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Mike Mahon: Whacking the stupid out of his system

Guest Post: Guide to Guerilla Tactics of a Livable GTD system - Lifehacker

Wow. I love this practical outline of stuff Mike Mahon does to get things done. It's primarily a list of useful life-hacky stuff that helps him keep it together, but it also repeatedly brings the funny:

I tried a myriad of techniques and tips. Every article or suggestion was attempted and tested for incorporation into my POS (my own acronym for my Personal Organization System). I began to become bureaucratic and a purist about the most miniscule action items, checking lists and updating statuses. Then one day after writing down that I need to SSSBTFGD (Shit Shower Shave Brush Teeth Floss Get Dressed) I realized it had gone too far and decided to step back and whack the stupid out of my system.

I'm so going to install a "Big Don’t Forget This Stuff Box" right now.


Of my many sins in this mortal coil, the one I might regret most is helping cause one book called "Getting Things Done" to become synonymous with everything from paper to kitchen timers to -- well -- having a job, I guess.

A lot of what Mike's doing here is only orthogonally related to David Allen's actual book (which is so totally okay with me), but it does mostly share reverence for one of the most important lessons of GTD: until you figure out your relationship to all the "stuff" in your life, you're just spinning your wheels. Making hard decisions about your "POS" and whacking the stupid out of it is also just huge. It's the point when you stop thinking about riding a bike and just start pedaling.

Great work, Mike -- and, seriously, congrats to Gina and the Lifehacker crew on their continuing hot streak. It's been really swell and useful the last few weeks in particular.

evie's picture

You know what I've realised...

You know what I've realised reading this? My goal in life is not to be productive. The whole idea that I might be effective and efficient as a goal in life fills me with depression. I don't want to be a good employee. I don't want to wade through a mountain of tasks. I want to relax and enjoy my life.

I think I'm gonna spend a few extra minutes in the morning disarranging my closet and trying to look good. Then I might go outside and look at the trees. Maybe I'll waste some time wandering around the shops looking for the perfect cookie ingredient for Christmas cookies. Hang out with my husband and watch Alias. You know. Inefficiently.

I've finished some big projects in my life, but they aren't the soul and substance of my life. And sure you have to be disciplined to do some of the things that really matter - if you are committed to developing green energy sources, for example, it's going to take some sustained effort. I just wonder if there isn't a mania about organisation for organisation's sake, just part of the pressure our employers put us under to help them achieve their reduced-cost employee bill.

Hope you guys are using the extra time you get from being organised to be disorganised.

evie

 
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