Algorithm

The Getting Things Done approach is an algorithm for task management. It consists of the following steps :-

1. Capture

• Capture to Inbox
• Weekly
• Daily

2. Clarify

• For a task \(t_i\) say Fix car which is non actionable create actions \(a_j\) which consists of precise specific actions which make the task actionable

3. Organize

• Organize these above tasks into Lists

4. Reflect

• Every week a systemic check of your complete task system

5. Engage

Terminology

The fundamental units are described as

1. Action - The smallest atomic unit of a specific activity

• Example : Put drainex in the sink
• \[a_i \in A \text{where} \ i = 1,2,3 \cdots\]

1. Task - An objective which comprises of actions in sequence.
2. Example - Fix the sink
3. Project : If \(a_i\) is not atomic i.e. consists of multiple steps then a task is a project i.e.

\[P_i\equiv t_i \iff \exists a_{ij} \text{where} \ j \ne 0\]

For example say a project is Write a novel Then you have tasks in this project with their own sets of actions

Thus Projects are. completed by following the sequence of actions and tasks

Actionable Tasks

• If a task contains a single action which can be done in less than 2 mins then Do it immediately

\[t_i : n(a_j) = 1 \ \& \\ time(a_j) <2 mins\]

• For multiple action tasks
• Schedule in Calendar for tasks not due Today
• Today for due tasks

Non Schedulable Tasks

Work on my book

The above is an example of a non-schedulable task unless one has a hard deadline

For such tasks we can

• Convert Them into projects
• Put them into Someday/Maybe List

Non Actionable Tasks

Wrong Tasks - Require Future Cognizing

Set up meeting

Fix Car

Send Application

We need to convert such non actionable tasks into actionable so that we don’t have to cognize in the future.

Not just What but How!. A task is a process list

If the task is Not/Non Actionable

• Trash
• Reference
• Someday/Maybe

Non Schedulable & Non Actionable Tasks

For such tasks one needs to have such tasks in your mind so that you don’t forget. That is make them accessible through a tickler file

• If time based - These can either be monthly lists
• Else just create a tickler folder

Do not use Inbox as tickler space

Summary

1. Start at a_0 = Task Specification
2. Task t_1 = {a_1,a_2,a_3,a_4}
3. IF 
        a_2=a_3=a_4=0 and a_1 < 2m
    THEN
        "DO IT NOW"
    ELSE IF
        a_2=a_3=a_4=0 and a_1 >2m
            "SCHEDULE"
            "WAITING LIST"
    ELSE IF
        n(a) > 3
            "PROJECT"
    ELSE
        "TRASH"
        "SOMEDAY/MAYBE"
        "REFERENCE"