Comments on: Organize IT Recap: A GTD Evolution To Pen And Paper, Why Productivity Is A Waste Of Time And The Muji Chronotebook

By: Matthew Cornell

Matthew Cornell — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 13:42:19 +0000

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!

By: James

James — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:36:10 +0000

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.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:21:02 +0000

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!

By: Matt Soreco

Matt Soreco — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:09:29 +0000

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.