Zen — and the Art of Organizing
Leo Babauta (zenhabits.net) decided to simplify the already simple Getting Things Done (GTD), by David Allen. The result? Zen to Done.
The format is like that of other organizing systems — “dump” all your thoughts and tasks into a notebook, establish the most important tasks (MITs) for the day, blah, blah, blah. But ZTD is more forgiving — you can screw up and still complete tasks — and emphasizes actual doing more than planning.
Bonus: It encourages users to put their dreams on their to-do lists, along with doing a load of whites.
Stuff Happens — and Gets Done
Another spinoff of Getting Things Done, Getting Sh-t Done (utilware.com/gsd3.html) is simpler and, obviously, down to earth. Developed by Bill Westerman, GSD uses pen and a grid-ruled pad. His system of checkmarks, dots, diagonal lines, and Post-It tabs keeps ADHD adults on top of tasks.
Low-Tech PDA
Tired of losing your Palm V or forgetting to charge it? Try the Hipster PDA (43folders.com) — a low-tech system comprising index cards, a binder clip, and a, well, pen.
Called PDA — for Parietal Disgorgement Aid — the cache of cards, devised by writer Merlin Mann, holds your tasks for the day or the week, along with information (websites, phone numbers, meeting times) to help you complete them. You can shuffle and re-divide the cards, or throw old ones into the recycling pile. Some use the binder clip as a handy keychain, hooking their keys to it.
A version of this article appears in the Summer 2009 issue of ADDitude.
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