For several months now, I’ve been determined to implement some version of David Allen’s compelling Getting Thing Done. His book by that title was one of those rare self-help books that immediately grabbed my attention and thoroughly convinced me that it was the right way to organize. Many people whom I respect showed convincing evidence on their websites that some version of Allen’s methodology — perhap a significant variation, but still following all his big ideas — was the most effective way to get things done.

So I tried step one, involving a physical inbox and 43 folders.

But I couldn’t make it work, because I couldn’t finish step one and thereby get to the regular weekly routine of the subsequent steps. I determined that the 43 folders aren’t right for me — my life isn’t primarily structured around paper that’s due on specific days or months well in advance — but I was still a believer in the rest of the system.

I still am.

But how do I make it work? How do I get off the dime and get through step one?

Categories: Life