Life-changing decisions

[prillalar]

(I seem to be sucking more than usual lately in replying to email and comments. But part of this post is about dealing with that.)

Two questions for you, oh wise ones of LJ.

1. I have recently acquired an iPod mini. It is shiny and cute and I kiss its pretty face. But the earphones suck, so I need some new ones. I want to get a pair of in-ear earphones. (I won't be wearing them for hours and hours on end. I have other sets for that.) Specifically, I want to get the Sony White Fontopia Headphones MDR-EX71SL/WK. But only the black variation seems to be available in Canada.

[Poll #501923]

2. I have been looking into ways to become more focused and productive in the various aspects of my life. Particularly, I want find ways to be less distracted. I'm considering giving Getting Things Done a try. I've been reading 43 Folders for a while and it sounds like a Good Thing.

Does anyone have any experience with GTD, either positive or negative? Do you have another system you like better?

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_inbetween_/]

Never knew that GTD was now a trade mark, but please do post if you find a working solution. I sure have none.

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

I do not own an iPod, but my understanding of such things is that a big part of the gratification is the new-shiny-pretty, so I think it's worth the extra dough to get white headphones. Otherwise you will be sad!

[prillalar]

I'm now torn because I found a lovely leather case for the mini and the case is black! I'm like the donkey in front of the two piles of hay.

[laurashapiro.livejournal.com]

Hee. If only all of life's decisions were like this.

[katallison.livejournal.com]

I've been sort of easing my way into GTD over the past several weeks, and find that it works better for me than any other Get Organized Now! system I've tried. I think part of its success for me is the presence of such a large, talky, geeky, tech-oriented community discussing and experimenting with it. Seeing other people's implementation strategies gives me ideas for adapting the model to my own situation (and it helps, of course, that the model has a lot of flex). And I keep coming across gems like Merlin Mann's recent piece (http://www.43folders.com/2005/05/cringebusting_y.html) on dealing with cringe-inducing items on one's projects list.

What I like best about it is the persistent emphasis on *next action*, because I tend to contemplate projects on the large scale, panic, and lock gears. What hasn't worked so well for me is the weekly review, due entirely to my own resistance (I gather lots of other people share this problem).

[prillalar]

Cool to hear you're actually trying it out! Are you using more digital or analog methods for your lists and such?

I've read through the book once and sucked down a lot of online material and I think I'll give it a try next month, after I've cleared out my workspace here.

Some of the mods people have done appeal to me, especially if they link the projects and actions more closely together.

I-pod

[kittygoslingp.livejournal.com]

Whilst agreeing with Laura's comment I would say, and this may not apply where you are or because you don't use public transport, etc., but I-pods, much like cellphones, have become the new mugger's must-have and are owners are identified by their distinctive white ear-pieces and the wires connecting them to the machine.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4583327.stm

If this is not a problem in your area then go for the shiny, white, new, virginal earpieces.

Re: I-pod

[prillalar]

Thanks for this. :) The crime angle really isn't a concern where I live, but I suppose it could be when I travel.

[svz-insanity.livejournal.com]

I think you should get black ones.

I use the iPod earphones (but only because I'm too broke to buy new ones, and they don't fall out of my ears as easily as my comfy Koss Plug Ins) but iPod owners are often targeted by thieves.

[prillalar]

Thanks. :)

[jaebi-lit.livejournal.com]

I voted black. White ones are associated with iPods and are more easily visible, making them a marker for increased risk of theft. Just something to consider if you live in a metropolitan area or use public transit often.

[prillalar]

Where I live, it's not really an issue -- mugging is quite rare. Which is nice. :)

[insaneneko.livejournal.com]

I like the way the white earphones look with my iPod. What color is your mini?

[prillalar]

It's pink! So pretty. *pets*

[panisdead.livejournal.com]

I refer you to a post on the get_a_handle community which discusses Getting Things Done: http://www.livejournal.com/community/get_a_handle/3271.html

I use only tiny pieces of the GTD myself, but have found having a monthly and daily file to be very helpful in keeping track of bills and household paper.