GettingThings Done. The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

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This approach can be dangerous, however, if you don't put those 'Bills to Pay' or 'Receipts to Process' in front of your face as consistently as you should. Just having them 'organized' isn't sufficient to get them off your mind—you've also got to review them appropriately.

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Microsoft Outlook allows users to copy or move e-mails into its 'Tasks' context, which, if organized according to my recommended categories, could work equally well.

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Many Lotus Notes users don't even realize they can do this, but in fact it's one of the program's most powerful features. If you have Notes, check with your resident IT resource person and have him or her request system permission and show you how.

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If you're using a group-accessible calendar, you must maintain discretion about these kinds of triggers. Digital calendars usually have 'private' categorization functions you can use for entries you don't necessarily want everyone to see.

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Also referred to as a 'suspense,' 'bring forward,' or 'follow-up' file.

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There are various ways to give it all up. You can ignore the physical world and its realities and trust in the universe. I did that, and it was a powerful experience. And one I wouldn't wish on anyone. Surrendering to your inner awareness, however, and its intelligence and practicality in the worlds you live in, is the higher ground. Trusting yourself and the source of your intelligence is a more elegant version of freedom and personal productivity.

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It has been a popular concept in the self-help world that focusing on your values will simplify your life. I contend the opposite: the overwhelming amount of things that people have to do comes from their values. Values are critical elements for meaning and direction. But don't kid yourself—the more you focus on them, the more things you're likely to feel responsible for taking on. Your values may make it easier for you to make decisions, but don't think they'll make things any simpler.  

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Of course, the people who are most attracted to implementing Getting Things Done are usually already on a self-development track and don't assume that they'll be doing the same thing a year from now that they're doing now, any-way. But they love the fact that this method gets them there faster and more easily.