The first major difference that struck me is the prioritized backlog that is central to agile vs. the list of next actions split by context that is key to GTD. In trying to follow the non-prioritization ethos of GTD, I always have this feeling in the back of my mind that perhaps I’m working on the wrong thing at a given time. My work around has been using due dates and flags within Omnifocus. Specifically, due dates are for items that have some consequence if I fail to deliver on that date and flags are action items I’d like to complete that day.

Here are some initial thoughts of how to apply concepts from both GTD and Agile within the framework of the GTD weekly review in order to achieve some level of prioritization.

1. Start with your list of projects and stack rank them in order of priority.
2. Make sure every project has a clear next action defined along with a context.
3. When you are ready to work, considering your context, check your calendar, check items with a due date and then grab the top most item from stack.

I believe Omnifocus respects the ordering of your projects, so now, when you look at a particular context it should display the next most important item at the top.

The main difference between this method and what I currently do is the ordering of the projects within Omnifocus. One challenge with this method is that grouping projects by folder (in Omnifocus) may no longer be feasible. In that case, I would have one folder to archive all projects I’m not going to work on during the next week and the rest of the projects would be stack ranked outside of that folder. Perhaps using a tagging method could help organize the projects without of folders. I’m not sure yet how this would effect planning at the project level since I like to be able to drill down to a particular project’s folder and work with the sub-projects within.

Are you using Agile or GTD in your own personal productivity system? Do you combine personal with business? Have you merged ideas to create your own custom solution?

Of course, you could use the old fashion method of simply telling your friends and family your resolutions, but then you probably wouldn’t be reading MakeUseOf.com if you participated in such old school methodologies. I’m kidding of course, but if you are reading this, you are interested in how to help make your resolutions a reality using free web 2.0 tools.

Following are two free social networks that can help you create, share and follow through with all of your 2010 new years resolutions and beyond.

ToolstoLife.com

If you prefer a guided approach, then this service is what you need. According to their latest blog post, there is a free program called the Personal Freedom Revolution of 2010 that will walk you through the process of creating real change in your life day by day.

At ToolsToLife.com you have the opportunity to invite friends (within and outside of the website) and share all types of content, including blogs, video and photos. All of the programs on this site are free and include: the 90 Day Tools to Life flagship program, Body Makover Jumpstart Tools, Get a Job Tools, Tools to Optimum Health and Start Living Green Tools.

The programs take you through a daily 15 to 30 minute regimen that is located in a metaphorical toolbox. In the toolbox you will view a video, listen to audio, read an article, create and execute a checklist and answer questions. There are also other tools included such as a goal setting mini-application.

Another interesting feature, are the challenges. Here you can create a challenge and invite others to participate with you. During the challenge you update your progress and have the ability to “nudge” those who are lagging.

If you need more inspiration or motivation, head over the Achievements and Inspiration tabs. There you will find blogs written by the community members (at the time of this writing there are over 35,000 members) and the coaches. The coaches are the members who actually created the free programs.

43Things.com

At this writing, 43Things.com claims to have recorded over 207,044 new years resolutions. It’s no wonder, since they provide a very easy way to get your resolutions out of your head and into their system.

First, if you need some inspiration or ideas, check out the tag cloud on the home page and then check out the links along the right hand side under “New Year’s Resolutions”.

Next, create your account and get started. As with all social networks, I recommend you spend some time filling out your profile completely.

43things.com is used generally to list out your goals, cheer and be cheered by others (the equivalent of receiving a thumbs up or Digg) and comment on the goals of others. For each item on your goals list you can add blog entries, set reminders and mark the goal as done. Once you mark the goal as done, you can explain how you did it, providing inspiration for others.

They have enable a feature specifically for 2010 Resolutions; you simply click on the tab that says “2010 resolutions” from your own personalized profile page and answer the question: “What do you want to do in 2010?”

One drawback, in terms of building an accountability network, is that you can only subscribe to the lists of others. It think it would be best if we could invite others to subscribe to our lists also.

Conclusion

Whichever method you choose, it is important to take a moment and reflect on 2009 and think about where you want to go in 2010. It is my hope that at least one of these tools will help you create the changes you want and need in the coming year.

Do you remember your 2009 resolutions? Did you use any web based tools to help you follow through with those resolutions? Do you plan to use any of these tools, or do you have alternate suggestions? I can’t wait to hear your experiences!

Rules

• Master the fundamentals
• Be action oriented
• Think with critical and rational thinking
• Be reality based
• Listen, embrace silence

Methods

• Operate through love
• Stay within the flow
• Planning
  • Where am I?
  • Where do I need to be?
  • Where do I want to be?
  • What are the actions to get from A to B
• Execute consistently
• Strive for a balanced Framework

Framework

• Health
• Finances
• Business
• Family + Friends (Relationships)
• Fun
• Personal Development
• Philosophy of Life / Spirituality
• Emotions / Feelings
• Self Discipline

Systems

First, a high level brainstorm of what systems and/or elements are actually needed.

• Email
• Voice
• IM
• Calendar
• Contacts
• Lists
• Files ( physical & digital )
• Accounting ( time & money & assets )
• CRM
• Marketing Automation
• Website
• External Project Management ( support tickets & milestones & deliverables )
• Legal
• Backup & Storage
• Internet Connectivity

Procedures

This is the method by which the systems will be executed.

• Checklists & Routines

Tools – Hardware

I think it’s first best to define your specific needs, then buy the tools that match. But in many cases, especially in a down economy, you need to get by with what you have. So an inventory of current hardware is useful in determining the best configuration to implement your systems. Following is my own inventory.

• iPod Touch
• Samsung Omnia i900 – Windows Mobile
• Dell Precision Workstation – Vista Ultimate
• Acer Desktop – Vista Home Premium
• Dell Ultraportable – Ubuntu 9.04
• MacBook Pro – OS X
• WD Extrnal Hard Drives
• 2 OfficeJet Printers ( with scanner + fax [why do people still have to fax?!? /minirant] )
• 1 Laser Printer

Tools – Sofware

Same idea as with the hardware, it’s a good idea ot list out your current assets. But keeping in mind that there may be solutions that vastly can increase your productivity and some of those solutions can even be free. Following is a listing of some software and web service assets that I will need to expand upon later.

• PhotoShop CS3
• Microsoft Office Professional 2007
• RoboForm
• PocketInformant
• QuickBooks Premier 2007
• Qtask
• Project Locker
• EchoSign
• Google Voice
• Paypal
• SalesForce.com
• Mail2Web Exchange Services

What’s Next

1. Define the criteria for each element of the System.
2. Map the Tools to the System, bound by Procedure.