The question might be asked, why keep them in the journal? When I look back in the journal, it helps to give me a perspective of everything that happened and the information collected on that day. I have to admit, that since processing my inbox to zero with GTD, I seldom have to do this anymore. It might just be over doing it on my end, but it really doesn’t take much time, actually within the two-minute rule.

Thank you again for your thoughtful comments and reading. John

So how to handle your cases? I suggest:

o Activity journal/time log: Dedicated notebook such as yours. Archive by date.
o Conversations: In associated project folder. If none exists (say for a regular general meeting), dedicate a folder to that meeting. Archive by date.
o Marking action: Notate commitments (yours and theirs) for post-meeting processing (see below). I like your checkbox idea. I’ve seen clients highlight, underline, or add an “icon” like a star. I use an “A” in a circle for action, and a “W/F” in a circle for … guess what :-)
o Idea capture: Either on the meeting/project notes, or in your journal if that’s where you like them. I use both, depending on the context. Out for a walk – goes on mini notebook I carry in my man bag (ugly word!). For a meeting, my trusty legal pad.

In all cases afer meetings staple your notes, toss them in your inbox, and process normally, taking care to pull out actions. Check off each to ensure none are missed.

Thanks again for the post. Thoughts?

Thank you so very much for the super-detailed blog post. Ever since you posted the first reference to journaling, I have been visualising (almost fantasizing) of having my own journal and comfortably noting my activities down. You’ve explained everything very clearly to a great level of detail. No further questions for now, but I foresee that I will certainly have them as I begin implementing this system over the next couple of weeks.

John, just one concern, I downloaded the pdf of a sample paper journal more than once. But each time the file appeared incomplete. May I request you to email that pdf to me.

Thanks John. Much appreciate your taking the time out to explain this out.

Lynn

I manage an IT training center and there have been occasions throughout my career when management has asked me to tell them what I do. Because I have documented my work by time, it is easy to compile that kind of list whenever it is requested. And recently, our organization has required all but its top level managers to keep a time sheet each week documenting the time spent on production support and specific project work for resource allocation purposes. It was rough for many in our organization to start that discipline, but mine was already very much a part of my work life, so it wasn’t a big change for me.

And I agree, Covey and GTD can coexist. Just use the higher level principals from Covey to plan, manage and prioritize your life, and apply GTD to handle the daily tasks and one can remove much stress in their life. John

Impressive discipline and quite useful I am sure. It is also interesting to hear from someone that has utilized Seven Habits AND GTD. Reading GTD I constantly could see relationships between Covey’s principle living and habits and the GTD mindset and personally think the two can complement each other.

-Stephen