GTD (time management)/Business/Life Coach

October 26, 2010 1:21 PM

I'm looking for a coach to help me with several things, but primarily to get me started with either Getting Things Done or some other time management system. I know I could do it myself, but I also know that I won't without outside help. Beyond that, if the person was also a business coach I could work with going forward, that would be great. A step further, if they're also a life coach, not required but all the better. My first choice would be someone in the NYC area who I could work with in person some of the time, but I'm also open to a phone-only situation. Thanks!
posted by The Dutchman to work & money (6 answers total)

What is it about outside help that makes the difference? Accountability?
I've read through GTD (twice) - if you need someone to track your weekly progress, you're welcome to use me as a listening post...
posted by Make Way for Ducklings! at 1:28 PM on October 26, 2010

Yes, accountability, but I think it's also finding someone who's enthusiastic about GTD (or another system), is excited about getting me into it and is a bit of a cheerleader. Finally, I think someone who will sit down with me (literally, telephonically or internetically) and just take me through the steps (Ok, make these categories. Here's a good way to set up Remember the Milk. Here's another piece of software that helps with this. Ok, go get a file and some folders. Etc.) would be hugely helpful. Basically, I want someone to give me instruction on how to do it and coach me on setting it up and making it work for me.
posted by The Dutchman at 1:43 PM on October 26, 2010

Have you looked at the options David Allen offers for GTD coaching? He's got live seminars (pricey) and an internet coaching option. Haven't tried either of those myself, but I do find the CDs helpful and inspiring. They fill in some of the gaps in the books - and of course no one is more enthusiastic about GTD than David himself ... More here.
posted by zanni at 6:14 PM on October 26, 2010

This is a question I've had myself, so I wasn't going to reply. Actually, I was looking forward to reading what other people had to say, but it doesn't look like anyone has much to contribute. So, I will, but keep in mind that I'm in the same boat as you.


Maybe a good first step is to get more involved in the GTD user community:

- I could swear I had read about a GTD conference or summit a while back. Not sure if it was a one-time thing or a yearly event.

- Attend one of David Allen's public seminars

- Find software that works for you, and find user groups for it, perhaps on Facebook.

- Actually, there might be relevant communities on Facebook, right?


If you get to know other GTDers, they could direct you to a good coach, could tell you about useful resources (online or offline), or could be sources of support.

Good luck!
posted by larkin123 at 6:14 PM on October 26, 2010

By the way, when I said "it doesn't look like anyone has much to contribute", zanni's reply hadn't shown up yet. I second zanni's reply. Internet coaching sounds good. Did not know about that.
posted by larkin123 at 6:19 PM on October 26, 2010

Thanks Zanni. Just took a look at those options and sent them an email about individual coaching. Hopefully it won't be crazy expensive.
posted by The Dutchman at 3:24 PM on October 27, 2010