I have started to listen to Making It All Work, by David Allen. Yes, I said listen as I downloaded the audiobook. It’s a great way to “get things done” (hehe), no really I can listen as I drive. I am already well into chapter 2 and here are the first nuggets I have harvested:

• GTD (Getting Things Done – the methodology) is not just about email and filing solutions, it has underlying principles that you can use in all areas of your life.
• GTD is not a system, but a systematic approach. Therefore you can adapt it to your “system”.
• Before beginning to organize something, you must capture and then clarify. David Allen recommends starting with what he calls a “reality inventory”.
• Change often evokes stress. Are you confident that you can deal with change?
• GTD works for everyone. As we all desire more freedom, not more work.

David Allen – Making It All Work

David Allen is well known for Getting Things Done- his best selling productivity book that has helped millions. He has now published another book called Making It All Work. It is the new success building tool kit for 2009! Click the link above to hear David Allen give an interview about this amazing new book!

Talks about:

• what’s on your mind: the bottlenecks and the holding tank
• being responsible to manage what’s going on in your head
• being addicted to stress
• the need for mental intelligence
• 5 things you need to do to get control
• 6 horizons of focus

Stay tuned in the coming weeks as I deliver tidbits from Making It All Work!

Here are some tips for taking control of your email and managing email:

1. Set boundaries as to how often you will check email
2. Work from the top down using 4D’s (Delete, Do It, Delegate, Defer It)
   The 4 D’s can be found in David Allen’s book “Getting Things Done”
3. Set up some file folders for your projects or committees
4. Create a separate email for ezines & sign ups
5. Schedule email maintenance days, to periodically clean up the in box

Click on this link to see and hear about these specific tips: Email
For quicktime: Email