This is without fanfare that have celebrated one year of implementing David Allen’s Getting Things Done. This post is about what changed for me one year after. I won’t go into what is GTD as there is plethora of resources available on the internet. So without further due here it is.

It was in March 2009 that I picked up the book and started reading it. I had no idea where it would lead me. But it was finally to something good. I also had the help from a professional coach which turned out to help tremendously. Here are the most important changes, one year after. I still have to tweak some aspects, but I’m really far from where I was one year ago (and for the better).

Change #1

The most valuable habit that I gained from GTD is the habit of collecting. Collecting is the ability to capture what is on your mind onto a trusted system by the time it pops in your mind. I use many tools for collecting such as notepads, emails to myself, vocal memos. Everywhere I am, I always have a tool to collect what’s on my mind and yes, even in the shower using Aqua Notes!

Change #2

Before implementing GTD I had disorganized file folders. I had a hard time finding information I needed when I needed it. So now I have a clean file cabinet with folders organized alphabetically where information is easily retrieved. Furthermore, I got rid of a lot of papers I was keeping for no obvious reason than keeping them. I now have a labeler and use it thoroughly to identify things so they are easy retrievable.

The same applies for electronic documents and emails. I’m now able to find anything from account information, to my latest utility bill and so on using an internet based reference system from wherever I am using a computer or my iPhone.

Change #3

The power of contexts gave be the ability to know exactly what I’m suppose to do at a given place and time. Before that, I had to rely on my mind to know what I was suppose to be doing. And trust my words, memory is a weak slave. You mind is for having ideas not store them.

Change #4

I gained a lot of clarity by performing weekly reviews. That way I know my lists and projects are up to date and I can trust my system. A simple question such as “What’s the next action?” is really effective. Weekly reviews also give me depth on the outcomes I desire and they help me reassess and re-prioritize as the reality changes.

So, one year after implementing GTD, I can honestly say that it was worth it. It might not look very appealing at first, but give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

The pomodoro technique is a time/focus management technique that helps you concentrate on a particular task for 25 minutes with a kitchen timer. However, there are situations where using a kitchen timer is inappropriate, such as in an open office.

Many iPhone applications can be used as pomodoro timer substitutes. I searched for pomodoro in the app store and downloaded every applications. This post looks further at the experience I had with each of them. I have placed a next to my favorite app.

Built-in iPhone Timer (free)

If you don’t want to bother installing a pomodoro app, you can always use the built-in timer on the iPhone.

• Pros
  
  • Customizable ring sound
  • Timer goes on even if the app is closed
• Cons
  • No tick sound

iPomodoro by Surya Gaddipati (free)

This app is as is simple as it can get. There is start/abort button, the hand of the timer updates in real time and it has basic statistics capabilities.

• Pros
  
  • Customizable break length
• Cons
  • Does not work with when screen is locked
  • No tick sound when the phone is in vibration mode

Pomodoro by Jani Brezavscek (free)

This app has the most minimalist interface of all, but it gets the job done nonetheless. The added value over the built-in timer is a simple count that resets every 4 pomodoros.

• Pros
  • Shake your iPhone to start a pomodoro
• Cons
  • No tick sound
  • Unpolished
  • Not customizable

Timer by Francis Bonnin ($0.99)

This is a timer replacement for the built-in iPhone timer. It has precision to seconds instead of minutes.

• Pros
  • Precision to seconds
  • Can be used for other purposes than pomodoros
  • Customizable tick and ring sound
  • Landscape support
  • Best value of all
• Cons
  • Not free

Pomodoro Time Management by rapidrabbit ($0.99)

This app is very well polished, has a built-in task management system and has pomodoro break support. They also have a lite version which is free.

• Pros
  • Very well designed & highly polished interface and easy to use.
  • Tick and ring sound can be turned on/off
  • Timer for breaks
• Cons
  • Not free
  • No support for online task management systems such as remember the milk.

  ---

  Pomodoro Timer by Navel Labs ($0.99)

  
  

  This app has a very well polished finish. You have to manually rewind the timer to perform a pomodoro.

  • Pros
    • Customizable volume for both tick and ring
    • Customizable time (not stuck to 25 min)
    • Highly polished
    • Tick sound when the screen is locked
  • Cons
    • Sometimes the tick sound is not there when rewinding. (You have to restart the app).
    • No timer for breaks
    • Not free

Happy pomodorying on your iPhone!