The newly spiffed up paper planner for the weekly review is working well. I found nifty slash pockets that fit the planner to hold the frequently changing lists.
The next step was to think about what the minimum elements were that I need to carry with me daily. I found a 2008 monthly calendar form at DIYPlanner that works well for me-that goes in the top slot of my index card holder. Then I discovered I could make mini-folders out of notecards that slip inside the holder. There are 4 mini-folders:
- Next actions/incoming
- Projects
- Ideas (someday/maybe)
- Information
Inside these are lists printed out from my Google docs. (any list application would work for this) This is a great capture/collection tool, as well as providing the information I need for planning on the fly. It works well in tandem with the desk paper planner for the weekly review and the lists on the computer.
During this process, I’ve updated the Daily Review and the Incoming Tasks cards. All nine updated information cards are now available here in one pdf file, or Foldable Productivity Info (doc)
See also: GTD essentials
Update 1/12:
- I still use the leather index card holder, with blank index cards in the pocket, and my to-do list on the other side, inside a plastic protector made by cutting a project folder down to size.
- In addition, I use a Mead Pocket Planner, with folded productivity info tucked inside the front of the plastic cover, and folded goal info tucked inside the back of the plastic cover.
- I now have an android smart phone (so awesome) and downloaded the app for Out of Milk for shopping lists on the fly. I’m using three android apps which sync with google calendar and google docs.
Filed under: productivity


Looks like you’ve got a good system going for you – well done!
your “Daily Review” link links to your “Incoming Tasks” Sheet. FYI.
Thanks for the heads-up, Gabe! should be fixed now…gosh it’s tough to be organized
[...] The portable gtd mini system includes nine information cards in one pdf [...]
I like it. It looks both functional and portable.
Thanks for the post. I recommend to clients they carry the following:
o calendar
o actions list
o [waiting for]
o [projects]
o capture tool (i.e., blank pad/cards)
o Action Support folder (for actions needing paper that doesn’t have a dedicated folder)
o Read/Review folder (for those “between” moments – only for FYI reading, BTW)
o relevant project folders
[...] high enough.“ Rosemary Honn: “I have become more effective since implementing the portable GTD mini-system, and now have my frequently changing lists in Google docs and print them out as part of the weekly [...]
[...] Posted on November 6, 2008 by dailyplanit I have been striving to improve the portable mini gtd system. The little files from notecards work fine but are a bit bulky and a little worn looking. I was [...]
very good site
[...] Comments The portable gtd mini system « Daily PlanIt on GTD EssentialsThe portable gtd mini system « Daily PlanIt on [...]