Getting Things Done

The five stages are:

1. Collect
2. Process
3. Organize
4. Review
5. Do                                                                                                                                                                                               

• How did you organize your process? (are you using paper and pencil, a phone, a piece of software)? Currently, I use a combination of things to get me through the process of "Getting Things Done." I use a small paperback planner for my personal engagements, with minimal work engagements (such as after school meetings, social events and vacation days). I use a paper calendar at work to document IEP dates, school activities, meetings, vacation days. I also use the Zimbra calendar (work email) to make a electronic copy of the paper desk calendar at work. This works for me right now. I am able to view appointments and things I need to accomplish from home and I can share the IEP calendar with IEP team members. The calendar also notifies me when I need to work on something or a reminder to begin a task. I also use lots of post-it notes, color coding things helps me get things done in my classroom and in my personal life. I use red or orange for things that are really important and white or yellow for things that are less imperative at the time.                                                                                     

• What was it like for you going through the process the first time? Going through this process for the first time usually begins at a new semester or school year. It can be very daunting, lots of paper and lots of things to change, adjust or cancel. Its definitely difficult to keep track of all my "to-do's" in a traditional paper form.                                                                                                                                           

• Do you think that this process will help you? Why or why not? I definitely think this process will help me, the bigger issue is trying to find a "green" way to do this. I would like to use Google calendar since I can sync it on my phone, but I am unable to access Google at work and I need to use something that would be available to me at home and work. The process is something that I already use and do in order to complete tasks. When I took the assessment for GTD, it said I was already doing the steps it takes to complete the process.                                  

•  Do you think you will continue this process? If not, what will your process be? Post-it notes help me tremendously, and I do not see myself replacing that with a form of technology at this point. At this point I will continue this process until I can get something that can connect my personal and professional "to-do's" all in one area.