I’ve already blogged about Dave Allen, guru of productivity and positioned the goal of the quest for finding more time, as finding time to run more miles. After some thought it dawned on me that in fact, it is not about finding time to run, or the time to run more miles because running is a part of my daily routine, like brushing my teeth. It is about finding the time to do all the other things I love to do.
Those “other” things don’t have the magnificent health benefits of running, which explains why they don’t fall into the “like brushing my teeth” category. For example, I love to garden and if gardening had the same health benefits of running, it would definitely give running some stiff competition for my time. That being said, I do believe there are many mental and physical benefits to gardening but that’s a whole other discussion.
I have a voracious appetite for time management books and books on getting organized. I definitely have a bent towards systems and organization, scoring 21 out of 22 on my Meyers Briggs test on that count, referred to in the MB context as Judging (not to be confused with judgmental). Friends often laugh at me when I say, “I have a plan” . . . so what else is new they chuckle. This is a very clearly defined aspect of my personality and statements such as the ones below reflect this approach to the external world. I believe it makes me a good match psychologically with the demands of marathon training.
# I like to have things decided.
# I appear to be task oriented.
# I like to make lists of things to do.
# I like to get my work done before playing.
# I plan work to avoid rushing just before a deadline.
Lately, I’ve been listening to Dave Allen’s first book Getting Things Done on my IPod. Both this and his second book, Making It All Work are available on ITunes. I’ve read it before but it is definitely worth a reread. One thing that struck me was his statement, “You can only feel good about what you are not doing when you know what it is that you are not doing.” He maintains that unless we unload all the things-to-do that are cluttering up our short term memory we cannot do the best thinking our minds are capable of.
Getting Things Done
Whatever your goals for 2011, I recommend that you consider Dave Allen in print or audio to Make It All Work!
Mind, Motion & Matter 
January 11, 2011 at 8:43 am
I could use some help with time management! I think I’ve been spending too much time online lately since it’s my main connection to the outside world being so housebound and all, but there are so many things I’d like to do around the house. Plus there is that pesky exercise routine I’ve wanted to start for a while! Perhaps I will check this book out…if I have the time 🙂
January 11, 2011 at 10:24 am
If you are using a laptop, one tip is to move your laptop around with you to wherever it is you need to get things done and at a height that you have to stand. There’s no doubt that there any many things you need to do or look up on the computer but this way you won’t be tempted to just sit in front and surf aimlessly or gorge on the equivalent of junk food for the mind.