Comments on: Review: Getting Things Done by Ed Bliss (!)

By: Neal Dench

Neal Dench — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 07:10:44 +0000

This reminds me of another book that uses the “GTD” tag: “Getting Things Done” by Roger Black. Again, this book is more of a collection of what (this year we’d refer to as life hacks, together with suggestions for more general ways of being organised and “at one” with yourself, such as drafting up a list of personal standards to adhere to, etc. I actually discovered the Black book before I’d ever heard of David Allen (in fact, I think I discovered David Allen by doing a web search for the Roger Black book!).

Like the Bliss book, the Black book has some interesting suggestions, and if you come across a copy in a library or a second hand book stall (I think it’s out of print now, and may never have been in print outside of the UK), I recommend picking it up.

By: open_heart

open_heart — Tue, 12 Apr 2005 13:46:22 +0000

At least one of these books is on my list to read but being a more right brained person I think Covey (whom I’m currently reading) may be more my style. But with regarding to standing, the theory is it makes for a better painter. (Yoga is recommended for anyone who has to sit still to work on detailed work for long stretches of time.)

Who else has heard the theory that getting up and walking around every 90 minutes maximizes productivity? Plus if you are trying to lose a few extra pounds standing/walking burns more calories. And as long as pacing isn’t part of procrastination, how’s that for multi-tasking?

But I wouldn’t knock anyone who needs to rest their tired feet. The foot bar (which comes with most larger easels) makes good sense. My two or three cents (Canadian) for the day….

By: Claire

Claire — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:36:56 +0000

I currently have an adjustable desk that uses an electric motor to move up and down. So I can have a normal desk for intense keyboard work or raise the desk to a standing position when I’m busy working on different machines, with the whiteboard, etc.

I’m not sure how it’s going to work out yet, but it’s a big improvement over my old desk that was too high….

By: Grant

Grant — Tue, 19 Apr 2005 21:09:41 +0000

I just received my copy and I have to say it’s a very nice, easy read. I love Bliss’s “shorts”, quick hit format… somethings really do stand the test of time as alot of Bliss’s comments are echoed in DA’s “GTD”, in Fiore’s “The Now Habit”, and some of the other contemporary self help books I have read. It just goes to show, the art of getting things done dosen’t change much over time, even with technological advances. GTD occurs in the mind and is projected out the hands; it’s formulated internally as an attitude and exits as a habit.

As for the stand up desk, it’s funny to note how much I pace and walk around as I work creativly. I’d REALLY like to try a standup desk but my cubie wouldn’t support both a stand up and a sitdown desk. I would need an adjustable desk, I think and good luck getting my boss to buy one. Hell, I’m lucky to have a wooden bench with a chisel and stone tablets! (heh, just kidding)

By: Troy Worman

Troy Worman — Thu, 21 Apr 2005 01:46:32 +0000

Nice review.

See “A Million Monkeys on Getting Things Done” at Orbit Now!

By: a million monkeys typing » Walking and Talking

a million monkeys typing » Walking and Talking — Mon, 09 May 2005 14:42:16 +0000

[…] often think better while standing or pacing (which is why I’m thinking of following Ed Bliss’ advice about a standing desk). Then I remembered something: […]

By: CJrox

CJrox — Wed, 15 Jun 2005 07:13:44 +0000

there are several researchers at berkeley working on the idea of standing while working. check out Galen Cranz’s amazing book The Chair- on the evils of the chair and the futility of attempting to build a better one! Galen actually is working on building a moving office, where one can write novels and scientific articles (it is Berkeley) all while moving around, talking w/ your hands, etc. One of Galen’s big emphases is laying down. When you’re tired or grumpy, lay down - don’t sit - for a few minutes. Another prof found that he cured his own insomnia only after switching to a standing desk. He also happens to study weight loss and unfortunately didn’t find it helped with that. ;( I suffer personally from back pain and found that the standing desk was good only because it enabled me to move more, but it has it’s own ergonomic ills. Definitely invest in a good tall chair if you’re going to do it (like a drafter’s chair) or better yet, perch (see Galen’s book).