Getting things done: the art of stress-free productivity

Here is another book often cited in Personal MBA reading lists, Getting things done by David Allen.

I own this book, and have renewed it a number of times, yet I haven't fully embraced it. I strive to have one file/ project open on my desk at any one time, but no one would believe it if they saw my desk right now...

Here is a summary of the book as posted on wikipedia:

But I have to reduce my stress. It is affecting me physically. So instead of focussing on the mechanics of project management, and time management, I'm going to work on my mind set for the next two weeks and reduce my stress. Here is one title that I'll be reviewing:

Power Over Stress, by Kenford Nedd, M.D.
Publisher's blurb: This is a clear description of what happens to the body and brain under stress. It shows you how to avoid becoming stressed in difficult situations and it offers practical, scientifically valid techniques for reducing the impact of negative impact of stress on the physiology. The book outlines in simple, easy-to-follow steps, the relationship between stress and disease and stress and performance and gives practical ideas and techniques to avoid the unhealthy consequences of stress.

I'll keep you posted on my thoughts as I review this work (I'm skipping Part One: So you think you know all about stress... since I have some side effects already. I'm going right to Part Two, From Stress REaction to Calm Response).

2010 Goals update

I'm achieving some goals, and some may have to be revisited, or given a higher commitment:

• Discuss Personal MBA in 2010 -- in progress
• Visit the AGO 6 times this year -- once, so far, but hopefully again in Feb.
• One date night per month, minimum! -- so far, two in 2010
• Review daily, weekly list to create more personal time -- hmmm, a bit more of a commitment is needed here
• Enroll in public admin course by Feb. deadline -- I sent things off on Friday. Now I have to wait and hope my transcripts get there without a problem
• Exercise 3 times per week through TP, Pilates, and 5 km runs under 25 minutes -- I'm only getting two work-outs a week and some low key activities such as walking and skating. I need to exercise first thing in the morning or as soon as I get home from work.
• Plan our summer vacation by Q1 '10 e.g. camping at Toronto Zoo, cottage in summer, Christmas escape again for the windows -- the cottage is booked, I have the sign-up date for the zoo in my calendar, but we still don't have E's summer camps committed or our wedding anniversary planned. Alas, if money wasn't an issue, I would it all completed by now.