Mind Like Water

With Getting Things Done (GTD), I’ve reclaimed control and now enjoy improved productivity, calm and a happier life for me and those around me. Here are the secrets of my “GTD system” with those Essential GTD Tools.

GTD Tools In the Office

• Outlook 2007: While I love my iMac, I also love my Lenovo laptop with Outlook 2007. I’ve been using it for years and it is one of my most important productivity tool!
• Getting Things Done® Outlook® Add-In: this add-in from Netcentrics turns you in a GTD expert in no-time. It is by far, my most valueable piece of productivity software! It simply allows me to process my inbox and Do (if under 2min), Delegate, Defer, Action, Someday or File.
• GTD Outlook Add-in “Contexts”: I’ve described in this post the GTD contexts I use. This is a critical part of the system as it relies on Outlook Categories which are synchronised to my Blackberry (or other mobile devices, task managers).
• GTD System File Folders A4: those folders fit in my bag or rest on my desk during the day and give me the essential category of folders for organizing my pending work. If I need to go to a meeting, the “Action Support” folder usually comes with me.
• Deskset: I’m using a DYI one and if you have the budget the David Allen Collection Desk set.

GTD Tools While on the move

• Blackberry: For those of us who work for most “corporate”, the standard tools will be Outlook and Blackberry synchronised via Blackberry Enterprise Server. This is good news as it allows by default to synchronise notes, contacts, calendar, emails and most importantly “tasks” and its associated categories.
• ToDoMatrix Professional for Blackberry!: for GTD hardcore practionners only! Now this is what makes my GTD system portable and practical. I couldn’t recommend it enough!
• Moleskine Plain Pocket Book: fit in a pocket with a pocket at back for expenses receipts, and it’s nice!
• Namecard holder: fit in a suit pocket, sufficient to capture business cards for the day, credit and travel cards.
• GTD System File Folders A4:I always carry my GTD System File Folders in my bag.