Getting Things Done

I have a book recommendation for you this week!

This is one of my favorite books, and it has been invaluable in teaching me the fine art of multi-tasking.

A friend recommended this book to me, and, boy, was she right! It has been life-changing for me. It's called Getting Things Done and it is written by David Allen. Mr. Allen is a coach and management consultant for CEO types who are trying to juggle multiple priorities and who need a way to stay on top of all of those priorities simultaneously.

Now, seriously, ladies - who does that sound like? Can you relate to juggling multiple priorities?

I read this book and started following his "system" at the beginning of May. And I am now beginning to see the true results of it. My stress has been reduced since Week 1, (I'm not kidding!) but now that my to-do list is getting shorter because THINGS ARE ACTUALLY GETTING DONE -- I have to tell you about it.

You really have to read the entire book, but let me share with you the main things that have made such a difference to me.

1. I have a place to put things. He suggests getting a file cabinet and making files for all those things that you need to keep but have no idea what to do with. I have folders for notes from school, letters from my Grandma, bible study schedules, inspirational articles from magazines that I want to remember, etc... They now have a place! And I know where to find them!

2. If it takes less than 2 minutes - do it now. As a natural procrastinator, this simple little "rule" has helped me so much.

3. Limit your "to-do" list to actionable items. If you can't decide about something, then think about what you need to know or who you need to ask in order to decide. For example, I think we might need to have our house painted this year. I don't add "Decide about house painting" - that is not really an "action" item. Action items might be: Ask my husband about it. Ask my husband if we can afford it. Ask my friend for a recommendation for a painter. Find out what my home owner's association approval process is. Those are "action" items.

There is SO much more. It's worth the time to read and see if you think it will work for you.

I'm off to relax now - I finished my list for today. Did you read that?? - I FINISHED my list! Ah, the giddiness. *wink*