Thank you to all who participated in creating this video.

Two alternative links:

http://produktivnorge.no/se-david-allen-coache-en-stresset-karrierekvinne-video/

https://vimeo.com/145381566

A problem, The Someday-Maybe file: This can be both scary and intimidating especially if, like me, you have a huge someday-maybe file. For example, I want to visit a dentist but it is too expensive. In my Someday-Maybe file I have a piece of paper that says simply “Make appointment to see dentist.” I know I don’t have the money to complete this and so I avoid even looking at the entire Someday-Maybe file!

The solution: If anything causes discomfort then ask yourself if there is a step that you have not appropriately captured. Ask “What’s next to move this forward?” It is not important that a project or task be complete today. What releases your discomfort is working through it. In this example I created a recurring task in my tickler folder. “Move $50 to savings for upcoming dentist appointment.”

Because I am now taking action on the item I can see a new possibility. I will have money for this in 1 year. Now I see the possibility to move the Someday-Maybe item to my calendar. In my case “Call Dentist and schedule appointment.” I have scheduled the task to remind me in 1 year when I will have the money. The way out is through.

I did not notice a discussion of “reference.” Reference may be a notebook you carry with you that you need to review while completing a task. For me reference comes in two sub-categories. First there are items I refer to that explain “How” to do something. For example, I have a notebook full of explanations on how to use a computer. Reference material has no action or to-do attached to it. The second reference file I keep is full of long-term records. Things I might need in the next 10, 20, 30 years or life. For example, I save all tax statements for 10 years as recommended by tax professionals. I have family photos I will save for life. I use a modified tickler format for reference. Instead of reviewing everything in reference regularly I label everything with an expiration date.

In the video David mentions that the heart is often the last thing you hear because there is so much other noise. GTD is a work out–we work out what is in our mind and trusted system. It is human nature to breakdown and become overwhelmed. It is only through constant practice that we become strong–mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. The most important thing to yours and my success with our trusted systems is to have a coach. A coach can be anyone. Your coach provides an objective point of view so when stuck our coach can set us in action. At work your coach tends to be your boss. In your personal life it may be a friend, partner, or trainer. The rule is, “Do what your coach tells you to do.” When we are overwhelmed our coaches keep us going.