Does This Make My Butt Look Fat? Finding a Great Fitting Way to Get Stuff Done

Have you been shopping for jeans lately?  Good heavens there is a lot of choices out there!  Low rise, boot cut, classic, slim, loose fitting…. *sigh*.  Have you felt overwhelmed in that same way when considering how you are possibly going to get your task list done?  Do terms like GTD, GSD and Hipster PDA give you a headache?  Finding a way to get stuff done is like finally finding a good pair of jeans: they fit right, wash well and you feel good in them.

As a slightly systems-obsessed, creative-type and slightly self-diagnosed ADD person, I’m always trying out new things.  There are so many smart people out there figuring out ways to get stuff done better, faster and easier than ever before!  Through my never ending quest, I’ve found some great elements and put them into the mix of how I get stuff done.  Is it perfect?  Nope, but it fits me. 

Finding the right fit.

How do you know if a system to get stuff done is for you?  How do you know if it’s right for you?  Here’s 5 steps to get you moving and into the “productivity dressing room”:

1. What style is right for you? Do you need a strict system?  Electronic?  Paper?  Portable?  Consider the “off the shelf” options out there, keeping in mind what appeals to you.
2. Try it on.  The best way to see if a new tool is right for you is to try it out.  Think of it like clothing: try it on for size and see how it feels.
3. Does it fit? Is it too tight?  Does it feel too constraining?  Think about your life and how it fits in.  Are you willing to turn your life upside down or do you need something that fits in to your life as it is now?
4. How will it wear over time? Is the system structured well for the long term?  A good solid system should compliment your life and help ease your mind.  Honesty with yourself is crucial to find the right fit.
5. Get some advice. A really good friend will tell you “yes, those jeans do make your butt look fat”.  Why do they tell you that?  Because they care about you.  Sometimes we’re too close to our own stuff to see what’s in front of us (or behind), so get outside help or advice when you’re feeling frustrated.

Keep in mind that you might have to alter your choice of system, even patching together several ways and making something totally your own.  Experiment, try things out and design your own system.  There’s an endless way of things to live and work productively, so choose your own path.

A few places to “shop”:

Looking for a better solution than what you’re using now? Want to learn more?  Want a system you can “try on”?  Here’s some resources to get your started:

GSD:  I’ve found myself drawn to paper most often.  I’ve been “trying on” this system for a while now, and I’ve found elements that work for me.

Utilware’s GSD:  I like the simplicity and tactile feel of this: Notebook, Master List, Daily List, Work your Daily List, Reboot.  *happy sigh*

Zen To Done: If you like a simple approach, but need a little guidance, try the ZenHabits “Zen to Done” System.

Zen To Done: The Ultimate Simple Productivity System

GTD:  You probably know his name: David Allen.  His book “Getting Things Done” has sparked a fiercely loyal following.  Here’s a list to check out if you’re thinking of taking the plunge.

Zen Habits: Massive GTD Resource List

Center Networks: The Getting Things Done Phenomenon

LifeHacker: Geek To Live: Getting Things Done With Google Notebook

Do you have a favorite system or system hack?  Do share in a comment below.