When was the last time you paused to ask yourself:
- Do all the items on my projects list really meet the definition of a project?
- Is my Weekly Review actually keeping my projects list current and actionable?
- And how am I tracking projects that repeat?
This week, GTD Coaches Julie Ireland and Meg Edwards offer insights on these often-overlooked areas.
What makes something a project?
GTD Coach Julie Ireland shares a candid moment from a coaching session that led her to reconsider a deceptively simple question: How do you define your projects?
Her ensuing reflection surfaces three definitions of what makes a project a project:
- Delegated Work – When something lands on your plate from someone else
- Inspired Creation – The spark of an idea you choose to pursue
- Unexpected Problems – Life’s surprises that require speedy and structured follow-through
Curious how your own projects stack up?
Why Your Projects List Might Be Failing You
Is your projects list doing its job?
If it feels cluttered, overwhelming, or unclear, you need to take action. GTD Coach Meg Edwards zeroes in on one of the most neglected (and burnout-prone) parts of the Weekly Review: the project review.
Get advice on how to:
- Quickly decide what should and shouldn’t be on your projects list
- Use the “on hold” and “someday/maybe” lists to reduce noise without losing sight of long-term intentions
- Spot which projects need action and when you should calendar the work
- Track delegated projects without losing accountability
- Customize your project review to match how you think
The Hazard of Mismanaging Recurring Tasks
You may have a solid handle on your calendar and next actions, but what about the tasks and projects that keep resurfacing, even after you’ve checked them off?
GTD Coach Meg Edwards breaks down the question of: “How do you handle repeating tasks?”
Spoiler: Most people think they have a system until things start slipping through the cracks and their workflow turns reactive.
From seasonal maintenance to quarterly reviews, Meg shares practical strategies to keep recurring tasks from cluttering your lists and workflow.
You’ll learn how to:
- Avoid burnout from constantly re-deciding what needs to happen
- Design a frictionless system for repeatable tasks, regardless of whether your tool supports recurrence
- Shift from reactive to proactive, so you reduce the chances of something sneaking up on you
Quote of the Week
“True stability results when presumed order and presumed disorder are balanced. A truly stable system expects the unexpected, is prepared to be disrupted, waits to be transformed.” – Tom Robbins
Know someone who’s struggling to keep their projects and tasks on track? Share this newsletter with them.
Cheers,
GTD Focus
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