Organize IT recap for 20th February 2009.
- The productivity backlash seems to be continuing, with Jonathan at Illuminated Mind taking an excellent look at why it’s a huge waste of time. This is probably one of the best reads on the issue in a long while, though it brings up an interesting point about the definition of productivity in general. I’ve long since moved away from the more business-y perspective of productivity (measuring my performance based on how much I get done, for instance), even though I still use the term to describe what I do now. What is your definition of (personal) productivity?
- The more people I talk to the more I find that they are increasingly turning to good old pen and paper to get organized. As if to emphasize the point Kevin Brune shared his GTD evolution from cellphones and Blackberries to a totally paper based setup. Of particular note is how he says he prefers being able to physically cross out a completed task, which is in my opinion should be a key motivational element of any setup.
- Making It All Work is a couple of months old by now but if you’ve yet to check the book out Bnet has an entire feature including a video of Allen personally explaining it. Be sure to check out my own review on Monday!
- I like Muji stationary and storage devices. Don’t know how popular they are because I’ve not heard anyone else mention them before but I recently found out that they had released something called the Chronotebook. It’s basically a blank notebook but each page has a analog clock print in the middle. As the article says, it’s the simplest manifestation of what a day planner is all about: time on paper. I want one!
February 20, 2009 at 08:09PM
There comes a point when you have a system down and it’s as good as it’ll ever be. I guess some feel that when you reach this point, it’s wasteful to try to squeeze out more productivity since the effort will cross over and be more than the reward.
I think there is an insane bias in the backlash though, because not everyone has mastered being productive or even started. I’m so glad I’ve found GTD and have adapted it to my life and work, even though I don’t follow it to the letter or worship it like a cult.
Perhaps the backlash is from those who have been there, done that, and talked about it ad nauseum. They are frustrated that they can’t achieve absolute perfection (because it doesn’t exist). Fine, then step away. But please don’t dismiss GTD or productivity for those who may need it.
February 20, 2009 at 08:21PM
Good recap and great links! Thanks. To me productivity is getting things that matter done in a time that is appropriate for you. Everyone’s different and efficiency levels certainly vary a lot.
I have always been a big fan of the good old pen and paper. I’ve tried a lot of online productivity, to-do list type programs and PDA’s, and while they all have their place I seem to always go back to old faithful paper and pen. I feel a productivity and organization system needs to be simple and integrate seamlessly into your life. If not it becomes a chore to maintain and you end up not using it.
Oh and thanks for introducing me to the Chronotebook. I want one!
February 21, 2009 at 03:36PM
Thanks for the comment Sherri and Matt. Maybe somebody should write a post sticking up for being productive! My productivity definition is similar to Sherri’s. Part of it is about about getting the stuff that really matters to you done in an efficient and stress-free way as possible. I’ll write a seperate post about it in the future so I won’t put too much here.
February 22, 2009 at 02:42PM
Fun rundown, thanks. Some of my thoughts…
For tools a dynamic mindset is required. Static (“I’m there now!”) fails to account for changes (ourselves, work, world). Treat your processes as an experiment.
Chronotebook is certainly cute! Good for planning and recording but in no way replaces lists and calendars, though.
As for the backlash, really all that’s happening is that there’s a batch of GTD bloggers who fell in love with GTD a few years ago, have mastered it, and are now bored!