The GTD® Virtual Study Group

As one year ends and another begins, we look at reconnecting and reengaging with our higher horizons. A really great episode on developing our goals and why. A great reminder at this time of year. Enjoy!!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more: 

Today we decided to dive into a bunch of tech tools and discuss what works and doesn't work for us for our workflows. Enjoy!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:    

Every so often we experience a bit of friction with our task management system. What causes this? What signs can you look for that your system needs a bit of a clean up? What things might you need to look to clean up? On this episode we share our experiences over the years with what we look for and triggers us to do a clean up. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

We all have it... so how do you manage it? Talking about backlogs on this episode of the GTD® Virtual Study Group. How do you keep from feeling overwhelmed by it? What are some tactics for managing it? Enjoy!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more: 

We had a number of topics come up before the call, and rather than decide on just one, we decided to do an "Ask the VSG" and touch on them all. We start with looking at what a weekly review looks like, then talked a bit using GTD to help establish routines, followed by revisiting higher horizons and even a little project planning. Enjoy!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

An interesting topic for today's call. Tickler Files. In this episode, we talk about how we've adapted tickler files to work in our digital systems. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Everyone's favorite topic -- Inbox Zero! In this episode we talk about our inboxes, and what's not an inbox. Also some thoughts on the GTD® setup for email with Actions and Waiting For folders. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:  

In GTD®, it's important to have a trusted system. But does that mean that you have one app to store everything? In this call we talk about how we have our systems set up -- personal vs business or all combined, using separate apps for specific things like shopping lists. And how we manage tasks from shared project teams or from others. And lots of apps were shared. Enjoy!!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more: 

What is Mind Like Water®? How do you get it? How do you keep it? What does not having it feel like? In this call we look at what it means to us. Special thanks to Jeff Korentayer for raising the topic in our facebook group! Enjoy!!   Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

With all of your project's next actions defined and captured on context lists, how do you know what to do first? And next? In this episode, we dive into different perspectives and solutions for prioritizing actions and being able to trust our systems are helping us see what we need to see, when we need to see it. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Working with partners is tricky, especially if they don't practice the same process and systems that you do (GTD®). So how do you get on the same page? How do you approach getting their involvement or buy in? How do you practice empathy for both yourself and others? We dive into this and so much more in this episode. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

We had some fun just wandering around without a set topic in this episode. We talked about all sorts of stuff -- system bankruptcy, dealing with backlog, someday/maybe management, collaboration on projects and shared task management, system tweaking, areas of focus, horizons of focus, and everything in between... Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Projects, Actions, and even Areas of Focus and Responsibility are pretty easy to define. The higher horizons, not so much. In this episode, we talk about the higher horizons, how we've developed them, and how we use them to guide our life's work. Definitely a great listen if you're struggling with the higher horizons... and just know that we all have, so you're not alone! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Understanding your energy levels and their impact on your productivity is so important. Are you a nightowl? Are you swamped with back to back video calls? Can you fit in a quick nap? We cover it all in this episode. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

The future is really upon us! ChatGPT and AI are really starting to take a hold and our world is going to look very different to us all very soon. In this episode we talk about what that might really look like in our lives and in our GTD® worlds. What we'd like to image it doing to help support us, and how we really want to approach this shift that is coming. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

One of the tricky things in keeping hard edges in a task management system is capturing and processing projects and tasks without enough clarity around them. Sometimes our verbs seem actionable, but might be a bit vague in reality. Same with next actions which might actually be a project. In this episode, we dive into these ideas and the friction they cause in our systems and look at solutions to bring clarity and engagement. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode, the VSG hypothesizes on what the future of GTD® might look like. The future is now! 😲 Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Ever find yourself annoyed with someone who is less organized than you are? It happens. Maybe even more when you're GTD-level organized. ;) So how do you deal with it? In this episode, the VSG shares a bunch of ideas on the topic. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

When life throws us curve balls with major shifts, we often need to review and recalibrate our Horizons of Focus. In this episode we share our experiences and insights. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the calls and more:

In this episode we discuss boundaries and how we use GTD® to  help us manage them. So many great insights in this conversation! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we dive into the meaty topic of defining next actions. What are they really? How do they differ from projects and actions? What's the best practice for naming our actions so they are clear and actionable, and set us up for success? Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

As we were nearing the end of the year in this call, we shared our thoughts about wrapping up the year and starting the next one. Preparation for the coming year... closing out the current year... reflection on the accomplishments of the past year... getting some R&R... calendar cleanup... etc. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we share our experiences with practicing the GTD® methodology through the years. The benefits we've experienced, the things we love about it, some of the tweaks we've made over time, and why we've stuck with it. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Is your system sparking joy? Do you feel inspired by it? In this episode, we look at our systems from that perspective. How can we inject more joy and inspiration into our systems, and by extension, into our lives? Such a great chat! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we really step up a couple of horizons and look at the importance of reflection. We often get so bogged down in the doing that we forget to look up and see the forest for the trees. Life is so short and we really want to be focused on the goals that are really important to us. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

So now that we are getting back to normal(ish)... we're looking at how we engage with GTD® while we're on the go and some of the logistics around that. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Journaling can add a whole new dimension of introspection for our systems. We look at journaling from many angles in this episode. Such a great listen! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

This episode started out as a pros and cons of task management apps. We ended up really focusing on looking at Omnifocus and Todoist, with some other things thrown in there as well. Enjoy the conversation! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we talk about routines and how they can be used to help us be more productive and engaged. Lots of great tips and tricks in this one! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

We all experience friction in our systems from time to time. One way to look at this is as an opportunity to make some improvements to our systems and workflows. In this episode, we talk about what that looks like and some things we've discovered over time... as well as, some tools that might be useful. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

What a great discussion! With all of the virtual meetings of the past few years, it has become more and more important to learn how to time block and manage our calendars. A great call with a lot of great shared experiences from the VSG! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we look at the successes we've experience with GTD®. We also share some other way that GTD® has influenced our lives and even the lives of others. So much fun looking at GTD® from this perspective! Enjoy! Check out the GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

This episode is filled with a bunch of great ideas on how to keep your GTD® system fresh! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the calls and more:

Oh!!! What is and what isn't an inbox? Such a great conversation! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Renegotiation is an important process in getting things done. In this episode we look at this process of revising our GTD® systems to accommodate our workloads. Enjoy all the insights shared! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Our systems get so much better with the little minor tweaks we make to our systems. We're not talking the tool swapping/hopping here. We're talking about all the little ideas picked up along the way (maybe on GTDVSG) and tried in our systems. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, and then sometimes they are pivotal to making our systems sing! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode, we look at what causes distractions, why we could be having a hard time focusing, and how we might address it... or not. An interesting discussion looking at this from so many different angles. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Starting up a GTD® system can be daunting. And there's lots of stuff we learn how to do better as we continue our practice over time. In this episode, we cover a bunch of our experiences and what we've learned as we've refined our systems. Tons of helpful insights! Enjoy! Check out the GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Inspired by the book 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, we discuss the idea of finitude and how that impacts our lives and our systems. How do we achieve mind like water and a level of stress-free productivity? How do we find more balance in our lives? Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

What a great episode! We really dive into journaling from all sorts of angles! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:  

We continue the discussion on project planning in this episode. A tone more tools shared. And Ray shares a whole bunch of info about Evernote and integrations. So much goodness in this episode. Enjoy!

How do you plan your projects and integrate those into your GTD® System? How do you collaborate with your teams and manage your tasks separately from the project plans? What tools do you use for managing project plans and shared task lists? We cover it all in this episode! Enjoy! Check out the GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

A deep dive into Annual Reviews -- the good, the bad, the ugly! ;) Enjoy!

One of the most important pieces of our GTD® practices is our "trusted system" which includes our external brain or second brain. We talk about this in depth -- What do you use for an external brain? How do you get thing in there when it comes at you in ways you're not expecting? What workarounds do you have? So many great ideas in this episode! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

This episode is all about checklists!!! Such a great listen! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

We started out thinking about tool switching and then found ourselves diving into all the tweaks we do/can do to our systems. Shiny things!!! We talk about checklists, various tools, and share how we use them. Lots of fun! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

An important part of our system is our reference materials. Many of us use Evernote and they had just come out with some major updates at the time of this recording, so we dove into reference filing with a focus on Evernote. Some great insight from people who really leverage Evernote! Also applicable to other apps, of course. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and much more:

We all have to renegotiate projects, tasks, deadlines from time to time. In this episode, we look at what might be causing the renegotiations and how to, maybe, create more realistic expectations for ourselves and others. Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Workflows are so important in managing our systems. They help keep things flowing. They can provide safeguards (like backing up or printing out). In this episode we talk about a ton of different workflows we use with our systems. So many great ideas! Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

What does being a black belt at GTD really mean? Some surprising insights! You're really going to enjoy this one! Check out the Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

Sometimes life hits you with a bunch of projects all at the same time. How do you deal with the overwhelm? How do you know when to say "when"? In this episode, we share our experiences and how we've handled these situations. Enjoy! Check out the GTD Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

In this episode we discuss Working from Zero. Enjoy! Check out the Official GTD Virtual Study Group website for resources from the call and more:

  In this episode we discuss introspection and planning. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

  In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Horizons of Focus. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss prepping for the end of the year. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     

In this episode, we discuss practicing GTD with others. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

  In this episode we Ask the VSG all sorts of questions around GTD. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of new toys for productivity. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:    

In this episode we discuss The Path of GTD Mastery, Chapter 15 and Conclusion to Getting Things Done by David Allen. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

  In this episode we discuss Chapter 13 of David Allen’s Getting Things Done — the Power of Outcome Focusing. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss the Power of the Next Action Decision, Chapter 12 of Getting Things Done by David Allen. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

  In this episode we discuss the Power of the Capturing Habit, Chapter 11 from David Allen’s Getting Things Done. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     

  In this episode we discuss Getting Projects Under Control, Chapter 10 of Getting Things Done by David Allen.   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss the topic of Engaging: Making the Best Choices. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss Reflecting: Keeping it All Fresh and Functional. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

  In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of setting up the right baskets. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:  

In this episode we talk about getting In to empty. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     Resources from the call: Workflow diagram 

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Capturing. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     Resources from the call: Physical inbox Mind Dump Incomplete Triggers List GTD IQ quiz Read It Later apps: pocket, readability, etc

In this episode, we discuss the ever popular topic of  GTD Task Management Tools! Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     Resources from the call:

163: Setting Up: Time, Space, and Tools   In this episode we discuss getting started with GTD -- setting up the time, space, and tools!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:    Resources from the call: g    

  In this episode we discuss the Natural Planning Model. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     

In this episode, we discuss the Five Steps of Mastering Workflow, from Chapter 2 of Getting Things Done by David Allen. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss accountability to ourselves and with others. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss a bunch of great GTD topics by Asking the VSG!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:    Resources from the call:

  In this episode we talk about setting our new goals for 2016 in motion. Getting those projects planned and next actions set. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Big Changes (like starting a business), Year End/Begin Planning, and annual reviews. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Working From Zero. Clearing inboxes (both email and task management system) in a way that supports being able to really trust your system. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of hitting reset. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss self-motivation, both in life and in our GTD systems.  Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Capture Tools for GTD. Enjoy!     Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

  Another great conversation around contexts. Who doesn’t love this topic?! Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

A great conversation around Calendars. Hard and soft landscapes. What works for you? I think you’ll enjoy this one!   Apologies, I did everything I could with the audio. It’s a bit muffled. :(   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss Project Planning. It's a good one! Enjoy!     Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Capture - Corralling Your Stuff. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Clarifying and Getting IN to EMPTY. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   

Always an interesting, if not hard to talk about, subject. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:  

Great episode covering the Second Horizon of Focus — Areas of Focus & Accountability. Enjoy!     Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss getting over system overwhelm. Enjoy!     Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Doing. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:     Resources from the call:    

This episode is all about revitalizing your system — declaring bankruptcy or breathing new life into your GTD system. Enjoy!     Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we talk about project planning, and more specifically small project-based planning and workflows. Lots of great insight! Enjoy!   Apologies, I did my best to clean up the audio, but there is a bit of a ghost conversation in the background for part of the conversation.   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:   (remove for SquareSpace)   Resources from the call:

  In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Habits & GTD. Enjoy!   Resources from the call:   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we chat about the modern day tickler. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

In this episode we dive deeper into Organizing. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: 

 Join us for this fun episode on the Organize portion of the GTD® workflow. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:

  In this episode we discuss the ever popular topic of Processing. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:

In this episode, we cover a bunch of topics in one of our Ask the VSG calls. We covered GTD and working with others, delegation, “waiting for” at work and at home, using multiple tools in one system, Evernote vs OneNote, doing, going electronic, and more...   Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:

As is tradition on the GTD Virtual Study Group (although a little early), we discuss the topic of The Year In Review. Enjoy!   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website:

In this episode we talk about the Natural Planning Model. Enjoy!   Natural Planning Model Define purpose and principles Outcome visioning Brainstorming Organizing Identify Next Actions   Official GTD® Virtual Study Group website: