A Daily Draw can help Get Things Done

Most mornings, I draw a single Tarot card. As I meditate on meanings and applications, I invariably see familiar cards in new and exciting ways. Today's draw was no different, as I made an unexpected connection between the Tarot of Dream's Two of Coins and David Allen's popular productivity book, Getting Things Done. For insights you can apply today ... read on!

I'm a big fan of David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology. Like most powerful ideas, the core of Getting Things Done is very simple:

1) Break projects down into simple, step-by-step tasks.

2) Assign each task a context -- a tag indicating where and when it can be completed -- like, "at my computer" or "on the phone."

3) For each project, identify one task as the "next action" needed.

At your computer? On the phone? Running errands? Check your list of next actions for things you can get done in that context. (Example: If you're sitting there with nothing in your hands but a cell phone ... then you can get all your "on the phone" next actions done.) Like magic, projects move forward ... almost effortlessly.

Allen claims the GTD system produces so much focus and calmness that it produces what he calls, "A mind like water" -- a state of consciousness so flexible, it flows to meet whatever challenge comes its way.

When I drew this morning's card, I wasn't thinking of David Allen or Getting Things Done; instead, I was thinking about clearing my mind for meditation. But then I noticed some striking differences between this card and the RWS version:

- The RWS figure juggles his two coins; the figure in the TOD card appears to be reaching out for them (or even levitating them).

- The RWS figure faces the viewer; the figure on the TOD Two of Coins faces his inner world.

- The RWS figure stands in front of a body of turbulent water; the figure on the TOD version is actually walking on water -- following a path through a turbulent sea toward a destination of his own choosing.

In other words, though beset by stormy seas, the figure on the TOD Two of Coins finds a sure-footed path through turbulence. He heads unfailingly toward his destination. He keeps his own balance, even as he uses his energy to keep two coins perfectly aligned in the air before him.

In short: despite the potential distractions of the physical world, he maintains a mind like water.

That image hit me hard, especially since I'd just asked the question, "What do I need to know in order to more rapidly advance my career?" Answer: have a mind like water. Get organized. Stay focused. Know which opportunities lie along your path ... and which ones lead away from it. Pick and choose wisely -- and, above all, stay balanced.

That's good advice for anyone, I think ...

... insights I wouldn't have had, if I hadn't have taken time out for today's daily draw.