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43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

New GTDer: A wall is there

Okay.
I've read the book.
I've read most of the archives at Lifehacker and 43folders.
I've reorganized my references.
I've tossed my office, and put everything relevant in my inbox.
I've done my mindsweep (though I'm certain I've missed things).
I've defined discrete distinct next actions for things.
Projects have been planned vertically.
I've put it all in an external system (kGTD, though, honestly I don't think I like it).
I even got something to carry with me to write on (though I honestly can't see how the hPDA is much different from a memo book. Sure you can rearrange, but it's just supposed to be a quick capture device right?)

....

Now, I'm sitting here looking at all of this. And nothing's changed. I still feel anxious. I know D. Allen said looking at your lists will foster anxiety, and it sure has. I feel as bad as before. It's still at the point where I can't actually do any of the next actions. I look at them and go, "Pbbbbbbbbt." I can't get motivated. Why? I want to see the end product. I want to get things done. I want to be the best. It's like I need a swift kick in the ass. I know I can't be the only one who has experienced this. Minuteur helps, but then I feel forced and uncreative. Any suggestions? I feel poised to begin the race, but I'm glued to the starting blocks.

andyc's picture

Another challenge is finding the...

Flexiblefine wrote:

Another challenge is finding the right length for your lists. I discovered that I have a problem when I have to choose from too many options. Give me a list of 5 actions in a context, and I can crank through them. Give me a list of 15, and I can't make a choice. Do you have long lists?

I'm the opposite of this; I work best with 25-40 items on my NA list. As long as they are good, well defined NAs, I feel a real sense of progress crossing them out through the day.

 
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