Optimal Finance Daily · Wednesday, July 1, 2026
David Allen's 'Getting Things Done' methodology, as described by Emily Guy Birken, includes processing an 'action bin' weekly for tasks requiring more time, such as bill paying. Regularly clearing this bin makes task management habitual and prevents items from accumulating.
“Allen recommends having a single inbox on your desk for taking care of things that require more action, like bill paying or calling to dispute a charge with your cable company.”
“You must plan a time, at least once a week, when you go through your action bin and take care of everything in it.”
“Clearing out your action bin more often will make it like the laundry habit from before.”