The World Seen Through My Humble Eyes

UPDATE!!!  Pics uploaded HERE
Be sure to check them out

I’ve tried to implement GTD (David Allen’s Getting Things Done’) using a small notebook where I use a smart system to input thoughts and ideas to be processed and transferred to a ‘To-do’ list and a ‘Projects’ list.

There’s much more to it, but I won’t write about it now. Google it.

Yesterday, I ordered 2 Moleskine notebooks to use for my GTD system.
I’ve read several ways to hack this little 192 paged notebook for GTD, but I haven’t found a thorough walkthrough that fits my needs yet.

So, here’s how I would make a ‘Moleskine GTD hack Tutorial’:
(alter the number of pages for each section to fit your needs)

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The date you start using the Moleskine should be marked on the egde of it, on the opposite side of the spine
When you start on a new notebook, you mark the end date also. [mm-dd-yyyy - mm-dd-yyyy] / [dd-mm-yyyy - dd-mm-yyyy]
This way you can quickly sort and store previously used notebooks
**Thanks PigPog for this one**

You should number the odd-numbered pages so that you can find your stuff easier. (pages on the right side)

Backside of
front cover  = Personal Info

 pages    info       content
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 1-2         =        Icon/tab key
             format   [icon/tab] [description]
   
          example    red tab = @home
                           blue tab= @work
   
                           i  = info
                           ->  = next action
                           (p) = belongs to project
   
             descr.     etc etc.. make this as you like

                            Here you can put a desciption of the icons and tabs you will
                            be using.

 3-60       =         Next actions
             format    [date] [description] [status] [important] [waiting for]

              descr.    Tickler items underlined
                            4 colorcoded tabs for contexts
                           *home* *work* *computer* *other*
                           (you should edit the number and names of context so that
                           they fit your demands)
                           1 page per context. When a page is full, move colored tab to
                           next empty page.

                           In the Moleskine I currently use, I’ve set the four tabs
                           dividing the section in 4 to avoid moving around tabs later

                           Done actions are checked off.
                           Use the [important] column if an action is very important or if
                           it’s set to a specific date or something like that.
                           The [important] column is flexible.
                           Actions are mostly processed in [Inbox] before being put
                           here in the appropriate context

 61-66     =        Waiting for **colorcoded tab here**
             format   [date] [description] [relation] [status]
  
              descr.   Here you type in the things you’re waiting for.
                           Maybe you need someone to do something so that you can 
                          get on with your project.
                           Maybe you’re awaiting a parcel from a webshop.
                           Or maybe you’ve lent someone money. Remember to add 
                           dates so that you know when
                           to expect completion.
                           Anything you need OTHERS to do goes here.
                           If it’s related to a project, you can put the project
                           pagenumber in the [relation].

 67-70    =          Projects overview ***colorcoded tab here***
              format   [Project description] [page number] [status]

               descr.   Here you make a list of the projects you’ve got going.
                            Put the pagenumber here too so that you can find the
                            project easily.
                            This list should be updated immediately when you make a 
                            new project.
                            When a project is done or aborted, you can write it in the
                            [status] column.

 71-86    =          Projects
              format   [project descr.] [project start date] [project complete date]
    
                            [next action] [status] [date]
                            [next action] [status] [date]
                            [next action] [status] [date]

                            [notes]

              descr.     I feel that there’s no need to describe this. I imagine that 
                            everyone has a different
                            opinion on how to layout their project information.

               idea        **For faster progress, actions can be copied from
                             [Projects] to [Next actions]**

 87-98    =           Storage   ***colorcoded tab here***
              format   [date] [stored item]

              descr.    Your brothers birthday
                           Important data
                           Passwords
                           How far away the moon is from here

                           Anything worth storing goes here.

 99-106   =        Someday / Maybe **colorcoded tab here**
              format  [date] [description] [status/info]

              descr.   This section is for tasks or projects that you’ve 
                           processed from your [Inbox] that you
                           don’t want to or can’t do at the moment. 
                           Or maybe a project that you MIGHT do in the
                          future. Kinda like a list of ideas and things you want.
                          Then you can review these every
                          now and then to decide if/when you want to start on them…
                          A future project wishlist.

 117-192   =      Inbox
              format  [date] [note/idea/other] [status]
   
             descr.     This is the most important part of your Moleskine. 
                           This is where ANY new idea or thought
                           worth writing down goes. 
                           Appointments etc goes here also. Practically anything.
                           When you have time for it you start here, 
                           taking ONE line, processing it and going on to
                           the next line.
                           While processing you decide if the line is actionable,
                           should be discarded, stored etc etc
                           and then move it to the appropriate section
                           in your Moleskine.
   
                           If any action takes less than 2 minutes to complete, 
                           you should do it instantly.

                           Use your own icons to mark HOW the notes are
                           processed.        
                           (deleted/stored/processed/done/etc.)
                           **Icons can be described on pages 1-4**

                          Put colorcoded tab on the current page that needs
                          processing
                          (right after a completely processed page). This way
                          you know where to start when you
                          want to process your [Inbox] again

                          Another smart option is to put color paperclips
                          here. They are easier to move around.
                          You will most likely move the tab here often.

                          Put the Moleskine fabric bookmark at
                          the page you’re currently at for
                          quick access when an idea comes up.

                          idea ** you can flip the notebook and begin the
                          Inbox section from page 192 and work your way
                          towards the middle of the notebook if you wish.

Backpocket =    Use as you wish. Money / cards should fit nicely
                          You should also stick a couple of tabs
                          of each color somewhere here.
                         When/if a tab loses it’s ability to stick, just replace it.

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Thats it!
How did you like it?

For feedback, please e-mail me at: jwz1982@gmail.com

-jwz