GET THINGS DONE: The Art of Actually Finishing What You Start

by Eternalramblings, the chronic starter of things and occasional finisher

Introduction: The Symphony of Unfinished Tasks

There's a special kind of haunting melody that plays in the back of your mind (that's surely the case for me), composed entirely of unfinished tasks. It's the chorus of unread emails, the verse of half-done reports, and the never-ending drumroll of household chores. (Can't get the music out of me, haha!). That's where the "Get Things Done" (GTD) methodology steps in, waving its conductor's baton, ready to harmonize your chaotic symphony.

Get Things Done 101: More Than Just a Fancy To-Do List

Developed by productivity guru David Allen, GTD isn’t just about making lists; it’s a complete method to capture, organize, and execute your tasks. Think of it as a personal assistant for your brain, one that doesn’t take coffee breaks.

The GTD Mantra:

Capture: Dump every task, idea, or commitment into a collection tool (like a digital or physical inbox). I use Trello for this.
Clarify: Decide if each item is actionable. If not, trash it, file it, or put it on hold.
Organize: Assign each task to the right category and priority.
Reflect: Regularly review and update your lists.
Engage: Do the tasks, one by one, with clear focus.

My Tête-à-Tête with GTD

The Big Inbox Dump:

I started by pouring every thought, task, and 'I-might-do-this-someday' idea into an inbox. It was liberating, like emptying a backpack after a long hike.

Sorting the Wheat from the Chaff:

Each item went through the “Is this actionable?” interrogation. It was the ultimate reality check for my sometimes fanciful ambitions (sorry, “Learn to moonwalk”).

Organize Like a Pro:

Tasks found their rightful place - some in the “Do it now” category, others filed under “Someday/Maybe” (looking at you, moonwalk).

Regular Check-Ins:

Weekly reviews turned into my productivity confessionals. It was me admitting what I did and didn’t do, then forgiving myself and moving on.

GTD in Real Life: A Tale of Two To-Dos

Imagine two to-do lists. One is a jumbled mess of tasks, hopes, and dreams, looking more like abstract art than a plan. The other is GTD - a well-organized, prioritized list with clear action steps. One leaves you overwhelmed; the other, in control.

Real-World Example:

Pre-GTD: "I need to work on the project" (Cue anxiety and Anime binge).
Post-GTD: "Draft project outline by Tuesday, review research notes on Wednesday" (Cue actually getting it done).

The “Clean Desk” Phenomenon

GTD is like having a clean desk. You know where everything is, what needs to be done, and you have space to work. It's about clarity, focus, and not accidentally spilling coffee on a pile of important, unsorted papers. My night time routine involves this, almost everyday.

Conclusion: Turning Chaos into Concertos

The Get Things Done methodology isn’t just about ticking off boxes; it’s about creating a space where your mind can focus, create, and excel. It’s turning the cacophony of tasks into a well-orchestrated symphony.

So, if you’re tired of the haunting melody of unfinished tasks, give GTD a try. Who knows, you might just become the maestro of productivity you were always meant to be.

About Eternalramblings: A once-aspiring moonwalker turned productivity enthusiast, I’m on a quest to turn chaos into order, one task at a time. Join me as we explore practical ways to live a more organized, fulfilling life.