Productivity: GTD & Bullet Journal (BuJo) Mashup

I rely on a mashup of systems to maintain a level of personal effectiveness and productivity

GTD frames up the notion that humans perform best when:

  • The need to "clear your head" of anything that can be written down in a system that you can trust

  • Tasks are done in context, e.g., when I am at Target what is my shopping list

  • Tasks are started when framed in "what is the next physical action", e.g., stop by Target to pick up items on my list

  • Tasks are done when emotional energy is high enough to take the next physical action - not driven by time but by energy

Bullet Journal (BuJo) frames up the notion that humans perform best when

  • The act of writing things down is more powerful than being digital

  • Their planning tool is 100% customizable and can be started from any angle that is useful to them

  • Humans like to categorize things - and it has to be very low friction

    • Every bullet journal should include these collections in the following order:

      • Index: This section is at the front of your notebook and serves as a table of contents with page numbers to different collections and a symbol key that you update as you go.

      • Future Log: This four-page spread is a year-at-a-glance calendar with future events, goals, and long-term tasks. Add birthdays, travel plans, and major holidays.

      • Monthly Log: This two-page spread includes a calendar with a bird's-eye view of the month and a task page with things you want to tackle during the month. You can also add other monthly tracking pages ("modules") including a food, fitness, finance, or book log.

      • Daily Log: This is your day-to-day to-do list.

      • While you should create a key that fits your needs, Carroll recommends using the following symbols if you want to be a BuJo pro:

        • Tasks: •

        • Events: O

        • Notes (facts, ideas, and observations): —

        • Priority: *

        • Inspiration (mantras, insights, and ideas): !