“Getting Things Done” or GTD is a methodology by David Allen that people either love or hate.

There’s lots of posts around, (including some of my own), that defend one side or the other.  But instead of defending it, I thought I would highlight some of the mistakes people make that give them (unjust) cause to hate it.

If, having tried it, you struggle with GTD and you can say that you do any of these things, maybe you should try again, but without the mistakes! If you’re interested, pick up your own copy of GTD.

1.  Making it complex.

Picture by Nerovivo

GTD is, at heart a very simple methodology.  If you find it too complex, then look at how you’re implementing it.

2.  Thinking there is only one way to implement it.

With eProductivity things are all in one place and everything is totally integrated

GTD is a methodology only.  There are any number of implementations.  Everything from the good old paper and pen to high tech computer programs with sync capability to Blackberries.

I use eProductivity for Lotus Notes by Eric Mack and it works wonderfully… for me.  With eProductivity things are all in one place and everything is totally integrated and that’s something I need.  Other people will need other benefits in the tools they use to implement GTD.

3.  Doubling up on input.

Whatever tools you use, find one that you don’t need to type up a next action when you already have the thing there.  It’s heartbreaking typing up a to do item about something that is already in your system, then filing the original! (I hope that sentence makes sense…  If you have done this, you’ll know what I mean!)

4.  Ignoring the 2 minute rule.

Picture by Wwarby

If something in your inbox (physical or electronic) will take less than 2 minutes (this figure should be reasonably flexible to suit your situation), then just do it.  Failure to abide by this rule will definitely put you in the “Doubling up on input” category.

5.  Not doing a weekly review.

The easiest thing to ignore is the weekly review, but seriously, it’s the most important.  Do it regularly and it’s easy and quick.  Let it slide and you’ll never have an empty brain because it’ll worry you.

6.  Not putting everything in your system.

As soon as you decide not to put one thing into your “trusted” system, it becomes an “un-trusted” system and once this happens you totally defeat the purpose.

7.  Spending all your time tweaking your lists and never actually doing anything.

Sounds stupid but it’s an easy mistake to fall into.  You can get so enamoured with the system that it becomes your reason for being.  Actually, the methodology should be enabling you to get on with what’s really important in your life.  Don’t miss out on the chance to actually achieve what you’re really meant to achieve in your life.

I’m blogging about GTD, eProductivity, leadership and books. If you want to join with me in this journey you can follow me by rss feed, by email or through Twitter
… and don’t be scared to let me know what you think!

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