On Monday I talked about the misconception of creativity – that it’s about thinking big, opening your mind, etc. This got me thinking about what I believe to be another big misconception. Many people claim that GTD and creativity don’t work together, and to be frank it’s kind of frustrating. It’s such a matter-of-fact statement, I’ve yet to find anybody back that statement up and I feel it’s based on certain stereotypes of GTD and productivity in general. I’m by no means a GTD-zealot, but I am a fan, I have found it useful, and yes, I like to think I am fairly creative. I do believe the two mix and they can mix very well. Below are my reasons why I believe that.
- GTD is flexible
Just why do people think GTD is a strict framework? In fact why do we assume that productivity as a whole is some limiting discipline that requires following tight rules, tight systems, tight deadlines and tight time management? Don’t confuse the whole idea of GTD with one of many potential implementations of it. - GTD removes distractions
Constantly worrying about that electricity bill that needs paying is a creativity killer. Letting thoughts and items that need your attention build up in your head is a creativity killer. GTD encourages you to collect such mental clutter and free your mind up from such distractions. So how come GTD is viewed as the creativity killer? - GTD makes you more organized
Wow, I’ve just come up with a great new design idea, but I’ve nothing to write it down on. Ah well, I’m sure I’ll remember it. Damn, my creative juices are flowing and I’ve suddenly realized I’ve got a meeting to get to. I have fifteen errands to do and I don’t know which order to do them. Argh! And so on and so forth… - GTD frees up time and energy
It’s nice to think that us creative types live in some creativity nirvana where we’re surrounded by inspiration 24/7 and great thoughts and ideas drip off us like sweat. Unfortunately that’s not the case and more often than not we’re cranking mundane widgets just like everybody else. But if GTD means we’re not wasting so much time and energy on our day-to-day matters, that’s surely a good thing. - GTD allows me to focus
Ahh, the next action, oh how I love thee. As I pointed out on Monday, creativity isn’t about thinking big about fuzzy ideas and concepts, it’s actually about focusing right down, a bit like a next action of creativity. Innovate the car wheel, not the car itself.
Of course GTD isn’t for everybody but I’d love to read your thoughts on this regardless of what side of the fence you fall. Any creative people out there who love their GTD? Any who find it stifling and restrictive? Leave a comment or two!
September 24, 2009 at 07:22PM
People think GTD is restrictive because many people use it that way. I think it is partly the fault of self improvement stuff in general -we treat everything like we treat diets. Look how moral and righteous we are, how good we are being. We are getting thinner, more organized, more exercised, less cluttered, etc. There is a sense of Lent to many people’s discussions of organization. It is how our culture treats resolutions, goals, etc. We are changing from our old self through deprivation and restriction to be this new glorious butterfly of organization.
Don’t get me wrong. I read a lot of self improvement blogs on organization and other issues but I do find that this mindset is prevalent and, I think, self defeating.
September 24, 2009 at 10:21PM
I believe creatives can use organizing systems successfully as long as they adopt something they like and it fits their work styles. Tweak it to make it fit. And be consistent.
Problems arise when organizing systems are forced onto people – creatives or otherwise. This is more likely to happen at work where one does not always have control over the technologies and tools used to keep work organized. This is a challenge I face daily. Sometimes it’s necessary to make the best of what we’ve got.
I especially value the freedom from distractions such systems provide. It simply isn’t efficient or effective to stuff tidbits of information into my head when external tools can handle it for me.
September 25, 2009 at 02:39AM
Good analysis and spot on!
I have found people feel limited or frustrated with GTD either because they are following the book down to the last detail without customizing for their life and toolsets, or they are not putting their entire life – work and home – into the system.
The simplicity and flexibility of GTD engenders creativity – in implementing and tuning GTD, and in freeform invention.
September 27, 2009 at 10:14PM
It is always important to take only that points out of a concept that work for you personally. So GTD (I combine it with Evernote) works perfect for me, even for creative topics.