How do Getting Things Done (GTD) lists help you stay organized? Can lists really keep you on track? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting Things Done lists are some of the most important parts of the whole GTD system<\/a>. There are several types of Getting Things Done lists, all of which serve different purposes, but work together in one larger organizational system. Read about the types of Getting Things Done lists and how they work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Your Getting Things Done (GTD) lists are crucial to your success in the GTD program<\/a>. GTD lists come in many forms; this guide describes the lists and their functions. Each is useful, and you’ll want to incorporate them all into your approach to the Getting Things Done System. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The GTD program defines projects as anything that takes more than one step and can be completed within a year.<\/strong> That includes everything from enrolling your kid in school to planting your garden to learning new software at work. Each of these functions has GTD lists to go along with them to help you plan and accomplish your goals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since projects require multiple steps to complete, the Projects list helps you keep track of the outcomes or finish lines for each one so that you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll probably accumulate support materials\u2014such as research, invoices, and other documents\u2014for many projects. Organize these by project or topic and keep them in separate files; your Projects list merely serves as an index of these files. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can keep your files of support materials with your reference files, or in a more accessible location if you\u2019re working on a project that calls for you to consult your support materials several times a day. Whatever your system, keep it as simple as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of your projects will include steps that require someone else\u2019s input or action before you can take your next action. Any time you\u2019re waiting on someone, add the item to your Waiting For list so you can keep track of everything and follow up when necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, if you\u2019re invested in the outcome of an item you\u2019ve delegated to someone else, add that item to your Waiting For list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though you’ve put it on your Getting Things Done lists, some things you\u2019ve captured won\u2019t be actionable yet<\/em>\u2014maybe a flyer for a concert that\u2019s still a few months away, or an idea for a project you might want to do someday but don\u2019t have time to begin now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two options for these types of items: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) Someday\/Maybe list: This is a running list of things you might want to act on in the future, from learning a new language to making a personal website. You\u2019ll review this list regularly so that you can decide when the time is right to pursue one of these ideas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You might want to have various categories of Someday\/Maybe lists, such as \u201cRecipes to Try\u201d and \u201cBooks to Read.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nTypes of Getting Things Done Lists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Projects List and Project Support Materials File<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Waiting For List<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Someday\/Maybe List and Tickler System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n