Using Bonsai With Getting Things Done: Keywords

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Keywords

Keywords make it easy for me to classify my items into my Areas of Focus. I also use Keywords to note items that are only one item long, i.e. a Single Next Action (SNA).

Areas of Focus

My areas of focus were generated over a several month span. I started by working through the Covey roles, listing those roles that I play in life. I then modified the areas using Steve Pavlina’s article on setting focus. I was able to determine what areas my life would need to spread around in order to achieve some semblance of balance, without overload. These are a work in progress, but I’ve stuck with this particular list now for a few months, and I’m pretty satisfied with them.

My Areas of Focus are:

• Adventure: for items that push my boundaries
• Consumer: for items I wish to purchase
• Creativity: this includes all of my crafting, music, etc.
• Family: for my family roles, including parent, daughter, etc.
• Financial: things that impact my finances
• Home: for things applying to my home
• Partner: while this could have been wrapped up in family, making sure I focus on my partner is essential.
• Physical: including things like health, appearance, etc.
• Self Improvement: for reading, growth, etc.
• Service: for service to the community and organizations
• Social: for making sure I have a social life
• Spiritual: for spiritual growth issues
• Work: for all things that I do in my profession.

Other Keywords

In addition to my Areas of Focus, I have two others, classified until Type: AOF (Areas of Focus) and SNA (Single Next Action). These two play an important part in my filters.