Getting Things Done System

A Getting Things Done system is a great way to get a full, comprehensive system of day-to-day activities in motion. It helps people do things each day and in real time. The system is more advanced than an automatic stopwatch that only stops when you say stop.

Getting Things Done uses a matrix of components. The goal is to have all the pieces in place so that the whole system will move as one unit. A matrix is the area where your tasks are placed. The matrix can be a single item, a list, or a matrix of items.

Each item in the matrix is a task that must be accomplished. Tasks are assigned to individuals based on how long they take. When it is time to do something, the system prompts the person to do it. If it cannot get the job done, it does not attempt to go any further.

The system assigns everyone the time required to complete the job. The user gives his/her name to the person whose task is in front of him/her. Tasks can also be made visible to everyone and then taken on by them at their own pace.

A lot of effort goes into planning how each task will be accomplished. The more complex the problem or the more time consuming the task is, the more time it takes to finish the task.

This matrix contains many modules of the entire system. The modules are like different parts of the entire system, that come together to make it work smoothly. One module may focus on recording the tasks done and keeping track of people who have been called upon to do a particular task.

The matrix also keeps track of when each person was assigned to doa task. The system does not care if the person did the task or not. It just needs a record of the time it took to complete the task. If someone wants to do a task later in the day, he can find out when that person was assigned to do the task and then see what the person's time was.

Keeping track of the time spent on a particular task is as important as tracking the time spent on completing the task. If the person cannot remember where he/she put something, they may have to try to look again to find it. They may even have to call up the person and ask for the item.

If time is a problem, schedules can be made that are flexible and allow certain people to get more time when needed. The matrix can then use this information to help plan for what is needed next time. Since so much time is needed to keep track of what has already been done, another way is to do it twice the time.

Every matrix will contain a summary of everything done so far. An average matrix might contain a list of almost 400 different people doing nearly every aspect of their daily routine. This makes the matrix pretty detailed and time consuming to run.

Once people do not get enough sleep, they can lose valuable time that could have been used elsewhere. If they do not have enough rest, they are less able to do tasks. Therefore, it pays to be active.

It takes an investment of time and energy to get things done. People who are slacking off might lose their jobs. So, the Getting Things Done system offers a powerful reminder system that takes on the responsibility for people. Those who need reminding can get it from the matrix, which also includes reminders for people.