Organization and getting things done, a combination of systems.

I’m trying out the 43 folders system. Plenty of websites out there that show you how to use this system.
Along with this other system, which prioritizes tasks into priorities.

  1. Important and Urgent.
  2. Urgent
  3. Important
  4. Other Tasks

definition of Important

  • of great significance or value; “important people”; “the important questions of the day”
  • significant: important in effect or meaning; “a significant change in tax laws”; “a significant change in the Constitution”; “a significant contribution”; “significant details”; “statistically significant”
  • crucial: of extreme importance; vital to the resolution of a crisis; “a crucial moment in his career”; “a crucial election”; “a crucial issue for women”

definition of Urgent

  • pressing: compelling immediate action; “too pressing to permit of longer delay”; “the urgent words `Hurry! Hurry!’”; “bridges in urgent need of repair”

I define the above to terms to show the difference. Important is of value and significance. Urgency has a time associated with the given task. Think of this as a two by two matrix.

(1) Important + Urgent (2)Urgent
(3) Important (4)Other Tasks

Immediate and Urgent
– Stuff that must get gone ASAP, such as bills, immediate projects, etc.
– If you don’t get it done by the given time, there’s negative consequences.
Urgent
– Tasks that needs to get done by a given time.
Important
– Stuff that needs to get done, but with no time line or time due is in the future.
Other Tasks
– Tasks that are neither important or urgent.
You must prioritize tasks.
Something else I’m trying out.
– Write out 5 tasks that I must to get done for that day.
– Keep at those tasks till I’m done them. If I complete them all early for the day, create 5 more. If I do not get these new tasks done for the same day, no worries.
– Repeat.
Tips to accomplish this.
Keep that list with you at all times… have it in front of you… it must be a constant reminder.
Don’t go making a super long list, and trying to get them all done, it just doesn’t happen. I would group errands together like post office, banking and grocery shopping all in one go.


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2 Responses to “Organization and getting things done, a combination of systems.”

  1. Sam MacCutchan Avatar

    It’s not the 43 Folders system, it’s called Getting Things Done (GTD) and it was created by David Allen. 43 Folders is a blog by a guy who uses the system. He collects useful ways of implementing GTD, tips and tricks, nifty software that kind of stuff. One of the things about GTD is that you are supposed to tweak it to fit your self. It’ doesn’t prescribe what tool you should use just how to organize things regardless of which tool you use. That makes it easy to mistake 43 Folders and Merlin Mann as the creator of the system, since on the web he get’s a lot more exposure than David Allen does.
    Anyways have you read the book? I’ve read most of it, but didn’t put enough effort in to actually making the system a habbit. I’ve been thinking of trying again though. I need to re-read and finish the book though.

  2. Lloyd Leung Avatar

    Oh. Thanks for the info Sam.
    I didn’t know that actually. I knew David Allen used and promoted the system.
    Well, the major point is to have a system that works for you. I’m currently trying it out, and seeing what it can do for me.
    So far, I’ve been more productive, when I stick with the system. If I don’t, I tend to not get anything done.
    I’ll update my blog as I progress.

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