How I Get Things Done

I thought I would share my new organization process, as it seems to be working really well for me lately. I have it set up loosely based on the "Getting Things Done" method. I skimmed through the book, so it figures that it is lacking in some parts. Overall, it works well for me.

Process 1: Action Item Dump
I found a task management program called Fusion Desk that I LOVE. It allows me to set up different projects with folders and tasks for each project. In the screenshot below you can see my 6 current projects - "Internal," "NBCF Website," "NBCF Marketing," and so on. In each of those projects I have "Action Items," "Waiting For," "Reference," and "Someday." At any point in time, when I think of something that needs to be done, I immediately go to this list to add it under the designated folder. Fusion Desk allow me to insert notes and even add attachments for each task.

The problem with relying on this program fully, is that it gets really overwhelming. What I do at the beginning of each day is look at Fusion Desk for Action Items that I want to/should do that day, and then write those items down on my Action Pad. I also write down "Waiting For" items that I should be expecting that day.

Process 2: Email Organization
I cannot stand things just sitting in my Inbox, so I make it a point to clear it out every day. If there is pertinent information in an email that relates to an Action Item or Waiting For item, I categorize the message as "Action Items" or "Waiting For" and check them daily until they are completed. For emails that do not contain pertinent information, I create tasks in Fusion Desk. I then drag the emails into my project subfolders.

Process 3: Calendar
I followed the advice in Getting Things Done, and only put timely matters on my calendar. I do not put To-Do items here. This lets me glance at my calendar once a day, and that is all. I also put Due Dates on my calendar, as I have not found a good process for these. Anyone have ideas?