Getting Things Done: Everything Has a Home
January 21, 2008
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Celebrate with me! My email in-box is empty (a miracle) thanks to my new mantra (when I see a quick task) “Do it now… it’s just 2 minutes.” Paper in-boxes and my bedroom closet are the opportunities to conquer this week. As I mentioned in the previous post about Getting Things Done by David Allen (GTD), I’m trying not to get overwhelmed by my quest to be an “Organized Startup Princess” so I’ve decided to just add one new productivity skill/thought process each week.
Leslie Kent, my friend, hair stylist and Feng Shui specialist told me to add “Everything has a Home” to my organizational mantras (or if you like, Everything has a Castle!) Perhaps this is basic you to you, but I never thought of organizing that way. Previously I would think “I have deal with that” or, “I have to put that away” Now I say, “Everything has a Home.” It brings more love to my thoughts and energy and there’s no “I have to” in the sentence.
This mantra fits well with the GTD system and how to manage your in-box in Allen’s workflow chart (what is it? does it belong to me? if not, who? delegate? do it now (under 2 min.) or schedule a time for it…file it for a future resource, “give it a home”) Leslie suggested when you’re cleaning up your “stuff” you go through similar same steps…look at the item in front of you and think, “does it belong here? if not, where? trash? does it belong to someone else? can I give it a home?” is it time to give it a new home (donate)? Getting Things Done is about developing and creating new habits…in this case I’m starting with my mindset and how I THINK…repeating questions when I encounter “stuff” is liberating because I have a system now to know what to do next.
Another tip from Leslie, “Only keep what you LOVE, get rid of what you LIKE.” What a powerful concept. Last night I took off a framed print that had been above my HEAD for 2 years that I only so-so liked because it “matched” my decor and immediately the energy shifted, even now with a blank wall I LOVE it. I also took out everything “work-related” (sorry Matt but no Dell Monitor for a client in our bedroom!) and took away extra decorations that just didn’t bring the word “LOVE” to mind. AAAH, relief and peace to my mind and spirit! I LOVED waking up today.
Want More Tips??
Here’s a few posts on Getting Things Done (all written from the productivity guru Leo at Zen Habits, one of my favorite places to get inspired lately):
How to Actually Execute Your To Do List
Today’s Magic Wand: Make a few post it notes for your office, entry way, kitchen counter, etc. “Everything Has a Home” and enroll all family members to practicing “everything has a home” this week. Particularly in the high traffic areas where people tend to “dump” their stuff and forget that “Everything Has a Home.”
Enjoy creating a space of LOVE and Order!
“Only keep what you LOVE, get rid of what you LIKE.” This is profound. I’ve never heard it this way. While I’ve known that the good (or mediocre) is the enemy of the BEST, Leslie’s saying is much more personal.
Thanks for sharing.
With all the good stuff you share with us, I have awarded you the Inspirational Blogger’s Award.:)
Fatma
http://www.loverawfood.wordpress.com
The 2 minute principle is really helping me out too! Last night I applied it to responding to 5 emails and today I applied it to putting away the 3 bags of “too small” kids’ clothes in my laundry room as well as finally packaging up an item I need to return in the mail. Great tips that work! Keep ‘em coming and eventually my office will get under control!
Hi Paper Planner! What a great site and products you have, thanks for visiting SUP. Glad you LOVED the tip by Leslie. I’m having fun with my surroundings…do it LOVE it or Like it?
Wow SUP Fatma! We’re honored…thanks!
Hi FG Deborah, so happy to hear you’ve been doing the 2 min principle too…it’s really amazing, huh? Awesome. Glad you’re organizing along with the rest of us.