I like to think that I’m a productive worker. I get a lot of stuff done each day, answer most of my email, keep my desk clutter free, parse all voice messages, etc. But, like most, it always feels like there’s a million more things that need doing…

A copy of Organize Your Work Day recently fell into my lap. I figured it was worth a read in order to garner some tips on how I could maximize my personal productivity. And, sure enough, the book was full of good advice and walked the reader through an extensive process to get organized, etc. Sadly, each time the I was asked to do something (eg, write a list of priority projects and rank them, purge old files, reorganize folders, etc, etc), I would just make a mental note or two and skip along.

In the end, I walked away from the book with a few good tips on how to better manage the daily deluge of email, how to better manage meetings and how to quickly deal with office intruders (eg, stand up to talk). But, the book provided an overall much more effective framework to be organized and productive. I just wasn’t willing/ready to ditch all my old habits and follow a “10 simple steps” type plan - despite my desire/need to be more productive.

That said, the cult of Gettings Things Done has caught my eye… But, I bet you it will be with the same curious, but non-committed approach.

I’m guessing this happens with most of us. Case in point, the whole quality of life debate. I’ve heard a hundred producers say “ya, I’ve read McConnell’s books, got a few tips, the rest didn’t help” or some such statement regarding a book or approach/process. Vicarious Visions is one of the few that I’m aware of that has actually committed to such a process (see Tobi’s case study video).

Anyway, I’m rambling (damn, the book said not to ramble as it is a procrastination trap - back to work ;)