Getting Things Done

In his book Getting Things Done by David Allen, he clarifies the reasons why many people get stumped on the path to their dreams.

Most people never get clear on the Next Action that they need to take. We tend to think in terms of projects instead of actions. Not only can that be overwhelming, it can also be self-defeating. Even for the smallest of projects.

For example, you may want to cook dinner. But you can’t do a Next Action called Cook dinner, because that’s actually a project. Once you break it down you realize that it’s a many faceted project containing actions like:

1. Decide what to have for dinner
2. Check for ingredients
3. Shop for ingredients
4. Chop vegetables, etc.

Once the project is broken down you can see what the real next action is: Decide what’s for dinner. Heck that might not even involving cooking once the decision is made.

The other important thing to remember is that a Next Action is an independent action. Theirs is nothing that needs be done in preparation. If there is...it’s not a Next Action, the preparatory step is the Next Action.

Next Action Life Coaching is a virtual resource. We want to point you in the direction of tools that will help you on the journey to your dreams. Sometimes those coaching tools come in the form of a book.

More about Getting Things Done

One great tool for moving towards your dreams is Getting Things Done by David Allen. Not only will it help you clarify the steps of a project, it will also help you get perspective on your life. Depending on what perspective you take, whether that be the perspective of a parent, a boss, an employee or a golfer, makes a huge difference on the goals that you set. Those goals outline your projects. And from there you can identify your Next Action.

If you’re organized and follow a system, then you can have as many Next Actions as you need. Then you’ll always be in a position to do take some action towards your goals.

David Allen also provides a framework to check in and review where you stand and what needs to be done. The Natural Planning System he defines really allows you to identify where you’re headed by visioning the outcome.

The book Getting Things Done also helps you identify and deal with the energy drains associated with projects, ideas, and “stuff” that are not dealt with.

David Allen also provides some free tools for getting things done. Some of these are great individually. For others you really need to implement the enitire system.

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