Back to School and GTD Go Hand in Hand

Back to School doesn't only mean a return to the classroom these days.  It also means a return to the "madness" of the schedule - soccer practices, scout meetings, dance recitals, music lessons and don't forget the homework!  I have often joked to friends that my "real" work day begins in the school parking lot when I pick my kids up at 2:50.

That being said, with the commencement of school it's more important than ever that we, as families, get organized.  If you're someone who's primarily responsible for getting everyone where they need to be, you know that the after school hours can be a frustrating cycle of drop offs, pick ups, and hours spent next to a field, court or studio.

But the good news of GTD, Getting Things Done, is that the system gives us a "smarter way to live and work".  By defining, capturing and organizing all of the items on our to do list into concrete "next actions", you and I can make the most of those little ten and fifteen minute blocks of time that seem to populate our busy afternoons.  By having a good list of Next Actions that ultimate contribute toward the list of projects we currently have underway, we automatically know what to do with the time spent waiting in the school parking lot when Johnny is kept after for ten extra minutes. 

If you haven't already read David Allen's great book  Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, now is the time to put it on your "must read" list.  If you're too busy to read it, you can easily download it from iTunes or listen to the audio version - I actually keep my audio copy on my iPod for a refresher whenever life's feeling particularly chaotic.

I thought I'd also share the following tips and tricks for making the most of the time we have during the busy weekday afternoons:

• Have a system and the tools you need to GTD.  Whether you choose David Allen's method, Franklin Covey Day planner, an online service like Remember the Milk or Jott, or an old fashion paper and pencil "to do" list, have a plan.  Carry your list with you and keep it full of small items that can be easily accomplished in five to ten minutes (call the bank, send Aunt Louise a birthday letter, review an article, etc).  When you find yourself in a waiting situation, automatically turn to your list and get busy crossing something off of it!
• Have "to go" work.  I carry a bag with ongoing projects, articles and paper and supplies needed to take my show on the road.  I keep it with me for busy afternoons so that I can make the most of the time I spend shuttling my sons to their activities.
• Socialize.  If Social Networking is an essential component of your business plan, go mobile.  Use your iPhone, BlackBerry or PDA to keep in touch with your contacts on Facebook, Twitter or Plurk.  I find waiting time to be a terrific time to check up on these utilities. When I'm at my desk working, they can be a distraction, but catching up on them on the go is a fun and useful way to pass time.
• Think outside the box.  Use this time for other, non-work related items that may populate the list of things you'd like to accomplish.  During your son's soccer one hour soccer practice you could take a 3 mile walk, read a significant portion of a good book, take time to pray/meditate, have a long conversation with a family member who lives far away, or do volunteer work by offering to help coach the soccer team!

Enjoy the fresh opportunities offered by a new school year to get a new outlook on Getting Things Done and before you know it, it will be time for summer vacation again!