Getting Things Done with "Simultasking"

Getting Things Done is about personal productivity.  It's about being effective with your time and getting the most out of every minute.  One way to do that is "simultasking" -- participating in two distinctly different activities that support two different goals -- simultaneously!!  I don't consider this to be the same as multi-tasking.  To me, when I hear the word multi-tasking I think of doing two or more things while not being very effective in either.  Some people can do it, and be effective, but I would assert they are a very small minority.

Many people already "simultask", unfortunately they do it in the wrong place, at the wrong time and mix the wrong tasks.  Talking on a cell phone while driving is a perfect example.  You are being efficient, but you are putting yourself and everybody else on the road at risk.  Of course, like many I've committed this sin more than a few times, but it's not a habit and I generally resist the urge to do so.

Another example, one less dangerous, much more effective and actually good for you is audio and exercise.  The audio part being e-books, podcasts, and music. . .oh, and of course some form of exercise.  My activity of choice is a treadmill -- you can't run into anyone and, generally speaking no one will run into you.  And the best thing about it is -- once you get into the habit, which is actually very easy to do, you don't want to stop.  You actually look forward to that 30 minute, 60 minute or longer "mini-vacation".

I get my best ideas on a treadmill.  There's something about the activity and audio that really gets the creative juices going.  My instrument of choice is the Apple iPod -- a 40 gig version I received as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago.  I love it -- it screams quality and has served me without fault.  Of course there are less expensive MP3 players out there, but for me it's the iPod or nothing.  I have over 3000 songs,  every audio book I own and more than a few podcasts with gigs to spare.

For audio books, I recommend Audible.com.  They have several purchase plans from which you can select, a huge library and quality recordings.  For music, of course I use iTunes -- plus my own CD collection.  And podcasts on just about every conceivable subject can be found somewhere on the Internet.

So how do you get started. . .

• First select your weapon of choice.  If I were in the market today it would be the Apple iPod Nano -- 4 gigs -- it works with Macs and PCs.  Flash memory, no skips and it will hold enough books and music to last you a few marathons and longer on a single charge.  Be sure you have a mix of books and music - when your mood changes, so can your choice of entertainment.

• Second, get a subscription to Audible.com.  It starts as low as $9.95/year which gets you 30% discounts on  their recordings and more.  Or go with one of the monthly plans if you get really hooked.

• Third, pick an activity that requires little or no thought, judgment or response -- running on a treadmill is mine -- elliptical machines, stair climbers, rowing machines and  exercise bikes all provide the same effect.  Outdoor sports work, but you have to be more alert to the activity going on around you.  If you do choose running, either on a treadmill or outdoors, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Galloway's Book of Running, Second Edition.  A great book, easy to read and you'll never have to worry about injuries if you follow his advice.

• Fourth, build your library.  Follow the advice given by George Ambler at The Practice of Leadership in, How to Select and Read for Professional Development.  What works for books will work here as well.

• Fifth, get in the zone.  Focus on your professional development, physical fitness and creativity and enjoy doing it all simultaneously.  Suddenly exercise becomes painless, or as close to it as it can be and you'll just feel better physically and mentally, and you just might learn something new on the way!!

Coming soon -- my favorite audio books and some podcast recommendations for personal and professional development.

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