Getting Things Done Ep. 352: Engage Skills Lab
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Mar 4, 2026 Interactive skills lab testing how you choose what to do and spend your time. Quick quizzes and practice scenarios explore predefined, unplanned, and defining work. Discussion covers handling interruptions, keeping systems current, and balancing responsiveness with strategic work. The four-criteria model for picking actions is introduced and practiced.
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Threefold Nature Of Work Is Dynamic
- The threefold nature of work frames daily activity as predefined work, unplanned work, and defining work.
- Ana Maria Gonzalez explains these categories shift dynamically through the day as you clarify, organize, and engage with inputs.
Allow For Unplanned Work Not Closed Lists
- Do allow for unplanned work rather than insisting on a closed list every day.
- John Forrester warns closed-list systems can miss valuable unexpected opportunities like an impromptu meeting that changes your life.
Sales Role Requires Built In Flexibility
- Ridwan describes working in sales and how urgent unplanned demands disrupt his pre-planned outcomes for the day.
- Ana Maria and John suggest intentionally leaving buffer time so salespeople can respond without constant renegotiation.