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All very true but what I meant to say (but didn't actually articulate) is that when you apply GTD it becomes clear that you need priorities. Let's say you are

by cJ0th 10y ago

All very true but what I meant to say (but didn't actually articulate) is that when you apply GTD it becomes clear that you need priorities. Let's say you are well versed in a new technology that is quickly gaining popularity. Now you are unsure whether you want to write a book about this technology. Maybe it becomes THE standard book on this topic! Otoh, you could apply at a company where you can work on a project that uses said technology. There are obviously pros and cons to both ideas. One Scenario: You start writing the book because it seems to be the more fulfilling job. Some months in a stronger, competing technology arrives. Now you think: Was starting the book a good idea? If I had taken the job at least I'd have earned a paycheck and had something to put on my CV. In hindsight you may realize that you crave a more secure lifestyle etc. The time has passed so there already would be a gap on your CV if you don't finish the book. So maybe finishing the book is not a bad idea. At least you can demonstrate that you've done something successfully during the last couple of months. Let's assume finishing the book would take two more months. Could you easily complete it when everything is already outlined with GTD? Further more, could you easily abandon it when everything is already outlined with GTD?

mikekchar 10y ago
I see. I have to admit that I'm especially bad at these kinds of decisions :-) I don't use GTD, so abandoning my plan is easy for me. I also don't try to optimise, generally speaking. The one thing I can say from my experience with software projects is that plans must change in order to have success. It is rare that you will nail the correct course of action up front. In fact it is rare that the thing the customer needs looks anything like what they think they want at the start. This seems to be true for me in my life as well. A friend once told me that you should tell the universe what you want and then wait for it to be delivered. The trick is that the universe never gives you what you asked for, but rather what you need. Your job is to recognise it when it comes. Easier said than done! But anyway, thank your for the ideas. I will have to think about this!

by cJ0th 10y ago

mikekchar 10y ago

I see. I have to admit that I'm especially bad at these kinds of decisions :-) I don't use GTD, so abandoning my plan is easy for me. I also don't try to optimise, generally speaking. The one thing I can say from my experience with software projects is that plans must change in order to have success. It is rare that you will nail the correct course of action up front. In fact it is rare that the thing the customer needs looks anything like what they think they want at the start. This seems to be true for me in my life as well. A friend once told me that you should tell the universe what you want and then wait for it to be delivered. The trick is that the universe never gives you what you asked for, but rather what you need. Your job is to recognise it when it comes. Easier said than done! But anyway, thank your for the ideas. I will have to think about this!