“Getting Things Done” by David Allen is a classic book on how to organize your tasks and projects most effectively. It’s not about time management, it’s about managing actions so when you have time to get things done, you will know quickly and completely what actions you have to choose from. I read it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. It’s good.

Key points from the book:

• Every pending item needs to be listed in your organizational system. Don’t try to remember anything in your head. A 100% complete system takes that load off your brain. I can say from recent experience, this really does enhance focus and reduce stress.
• Keep separate lists for items that are:
  1. “Ready” to work on
  2. “Waiting” for someone else
  3. “Scheduled” for a certain time in the future
  4. Things you’ll do “Someday/Maybe”
• Review your Ready list every time you have time available to work on stuff
• Use your calendar to keep track of Scheduled items
• Review your Waiting and Someday/Maybe lists once a week

I learned a lot from this book. I recommend it. Here it is on Amazon.