)
Step 5 – Engage (Simply do)
So, let’s get started with Step 1 Capture.
“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.” - David Allen
Our first step is a critical one. To make sure you get this one right I want to ask you to perform another exercise with me. First, I want you to set aside an hour or two for this exercise. You will want to choose a quiet place where you can concentrate without interruption. All set? Let’s go!
As the quote above states, your mind is for having ideas, not storing them. So, the first thing you need to do is capture everything that you have on your mind that keeps nagging at you to get done. This includes all personal and work related items. Start with your email and write down everything that you need to follow up on. Look over all of the papers and notes on your desk. Go through your desk drawers. Look around your office and capture anything that needs to be different than it is currently. Walk through every room in your home and make note of everything that you need to do. You get the idea. The critical part here is that you absolutely must capture everything that you need to get done and write it down.
When you are sure that you have captured everything and have written it down, I want to ask you a question. Has anything changed for you as a result of this exercise? Do you now have a better sense of control? Do you feel less stress? Do you see how this helps to free up the mind for having ideas instead of using your minds valuable resources for trying to remember all that stuff you need to get done?
I remember the first time I performed this exercise for myself several years ago. It took me a few hours to pour over my life to make sure I had written down absolutely everything I needed to do. Everything from changing that light bulb to fill that new job position for my business. I admit that I was mentally exhausted after completing this exercise. However, I also recall the sense of control I then felt. My mind was no longer nagging at me to remember this and that. I had simply not felt that relaxed for many years.
Have you ever been trying to concentrate on the task before you while constantly being distracted by something(s) that just keeps nagging at you? The reason may be that you have not captured that nagging item, written it down and then clarified what it means to you and ultimately put it where it belongs and then decided the very next action you need to take.
So, as you can see by now, capturing is just the first step. Next month we’ll take a look at how to clarify all of the inputs or tasks that you now have written down. Keep that list by your side because you are going to need it.
Your partner in productivity,
Terry Deckard
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