Today’s Homemaker

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on Getting Things Done. Here’s an overview of the entire process:

1. Empty your brain - Write down every single thing that you want/need to do, whether it be daily, weekly, or a one-time project. When something new presents itself, write it down immediately.
2. Make a new list called “Current Projects” and move everything that is a project¹ over to this list.
3. Make a new list called “Future Possibilities” and move everything that you are not currently focusing on to this list.
4. Make a new list called “Next Actions” and, for each item on your “Current Projects” list, write down the very next thing that needs to be done. Optionally, you can organize your Next Actions list into separate lists based on where each thing needs to be done (things that need to be done on the computer, in your office, when you’re at home, when you’re away, etc.)
5. Make a new list called “Daily Activities” and move all things that need to be done every day to this list (from the first list you made in step one.)
6. Make a new list called “Weekly Activities” and move all things that need to be done every week to this list (again, from that first list you made.)
7. Make a new list called “Monthly Activities” and move all things that need to be done every month to this list (yep, you guessed it…these are coming from that first list.)
8. Add more lists as needed (grocery list, needs/want list, address/phone number list, etc.)
9. Put all of these lists in a 3-ring binder.
10. Get an inbox. Get some scrap paper. As new projects and commitments occur, write them down immediately on scrap paper and put them in your inbox.
11. Get a calendar. Only write things on it that have a specific date or time attached to them.
12. Process the things in your inbox each night.
13. Review and update the lists in your binder each night.
14. Review your calendar each night.
15. Get a small notebook for writing down your daily plans. Write them down each night for the next day.
16. Repeat steps 12-15 every night.
17. Review your overall system once a month (write it on your “Monthly Activities” list).

Expect it to take about a month to tweak your system to where it works best for you. If a particular part of it is not fitting in well with your life, change it! Everyone has their own way. This is just a basic plan that is adaptable to any situation.

Questions? Comments? Email me at sarahjoy AT todayshomemaker DOT com or leave a comment! I’ve really enjoyed hearing what you have to say throughout this series.

1. A “project” is something that has more than one step. [↩]