Work (and life, for that matter) would be so much better if we could just get things done. But how do we escape all the little things that are vying for our attention and precious time? That’s the basis of David Allen’s Getting Things Done® series.

We’ve found this series helpful, as this is definitely a struggle for designers who are trying to balance the business world with finding ample time for creativity. However, there are tricks to getting things done and staying sober while doing it! The solution is finding a “get things done” system that works for you. This could be anything: a well-organized moleskine, field notes or the BeHance dot grid book. But, no matter what you choose, understanding the basics to the GTD process will help you achieve more creative time while crossing even more off that to-do list. Below is a quick guide to the GTD system.

The Goal of GTD is to get everything out of your head and into ACTIONABLE items with appropriate categories. Whether that category is sketches, meetings, designs or the ones below, having it written down is the first step.

Collect - This is the most crucial part of GTD. Every morning, clear you mind and organize your game plan for the day. Everything should be written down, including meetings, project due dates, design ideas, and calls to make.

Process - Now it is time to go through that master list and do everything that will take less than a couple minutes right away. The others should be added to your appropriate collection buckets - see below.

Organize (These are default categories, but you can make your own based on what works for you) -

• - Next Action - The very next step in getting something done. (ie., sketch 20 business cards, write draft copy for website, etc.)
• - Projects - These are items with more than one Next Action (client presentation, client proposals)
• - Waiting - This is an action item on hold because it is dependent on someone else, but be sure to write it down!
• - Someday/Maybe - This is for those great ideas, and long term goals that you do not have time to start just yet
• - Context Lists - Phone calls, emails, errands
• - Calendar - Only for appointments and things that MUST happen

Review - Everyday be sure to review your list multiple times and move items as needed. It will be important to keep up with this and always work to get your to-do list prioritized into actionable items.

Do! - The best part about this system is that you can really customize it to be your own. Ultimately it is up to you what the biggest priority is and how much you can complete in a day. However, by organizing yourself you will be able to help define exactly what your action items are day to day. There are also many software apps available as well!