This class is going to stretch me musically and technologically. That's good! I have been reading Getting Things Done by David Allen. His main idea is that we need to implement a system for getting "stuff" out of our minds (which he refers to as RAM) and into an organizational system that we feel is reliable. Allen asserts that it is possible to have an overwhelming number of things to do and still function with a clear head and a sense of "relaxed control."
The two key objectives of Allen's system are capturing ALL the things that need to get done into a TRUSTED system outside of your head and disciplining yourself to make decisions about all the things coming into your life. There are three basic ways to manage commitments:
(1) If it's on your mind, it needs to be put in a system (what Allen calls a "collection bucket") that you know you will come back to regularly.
(2) Clarify commitments and decide what, if anything, you have to do to make progress.
(3) After deciding on actions to be taken, keep reminders of these in a system you review regularly.
Allen states that the mind will not let go of a problem or task until you make yourself a reminder that your brain trusts will be reviewed. He calls unfinished tasks that are not filed in a secure way open loops. I agree with Allen that these open loops produce anxiety and drain energy. I have often experienced a sense of relief after accomplishing enough of a project to feel it is tucked in to some degree. I look forward to finding out more specifics about this organizational system in the coming chapters.
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