Reference

reference: { Getting Things Done
page:
author: & David Allen
bib:
tags:

Outcome

Acquire a clearer definition of the outcome desired and the next action required.

Why

Managing commitments well requires the implementation of some basic activities and behaviors:

• First of all, if it's on your mind, your mind isn't clear. Anything you consider unfinished in any way must be captured in a trusted system outside your mind, or what I call a collection bucket, that you know you'll come back to regularly and sort through.
• Second, you must clarify exactly what your commitment is and decide what you have to do, if anything, to make progress toward fulfilling it.
• Third, once you've decided on all the actions you need to take, you must keep reminders of them organized in a system you review regularly.

Exercise

1. Write down the project or situation that is most on your mind at this moment.
   • What most "bugs" you, distracts you, or interests you, or in some other way consumes a large part of your conscious attention?
2. Describe, in a single written sentence, your intended successful outcome for this problem or situation.
   • "Take the Hawaii vacation," "Handle situation with customer X," "Resolve college situation with Susan," "Clarify new divisional management structure," or "Implement new investment strategy."
3. Now write down the very next physical action required to move the situation forward.
   • Would you pick up a phone and make a call? Go to your computer and write an e-mail? Sit down with pen and paper and brainstorm about it? Talk face-to-face with your spouse, your secretary, your attorney, or your boss? Buy nails at the hardware store?