Getting Things Done i.e. GTD method is a method for organizing your life and your time. It was developed by David Allen.

Stop trying to remember everything and get them out of your head! You will feel a sense of relief once you start to really embrace this idea.

Remember the old adage: "How do you eat and elephant? One bite at a time" Well, break down your larger tasks (projects) into smaller, manageable items: especially the very next action.

Look at your larger projects, the things that take more than one action, and track the progress of those items.

Review your commitments making sure that you are able to fulfill them; and if you are unable to, get with those people ASAP and let them know.

Your calendar is used for 3 things: appointments, day-specific actions, and information for or about that particular day.

Your calendar is NOT for todos or task lists/checklists.

An appointment is something that is happening at a certain time: "2:00 meet with Bob". They can also include location, duration of meeting, other people involved.

Quick Tip: if possible, put any pertinent information in the notes section such as phone numbers, address of meeting, links to email exchanged, etc.
Anything that you may need to know in the meeting that would be helpful.

These are items that are done on a specific day, but don't have a certain time.

"call Mom about party"; "forward mail for trip"

It's very important to utilize the action/info section of the calendar section with any and all important information

This is something that you need to know on that day, i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, bills due date.

Again, it's very important to utilize the action/info section of the calendar.

Checklists are a great tool for staying organized but don't put them in your calendar.

Many times checklists don't get finished in a single day, then you have to rewrite the list again on the next day; this is a waste of valuable time.

If you have a smaller checklist of items use a sticky note (if using a paper calendar). The advantage of this is that the list can be moved from day to day without having to be rewritten.

Everyone has their preference about paper or digital. Each one has their advantages. Don't be afraid to test each one for yourself to see which one you like. Many people move back and forth between both and that's okay. It doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" solution. The most important thing is to find the one that is the most simplest solution for you. Don't pick something because someone else tells you that it's the best. Trust your instincts.

Cloud based means that your calendar and tasks are EVERYWHERE! This is an amazing thing especially if you are in the habit of leaving your planner at home or work. You have the ability to put an event on phone and have it show up on your calendar at home on your computer.

Another great thing about digital is that events are searchable; this is a benefit if you can't remember when you scheduled you future doctor's appointment or someone's birthday.

Many calendars have the built in function of being shareable with others so that your significant other can see what your schedule is and when you are busy.

Last, but certainly not least, with a digital calendar you don't have to worry about not being able to read your own handwriting.

With a paper planner you don't have to worry about running out of battery or any of the other issues that technology can bring.

Many times it's just simpler to write something down real quick and not have to wait for an app to load.

Another advantage to a paper planner is having your calendar, notes, action lists, and contacts all in one place; and you never have to worry about your planner getting corrupted accidentally.

Here are some apps that are great for those who chose going digital.

Evernote
(www.evernote.com) is an amazing company who has been on the forefront of digital notebooks. They have some amazing features from merging the digital and paper worlds together (see their moleskine notebooks for more information) and give people the ability to take pictures of their handwritten notes and then being able to search those notes online.

Wunderlist
(www.wunderlist.com) is great for managing your tasks. It is a free service that has apps everywhere and is not too overly complex to use. You also have the ability to collaborate with others on projects.

Mailbox
(www.mailboxapp.com) merges email and tasks together into a wonderful interface that helps people get to a Zero Inbox on a daily basis. One of Mailbox's key features is the ability to "snooze" emails that you get for a later time. Currently, the app only works with gmail emails; but, is suppose to be integrating other email services in the near future.

VIPorbit
(www.viporbit.com) is an app that helps people manage their contact lists in a very unique way: orbits. You have the ability to keep track of your communications with your contacts (email, phone calls) within the app as well. It is a very versatile app that lets you keep track of those "little things" that will help you at that next meeting.

After you decide on a particular app to use for your notes, stick with it. The worse thing you can do is have lots of notes all over the place. This goes against the idea behind GTD; which is to make your life easier.

Many people let themselves get caught up in the tech and not let the tech make their lives easier. Don't let this happen to you. Sometimes it's just better to write something down than to drag out your phone or tablet to remember to pick up the milk.

KISS: Keep it simple stupid. This mantra is valid here. For staying organized it's all about staying simple.

Having a calendar is just the first step in GTD and time management. It does no good to have a calendar is you never check to see when you have things coming up. If you think you may forget an important event or meeting make yourself an alert/reminder on the event. Depending on what the appointment is the reminder can range to a couple of days before to an hour before. Doing this when you are putting the appointment in will ensure you won't forget it later.