There’s a lot of thinking that can go into how to actually approach the task at hand, such that sometimes you’re left without much time to do the work itself. The aim of this post is to help shorten this window while retaining clarity for all involved. To do that, we’ll explore a framework from author David Allen, then put it into practice with a simple worksheet. What’s more, we’ve built a “master list” for you, where you can see tasks across all projects. One quick glance at the master list will show you the highest priority tasks across every project you’re a part of. Essentially, tasks that are both critical and urgent get put at the top of your list.

• Making each next action as granular as possible allows you to define the steps more clearly and efficiently.
• Each of these levels should enhance and align with the one above it.
• Once you have defined the desired result, identify the next possible physical action to move toward that outcome.

Etsy is no longer supporting older versions of your web browser in order to ensure that user data remains secure. Try not to fall into the trap I call “system sprawl,” which is when you have multiple places and containers for your tasks and to-dos, and end up trusting none of them. Meet the Measurable Accountability Plan, or MAP (here’s a copy for you to download). One quick glance will show you what is considered a top priority in each project.

Launching projects with the Natural Planning Model®

Instead, you’ll be able to respond to incoming information calmly and prioritize your time confidently. We have an intuitive understanding of why we execute projects. According to Allen, the root cause for ambiguity lies in not being clear about purpose. And this does not apply to projects alone, this can help pretty much any issue that is on your mind. Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective one. The ClickUp Simple Task Management Template embodies this philosophy with its minimalistic design and robust capabilities.

So when I first picked up the book “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, I wasn’t ready to change my approach. However, the more I read the book, I felt like Mr. Allen gtd system was speaking directly to me. His principles, which are based around a personal productivity system, made so much sense that I begrudgingly had to give it a try.

The Natural GTD Project Planning Method Overview

After listing your commitments, recognize and gather your “open loops”— anything that needs to be done. When your to-do list keeps growing and you can’t help but worry about the amount of work that’s piling up, what’s your way of getting things done? The GTD method may address some of your most pressing productivity obstacles and more. It’s tempting to go overboard and start creating labels for everything — resist the temptation.