Organize IT recap for 04th March 2007.

• How many words can you read per minute? Find out with this speed reading test. At the very least it’s fairly interesting to see what your speed is. I know that it has been mentioned before on Steve Pavlina about the practical benefits of reading quickly, so this tool is a good starting point and way of measuring any improvements.
• Check out this very nice looking GTD themed wallpaper. Normally, I’m not too bothered about these sorts of things because I don’t want it to be rammed in my face all the time that I’m on the PC, but this particular wallpaper looks so nice and clean I have to recommend it. If only all GTD diagrams were so nice.
• I recently came across a nice little prioritizing tool from over at CNN Money of all places. I’ve only had a brief play with it because I don’t currently have any prioritizing dilemmas to deal with but I like the idea. If any of you give it a try and find that it helps you out then let me know.
• Merlin Mann of 43Folders fame has started a video podcast. Despite being in its opening week, there are already five shows up to go check out.

Organize IT recap for 25th February 2007.

• As I am currently on a refreshingly long break from work, I’ve finally had a bit of time to really clean, de-clutter and just generally organize the home. I’ve been browsing around for a few tips and ideas and I came across a site called Real Simple, which has a selection of professional articles on the subject. They also publish a magazine, it’s just a pity I can’t seem to get it in the UK (anyone know otherwise?).
• Another site I came across this week is Meals Matter (via Lifehacker) which has a great selection of meal ideas, including suggestions for quick snacks and full recipes, all with relevant nutritional information. Of particular interest is the healthy eating section and the food diary, both are very useful if you plan on eating better.
• Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas for organizing laundry? I currently have the unenviable task of washing, ironing and putting away laundry for two people on a daily basis, and as you can imagine, it’s quite a challenge to stay on top of it. Any feedback on this issue would be great, and hopefully I will be able to post about it in the near future.

The recap is a new, weekly feature I am starting today where I will cover the most interesting posts and articles I’ve come across over the past seven days along with my thoughts and opinions. I will also use the recap as an opportunity to discuss what’s happened/what’s on the horizon for Organize IT. Hope you like it!

• A new site I’ve come across, called Organized Life has a great series about using Filofax for GTD. It’s always Levenger and Moleskine that seems to get mentioned in regards to GTD so it’s refreshing to see someone using Filofax, which is more readily available here in the UK. I recently bought one too, but I made the mistake of buying the smallest one they make which has made it really hard to use… Do you have a Filofax? Please share your experiences in the comments.
• I’ve recently been looking into the GTD horizons of focus (also called the vertical map) and came across this Michael Sampson’s reflections on it. In the near future I will be posting my own thoughts and experiences on the horizons of focus as I am currently finding it quite useful and long term, high level planning seems to be a topic that often gets neglected.
• If you have a habit of wasting away time idly browsing online for something or anything then Brad has an interesting article on the subject. Though the solution he suggests is by no means original, I think the description and explanation for why we spend so much time browsing (instant gratification) is pretty spot on. What are your thoughts?
• Finally, I have come across The Ultimate GTD Index. If the dramatic name alone doesn’t pull you in, it is essentially an index of feeds from various GTD and productivity related blogs (including this one, natch). If you are looking for more interesting sites to read or what to fill up your feed reader it’s definitely worth checking out.