Getting Things Done

Getting things done is a daily goal for all of us. If we are overworked, overstressed, and struggling to keep our heads above water, it is undoubtedly a struggle to get things done. No matter how busy, frazzled or on top of things you are- things are always arranged by priority on the "to do" list.

One man seems to have it all figured out and has devised a five step method to getting things done. David Allen calls his technique "Mastering Workflow." His five steps are: (1) Collect, (2) Process, (3) Organize, (4) Review, and (5) Do.

I found that I achieve mastery of work-flow when I input what I have to do into my iPhone calendar. No task is too small. For example, I calendar household cleaning. If there is something that I'd like to do, like go cross-country skiing, I enter it into my calendar. Dentists appointments, sports practice, or assignments due... they all go into my iPhone calendar. I check it regularly. When I have all my things to do in one place, it takes the stress away and I don't have to rely on remembering it anymore.


I have always been a very organized person. I feel clearer and more relaxed when I know my affairs are in order and manage my "to do" list. The first time I read David Allen's list, I had a hard time with the idea of collecting and capturing anything and everything that would have my attention into my calendar. Somethings, like combing your hair, just doesn't need to be put into your calendar! I felt like the five steps were severely breaking up the process of organization. It could be that I never broke down the process before, I just did it in my head. Kind of like Math, 1 + 1 = 2. The five steps are like breaking down, explaining and showing how one and one make two. I do review often (step 4), and find this to be a useful step in "mastering workflow."

Personally, I do not think that David Allen's process will help me. It is too broken down and forced for me to follow. I feel that I already have a good system of getting things done. I am able to stay on track, prioritize, and get things done by their deadline. I will not be following this five step plan, but that does not mean I won't use some of the steps presented. My process combines collecting, processing, and organizing together. I see my workflow mastery as a two step plan: (1) Collect/Process/Organize, (2) Review/and or Do.

On a side note, as much as technology makes our lives more productive, you cannot forget about the good ol' pen and paper. My favorite and most efficient way of keeping track of small details, deadlines, etc. at school was by using sticky notes and posting them to the front cover of my administrative binder that held all pertinent course info.  When a task was competed, I happily crumpled up the sticky note and tossed it. I have to admit that I don't get the same satisfaction when I complete a task on my iPhone calendar.