Since I can remember, I have always considered myself to be an organized individual. Even as a child, my drawers were categorized, my room was neat and tidy, and my school planner was always filled in (and crossed off) depending on the day's assignments. Organization hasn't been an issue I've necessarily had to address over the years; much of who I am is "naturally" organized.
The GTD approach was previously introduced to me in my grad courses during my teaching internship at MSU last year, and initially I felt like yea, of course this makes sense, but must one actually go through each and every step? I agree with the GTD process, but feel that I do not understand each individual process well enough to make me feel particularly productive when using it. However, I also realize (through reading others' blogs on the topic) that indeed it does take time to rewire my organizational system so that I naturally process tasks in this manner.
I have always had a planner of some sorts and can recall using it religiously through high school and college. Even today, in my educational career, I still use a pen/paper planner that holds my personal information (i.e. birthdays, parties, etc.) and my work information (i.e. faculty meetings, PD, etc.). I feel more comfortable physically writing things down in a book that I can open and close.
Going through the GTD process for the first time felt a bit awkward, to say the least. I felt that I was following a particular format in order to complete this assignment. I listed the tasks I could recall from the top of my head (my sister's bridal shower being amongst the most immediate, as it is tomorrow!). Afterwards, I assessed each task to consider whether it was actionable or not actionable. This was probably the most awkward stage for me because I feel that when I organize my tasks, I do this naturally. Additionally, I find that there are very few things that I can do in two minutes or less. I do however do my best to be cognizant of that concept in my daily life (i.e. when I first receive an email, if it requires a quick response, I take care of it right then and there). Afterwards, I did organize my tasks based on priority (but again, I feel that I naturally do this when I first consider the tasks; I'm very much driven by "due dates" and a calendar by nature organizes tasks for you). Afterwards, I reviewed the tasks I needed to do (again, I feel that I am constantly reviewing what's on my agenda and take the steps to complete those tasks based on priority). The last process in GTD is "Do." In my opinion, I think that the processes of "reviewing" and "doing" work together simultaneously, as we are often reassessing what needs to be done after we've completed one task.
I feel that I have a better understanding of the GTD process than when it was first mentioned to me in class last year and do see many benefits from using it in my every day life. For one, the idea of keeping everything in one place is challenging for me. I tend to categorize tasks as personal or work related, thus separating them. All my lesson plans are separate from my personal planner. I think I can benefit from keeping everything in one place. Additionally, I have a "less smart-phone" than many of my friends, and in the near future could see myself using a mobile device to keep track of my daily agenda (however, I do feel most comfortable when I have a "hard copy"). Understanding the basic philosophy of GTD is helpful, but with any process, it's important to personalize it based on one's preferences. Like I mentioned before, I can see myself blending some of these processes together, which may not be what GTD initially intended; however, if it works well for me, I don't really see an issue with that!
I think that this course has already opened my eyes to many technological tools that I either didn't know existed or chose not to delve into. Alongside new resources and softwares, this course has also introduced (or reintroduced) new ways to challenge my teaching (and even myself personally). I enjoy being exposed to new ideas and philosophies and absorb that information for later use. At this point, I don't feel particularly connected to the GTD process but know that it's worth experimenting with. Though I may not continue to use GTD as it's officially defined, I do think I've benefited from considering many of the processes it utilizes. A goal of mine is to start organizing my tasks in one place. I feel that this is an attainable goal and one in which I can build from. Though I can't "define" what my process of organization will be at this point, I do know that the GTD process will be apparent in some way, shape, or form.
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