#atom

Core Idea:

The processing workflow involves handling each item in your "in" basket one at a time, making a firm decision about what to do with it, and never putting it back into "in." This ensures that your system remains clear and actionable.

Key Principles:

1. Process One Item at a Time:
   • Focus on the top item first, regardless of its importance.
2. Never Put Anything Back into "In":
   • Once you pick up an item, decide what to do with it and move it out of "in."
3. Follow the Workflow:
   • Trash, incubate, file, delegate, or defer each item based on its requirements.
4. Apply the Two-Minute Rule:
   • If an action takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.

Why It Matters:

• Reduces Mental Clutter:
  • Processing ensures that nothing lingers in your mind or "in" basket.
• Increases Productivity:
  • Clear next actions create momentum and reduce procrastination.
• Builds Trust:
  • A reliable system ensures you can focus without worrying about forgotten tasks.

How to Implement:

1. Start at the Top:
   • Process items one at a time, starting with the top of your "in" basket.
2. Decide What to Do:
   • Ask: What is it? and What’s the next action?
3. Follow the Workflow:
   • Trash, incubate, file, delegate, or defer as appropriate.
4. Use the Two-Minute Rule:
   • Complete any action that takes less than two minutes immediately.

Example:

• Item: An email requesting a meeting.
  • Clarify: Schedule a meeting.
  • Next Action: Send a calendar invite (less than two minutes).
• Item: A note about a project idea.
  • Clarify: Add to "Someday/Maybe" list.
  • Next Action: None for now.

Connections:

• Related to:
  • Organizing and Next Actions - Moving Projects Forward in GTD
  • Delegation in GTD - Handing Off Tasks Effectively
  • The 2 minute rule
  • Is this a duplicate of Processing Phase - Emptying In in GTD
• Broader Concepts:
  • Task Decomposition: Breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Outcome-Oriented Thinking: Focusing on results rather than activities.

References:

1. Getting Things Done by David Allen (Book) - Locations: [2136], [2139], [2158], [2177], [2179], [2189], [2209], [2220], [2221], [2222], [2227], [2239], [2264], [2279], [2291], [2304], [2311], [2316], [2323], [2354], [2366], [2383], [2398]
2. GTD Methodology Overview

Tags:

#GTD #Productivity #ProcessingWorkflow #TwoMinuteRule #DavidAllen

Zettelkasten ID: 20231015-TwoMinuteRule-GTD

Title:

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Allen-Getting Things Done