Getting Things Done (in my office)
Here are the before pics from my Getting Things Done extravaganza. I’m in a Mastermind Group with three other women entrepreneurs. Last week, we realized we we’re often all stuck in the “I’ll do that as soon as I can get the energy, but first I should clean my office” mode. We challenged each other to take before and after pics and “Get It Done.”
Getting It Done (David Allen) is a superb book that I first read about 2 years ago. I’ve implemented several of the suggestions from the book and this “clean up” was done using his plan. I didn’t just put things away… I dealt with every piece of info on every piece of paper. And there was a boatload of information and ideas. (I’m nothing if not an idea generator!)
I’m using an online organizing system called “Smartsheet” (www.smartsheet.com) and every idea and to-do item is now in my system there. Other things went on my Google calendar and in my tickler file. Others got filed in my “resource” file. Oh, yeah. There was also the recycling bin and trash can.
My “resource files” were his idea too. He said, get rid of all the old crappy file cabinets and get yourself some that are really well built. Do not use hanging files, simply manila folders. The resource file is strictly an alphabetical file. Implementing that about a year ago changed my life. I hope this new implementation of having all my “open loops” noted in my “system” with a “stake in the ground” will too.
The idea is too now clean the “in box(s)” daily…. Review the list weekly…. and not have the constant energy drain that is required for your brain to constantly have to keep thinking, “I’ve got to remember to do that”; or “I’ve got to remember where I put my note on that”‘ etc.
Here are the results! Yay!!!
Comments(5)
Wow! I’m a sucker for a good “before and after” story. Your “mess” was both reassuring and appalling, and I say that in the nicest way possible. Your transformation to order was thrilling. When I saw the “after” pictures I gasped and almost applauded! Thanks for your honesty, Sandra. I’ve tuned in to your Reasonable Diet blog and newsletters over the years and have always loved the way you are willing to share your humanness with anyone who might be looking for the help and inspiration to feel/be better, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Thanks so much for that!
Patty
wow! I think I need to get busy!
WOW!!!! I am *truly* impressed. Your “new” office looks like a place where you’d truly enjoy spending time doing & thinking (and generating new ideas).
I also love the idea of placing book shelves high up on the wall, above the windows — good use of space!
Congratulations. You’ve inspired me to get David Allen’s book out of the library (again).
Tina
Looks wonderful, Sandra!
I just love the “exposure of the office in chaos” that you shared with us. I was revisiting ReasonableDiet and found these pictures once again …. you had them on FACEBOOK also, I believe. Does this mean you can coach us into “Enhanced Desk Environment.” Please put my name at the top of that list also. ;o} OR How about: Let’s trade desks for a few days…..