GTD 2006.29: Falling through your Getting Things Done road to success

You've heard the expression, "only as strong as the weakest link"? That applies in spades to using David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology.

So where are your weakest collection, processing and organizing, reviewing and doing links? Where are the open manholes you fall through?

As today's GTD tip, here's a quick, partial checklist of common pitfalls and foottraps when it comes to  plans and routines to consider:

Personal Life:

• Have you worked out exactly how you handle bills, receipts, balancing your bank/etc accounts so you know exactly when and how to repeat this task effectively?
• Do you have up to date ICE (In Case of Emergency) info on everyone you care about strongly and who cares about you?
• Do you have a routine for cleaning your home to whatever of organization/cleanliness you (and your significant other, if applicable) are comfortable with?
• Have you worked out a mental checklist for getting out the door on time, every time?
• (Extra credit for us mid-life people) Do you have a long term plan for staying healthy?

Professional Life:

• Do you know what your short, medium and long term professional goals are? If not, why not?
• Do you have a process for measuring how you are doing in achieving those goals, and a way to communicate them to others who should know, such as your boss?
• Do you have a process and time allocated for ongoing learning and education in your field?

Like I said, a quick, partial checklist, from a guy more than a little obsessed with planning. Your mileage, and octane, may differ - but keep checking for those open manholes!

Technorati Tags: GTD