Here’s a quote from David Allen’s, Getting Things Done (2001):
It’s possible for a person to have an overwhelming number of things to do and still function productively with a clear head and a positive sense of relaxed control. . . . [There are] two key objectives: (1) capturing all the things that need to get done–now, later, someday, big, little, or in between–into a logical and trusted system outside of your head and off your mind; and (2) disciplining yourself to make front-end decisions about all the “inputs” you let into your life so that you will always have a plan for “next actions” that you can implement or renegotiate at any moment.
I began to follow Allen’s ideas a couple of years ago, but more so in the last month. I’ll have more to share about this “Getting Things Done” (GTD) method as the fall term progresses. But you can start to do something now if you like: sit down with a yellow pad and begin a list of every thing you need to do in all the aspects of your life–school, church, family, relationships, hobbies, household, legal, automotive, financial, and so forth. Try to get it all out. Look around for reminders to prompt you. You can work on this here and there as you get time. Carry a small notebook or index cards in your pocket to capture things as they occur to you.
Next time, I’ll share ideas about what you can do with your list and how it can be the beginning of a new way of maintaining “relaxed focus.
Stay well, do good work, enjoy yourself.
Doc Carney