Re: Here's the problem with that Joe...

Bob --

> few":-) as Dien noted below. My problem
> is that, given my druthers, I'd rather be
> meandering around the town square instead of
> behind the DO NOT DISTURB sign:-)

Wouldn't we all! But an interesting thought from Jim Rohn I've been trying to put into practice recently - "wherever you are be there". When you are at work -- work. When wandering the square -- wander the square. And don't let work creep into your thinking. It's hard. I've spent a lot of time seeking ways to be able to be able to be available if needed but gone from the business otherwise.

> What's finally worked for me is knowing
> myself and my traits - when I have a
> deadline, I do have laserlike focus and
> complete the tasks required with precision,
> and usually "know" the steps to
> completion without detailed documentation or
> tracking.

Interesting you would say that. The "Getting Things Done" ideas speak of that but focus on getting peripheral thoughts out of your mind so you can focus.

> So, now I use my own system, including a
> mindmap to document the general steps of a
> project, working backwords as you noted,

I like the mindmaps. Very helpful.

> from the completion date. Then, daily, I
> look at the mindmap, update it, and write
> down appointments and a couple of to-do's
> related to the project steps so I'll get
> them done. It's worked well for me on a
> variety of projects that involve several
> steps to complete.

I'll have to contemplate this and see if it fits. One thing that wasn't clear in my earlier message was the way "Getting Things Done" defines projects. The definition there of project is any action with more than 1 step that you'll complete in 30-90 days. So it isn't really project in the grand sense that we tend to think of them.

> I use a REX PDA I bought from eBay to keep
> track of my appointments and to-do's, mainly
> because it holds all my contacts as well in
> a compact, business card size case.

I've not made the leap to electronic data. Something about the way my handwriting "feels" when I look at it. Makes it more personal. Plus I'm on the computer so much as it is.

> Gordon's SQ1 paths of life have helped keep
> me in balance as well - they continue to be
> a valued resource!

Agreed!

> It all boils down, for me, to how important
> is the project/task (regardless of
> underlying interest). If it's important,
> I'll move heaven and earth and get it done,
> if not, it'll probably slip until it rises
> in importance! For example, clearing my

I tended to be this way but it's getting better.

Appreciate hearing your thoughts.

-- Dan Butler


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