:: Test Your Level of GettingThingsDone
Posted by Andrew
The Basics Level
2. I have a calendar which is always on hand.
5. I have an email program, set up the way I want it.
7. I always have a way to capture ideas and get them out of my head, in all contexts (notepad, laptop, voice recorder, etc.).
8. I have a place or places to keep Next Actions lists, accessible in the right context.
11. I have a list for tracking “Waiting For” items.
13. I have a folder marked “inbox” on my computer for downloaded files.
14. I have a tickler file or reminder system in place which is fun and fast to use.
16. I only have physical actions on my Next Actions lists–no multi-step projects.
19. I have dedicated physical office space set up.
22. My computer files are set up for maximum productivity.
23. I attend a weekly productivity group centered around the GTD methods.
Intermediate Level
26. I have been using the GTD system consistently for 3-6 months.
30. I consistently follow up on “loaned out stuff” and “stuff I’m borrowing.”
36. I always do my weekly review, scheduled for the same time weekly.
37. I have no unsorted papers anywhere besides my physical inbox, project files, and reference files.
38. I have a file cleanout day scheduled in my tickler file or calendar for once or twice a year.
40. I reconnect with my higher altitudes at least weekly, usually daily in the morning to keep me inspired.
41. My Master Projects List is regularly updated at least weekly.
45. When clearing my inboxes, I start at the top and take each item one at a time until it is processed (instead of skipping around to what’s easiest).
49. I know the Four-Criteria Model for Choosing Actions in the Moment by heart (p. 192), and actually work that way, or I have found something that works even better.
50. I have experimented with GTDGmail or some other productivity enhancing email software, and found what works best for me.
Advanced Level
51. I have been using the GTD system for 6 months or more, every day.
54. I have coached 3 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives.
57. I don’t ever carry anything in my head that could be put into my system, and many times during the day I download ideas, next actions, and projects to my lists.
59. I always return phone calls within 24 hours, usually within 2-12 hours, with none lost or forgotten.
62. When I commit to doing something for someone, I completely trust that I will do it…or I’ll let them know ahead of time why I can’t complete it.
63. That low-level anxiety I used to feel around my “stuff” and my work is completely gone.
65. My paper filing system is completely up-to-date, always.
68. I can’t remember the last time something “fell through the cracks” in my system.
70. I get regular coaching from someone with at least 4 years experience with GTD.
71. I am familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the GTD system because I’ve read and studied other productivity systems.
75. I can always say no with integrity, because I always know what’s on my plate and what’s important.
Mastery Level
76. I have been using the GTD system for 12 months or more, very consistently.
77. My system has been squeaky clean for over 6 months.
79. I have coached over 10 people in successfully implementing GTD into their lives, who have sustained their systems for over 6 months.
80. I easily arrive at all appointments 10 minutes early, well-prepared, with a calm and peaceful mind.
85. I exercise regularly according to an intelligent plan that is best for my body and is leading towards ever-improving health, strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, and overall fitness.
88. I have a list of books for personal/spiritual/career development which I consistently burn through, perhaps by scheduling reading time at regular times of the day or week.
91. Project planning and mind mapping are as easy and automatic as breathing to me.
93. I’m surrounded by people who are as productive as me.
94. I have several mentors who are orders of magnitude more productive than me, whom I meet with regularly.
95. My living space is like a zen temple–everything accounted for, everything purposefully and consciously attended to.
97. I could, if I chose to, make a comfortable living teaching personal productivity–I have people asking me about it constantly, without me saying anything first.
98. I could write my own book on productivity…or maybe I already have.
99. I tend to reach my goals earlier and with greater ease than expected.
Test your own GTD Mastery level here
