I am on the computer so much that a paper solution works really well for me. I have started using a stack of cards and a pen. I purge my thoughts on the cards - one on each card. It works really well - in the gym, on the road …
It has really reduced my stress level
Mayas last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it - Part 3 of the thinkmaya framework

Good post! I agree that getting all of the thoughts out of your head and stored somewhere else really lessens the stress. For me the big problem has been to really “trust” the system as Allen says - to regulary check my inbox and plan my day/week according to it. There’s always something making me miss my weekly review, so I have to improvise during the week. Also, I find it hard to have it all on a computer as I use one computer at work and one at home. I have solved it by using remember the milk configured for GTD and a notebook for capturing things when I’m not at home or at work.

A few months back I found some old notebooks from my childhood. I’ve been using them for keeping track of all these thoughts and todos. Crossing things out also gives me a bit of a boost.

I use Outlook to do most of my scheduling since I can synchronize my desktop with my PDA.

Like you, I’ll breakdown my task into chewable, when I feel to lazy to do it.

I also used Mindjet Mind Mapping Software for task scheduling. From mind mapping, I can see the whole thing that need to be done in one snap shot. Therefore, it will enable me to decide which one is more important based on level of connectivity.

I love TO DO lists. I get satisfaction from crossing off the items when they’re done. It also helps to write down what you need to do and get it off your mind.

Bonnies last blog post..Grow Your Business: No Cold Calls Necessary

Very sweet post I think the greatest value of GTD is in fact having a clear head, as you pointed out. Which translates into less stress.
I personally use a similar system, the link should appear in the “last blog post” below.

Btw. 2do lists are the first step in time-management. The next step is adding priorities and then adding meaning to it (by our goals). There are currently 4 generations of time-management. It is not hokus-pokus stuff, it developed out of necessity. Stephen Covey is great on that.

For me, in the end it always comes down to what can you use to improve, and what not. I found a very good system for me personally that I am happy with. It is not exactly GTD but that is why it works for me
Myrko | AwakeBloggers last blog post..How to Plan Your Week: 4 Steps to Productivity

“It’s as if someone else has taken on the task of holding the things in my mind.”

Love it! You described it perfectly. I tend to be a forgetful person anyway, not to mention I always have random thoughts popping into my head. I started using ta-da list (tadalist.com) for list-making, but got the idea to use it as a way to store my random thoughts also. Its incredible how stressful it is to try to remember things! Its been working great for me so far

Stress is still there, but at least its a little less.

I’m a big believer in the to-do list. And, using an online program sounds like it would be very effective. Though, when you’re away from your computer, a notebook would then be necessary, at least for the short term.

This article is a good reminder.

Bamboo Forests last blog post..Make This Halloween a Ghost Dad Halloween

Strip away your have-tos and presumptions, make your life as simple as possible. Simplicity and clarity will increase productivity.

- Vish Writer

The Power To Realise God Through Self Enquirys last blog post..The Greatest Fool

If I have too much on my to-do list then my creativity stops and love feeling and being creative. A note book is my friend

A great idea I learnt from Cheryl Richardson years ago was to write down the one thing you need to do today …but know you will avoid at all costs.

That way it gets down.

It works for me.

Peace, love and chocolate

Carole

Carole Fogartys last blog post..The Importance Of Pleasing Your Senses:

thanks for the visit and stumbleuponmessage!You are Welcome to visit my blog anytime!

Hi Mary, the funny thing is, I often feel stress when taking the first step to get things done. But when we start doing it, I actually really enjoy it. So I think it’s important, not to be carried away by the stress. Pick something simple to get started and you will move on from there.

Cheers,
Robert

“The question remains, what to do with pesky task that we’re reluctant to attack?”

Great post, we got to bite the bullet in order to move forward…