Comments on: 5 Reasons Why GTD And Creativity Can Mix Together, Damnit!

By: Delfina

Delfina — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:21:20 +0000

In my opinion people in general do not like to think. Most used GTD strictly to the letter, because it does not require them to use any of their creativity. But the world is about those that reach beyond and use their imagination. As Einstein has said “Imagination is more important then knowledge”. That’s why I believe any tool, GTD or not, can be used creatively to move oneself and world forward. Those who insist on sticking to the rules no matter what the circumstance as the stones slowing down human progress.
That’s why I agree with you on this matter. Having used GTD for a while and being a multi-tasker I have discovered one has to allow for variations ;-)

By: Mrtko

Mrtko — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:14:48 +0000

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.

By: Gagan Saxena

Gagan Saxena — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 01:39:53 +0000

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.

By: Mandy

Mandy — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:21:35 +0000

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.

By: Kim

Kim — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:22:25 +0000

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.