Everyone Needs a System
I think that no matter what stage of life you are in, it is a good idea to have a system in place to keep your life running smoothly. Everyone has appointments to track, bills that need to be paid (hopefully on time), and birthdays to remember.
According to author and productivity guru David Allen, you must get information out of your head, and into a reliable system. He explains in his book, Getting Things Done, that your brain is for deep thought, and creative ideas. Your brain is not the place to store information.
As someone whose memory is faulty on a good day, the GTD system really appeals to me. Since I prefer a paper system, implementing GTD in my life called for a new planner, of course.
Setting Up My New Planner
Of course, I have files with file folders, a physical inbox, and other support tools. However, my new Webster’s Pages A5 planner is the main hub of my system. It took me a few weeks of re-reading Getting Things Done, watching videos, printing, labeling, cutting, and rearranging things to get my planner ready to go.
Resources and Supplies
The first resource I recommend you check out is the book that started it all – Getting Things Done, by David Allen. I own the physical book, and the audio version. Below is the link to order your copy, in which ever form you prefer, from Amazon.
Getting Things Done by David Allen
I watched many YouTube videos, but my favorites are listed below. The links below are to their main channels, but a quick search for GTD will take you to their videos on the subject.
I used a lot of Fun Stampers Journey products, which makes sense since I am an FSJ coach. Below are links to those items, as well as links to the items I used that can be purchased on Amazon (my second favorite place to shop.)
A5 Page Creator Steel Rule Die
Romantic Journey Printed Cardstock
Through the Year Printed Cardstock
We R Memory Keepers Planner Punch Board
Implementing What I have Learned
My system is set up, but now the real fun begins. I have a physical inbox to process, a 43 file system (explained in the book) to start using effectively, and many support files to set up.
As I continue my journey to reduce stress from my life by putting in place the GTD system, I will share my progress.
Do you use this system, or have a system that really works for you? Leave a comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Dedra
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