In the previous article of our serial we promised, that we will proceed with the starting of the GTDtab system. Before that, let’s say few words about the Contexts, which may help you to organize Things visually.
David Allen uses two terms: Context or Category. Both of them stand for the short text description, also called meta-information, with which we label Things to keep them categorized according to the way of their processing, or according to the thing they are associated with. Here are examples of typical categories we should use:
- Calls
- At Computer
- At Work
- At Home
- Lifegoals
- Shopping
- Read/See
- Errand’s
- Meetings
These are only suggestions, everyone could make his own Contexts. Do not think it is very complicated, because you’ll find out, that some Contexts are useless for you, and in the course of time you’ll have to add some new ones, which you miss. It is not very good to have too much, or too few Contexts. I am using 11 Contexts right now.
Physical Contexts
As we will use along with the virtual Inbox also carton Inbox for real-world things and documents, we should similarly prepare contexts/markers to label Things. Sufficient solution is to use:
- Post-it stickers or bookmarks, , the best will be colourful with the hand-written despription
- Marker, for example Centropen or the marker for the writing on CD/DVD
- Colourful pegs for the hang out the washing- suitable only for documents
- Ink seals – rather expensive, but really useful for documents (if the „damaging“ of this document is ok)
- Electronic labeler – quite expensive solution too, but universal, and recommended by David Allen
The cheapest solutions are represented by points 1 and 2. For my personal GTDtab system points 1 and 2 equipment is adequate, as I have most Things online.
Contexts in GTDtab.com
In the online application the situation is much easier, the Context can be created and assigned to Things very easily. On the tab Contexts you click on Create new context, and you’ll see very simple form for creating the Context. Add Display name to your Context, for example Calls, then Description (not required), and choose Color scheme for your Context. Then click the Save the context button, and the new label is made.
All Context stickers are at your disposal in forms for the Collecting and Processing the Stuff. By using many different colour schemes for Contexts, you will be able to quickly and effectively identify and select your Things in boxes.
What’s next? Let’s start!
We hope, that this time we’ll start for sure. Prepare the basic set of Contexts you’ll need. You may find an inspiration in the book Getting Things Done, on the demonstrable picture, or in the short list on the begining of this article.
More from the serial
