Paying attention to the things that get in our way…

GTD simply emerged after paying attention to the things that get in our way…

Mr. Allen.

I am writing to pay a special tribute to my Grandfather – who passed away last week at the age of 94.  He led a good, long life and was successful in many things.  He was the first President of Fording Coal and Superintendent of Mines for Comino in British Columbia, Canada.

I was in Vancouver last week, helping the family with the final tasks that are inevitable after a loved one passes.  Now – for the record, I have read all of your books and personally, have struggled with being successful in the implementation of the full GTD System.One afternoon – I found myself sitting alone in my Grandfathers room (he had moved into single bedroom in a care facility some months prior).  He was, even til the end, very active in his investments and was constantly reviewing portfolios and various other items.  I sat in his desk chair and looked around the room – a room that was setup very much like his office back when he lived in his house – a room I had been in many times.  It was a peaceful moment – one I am grateful to have.

As I looked at the surrounding area – it struck me.  I have no idea if Grandpa has ever read your books – and I mean no offense when I say that I think he had not.  However – many aspects of your system were laid out in front of me.  Everything was in an arms length (he could not move quickly…) the filing cabinet was labeled and ready.  He did not have label machine, but a stack of blank labels and a pen – dedicated to the job.  The inbox and related system was also within reach.

As I thought about Grandpa – he believed in his system – much the same as you say we must do in the GTD system.  He never stressed about missing things – it was always in his system.  I know that he did what is effectively a weekly review meeting – and I know firsthand that he had a list of projects for each person that would come to visit – as I was the recipient of that numerous times.  I am sure there were differences that he had – but it seemed to me that he may have been a great disciple in your system…

When he left – he was moved to a hospital in a bit of a rush – so – there was no time to clean up things, etc.  However – when I looked around at his desk – I noticed that his inbox – was empty.  Perhaps a final testament to the GTD system.

I plan to get the GTD System package you have – and make another go of it – for me and Grandpa.

Thank you for your time.

Kevin

David’s reply:

Kevin,

Such a sweet story! Thanks so much for sharing it with me.

GTD simply emerged after paying attention to the things that get in our way… so your grandfather was just paying attention!

All the best,

David