What is GTD?
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GTD is an acronym for “Getting Things Done.” It’s in reference to a book by David Allen with the same title. It’s also a rather popular Management and Time-Efficiency paradigm these days. I read a lot about it on 43 Folders. My officemates have been abuzz about it so I decided to have a look at it.
As I understand it, the basic principle of GTD is be more productive by focusing on selected tasks. Anybody can be relieved of stress by getting them out of one’s mind and just writing it down for processing and organization.
I’ve read similar themes on other Management books such as the One Minute Manager. GTD, however, adds a bit more to this. It introduces the concept of “stuff.” Generally, anything that comes to your mind is ‘STUFF.’ As long as it bothers your thoughts, it’s stuff. David Allen suggests we write down all of this STUFF so that it’s out of our heads. Then we should process and organize it.
Allen offers an entire flowchart for processing of the data that we have written down. He presents some simple categories for all the stuff you have. Then, each is made into ‘actionable’ points. Which ones can be acted on? Which ones are just references (perhaps for future use)? Then he offers strategies in arranging all of it.
I decided to try it the GTD model out while reading the book. Ive set up my own simple system at the office Mac computer using virtual ’stickies.’ I wrote down all the stuff in my head and followed the processing and organization model Allen proposed. Just going through the entire process was a stress-relief.
You should read the book when you have time. I’ve yet to finish it (just halfway done) and so far, it looks promising.
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I read the book and loved it. I think it would be a great system if you could stay committed to it.
I couldn’t. I’m way to unorganized. That’s my fault. If I could, I would definitely live by something like GTD and I’m sure get tons more done.
Make sure you give us an update in a few weeks. The hard part is transitioning from the original infodump to actually maintaining the list with new things that come up.
ooh i think i need that book! because i definitely need all my high prioritized things to get done! and i don’t know the hell i am going to start!!! arrgh! haha..
Hi Mike, so far Allens proposed system is quite simple. I think I can implement the basic idea. I don’t know if I’ll do the 43 folders thing though.
Ayel! Hey, how’s your haircut? The book is good, easy read. If you email me a pic with short hair, I’ll email you back something useful and relevant.
yeah.. this book, though i have not read it yet, will surely help me alot! lots of ideas…concepts…hmmmm…now, have to work!!!
I hope you find it useful Gwen. I know you have an ebook .
I love GTD and have been on it for more than a year. But as David Allen compares it to martial arts, it really takes a lot of practice to get the system’s benefits. I know I have a long way to go to get a black belt.
It sure beats Covey’s First Things First but at the same time (even R. Kiyosaki says this) in any intention to improve yourself you must have a solid foundation of “why” you are doing it. For people who want to use GTD, I would suggest really thinking it through and through WHY being organized and relax is absolutely needed in your life.
In any case, many GTD tips and tricks are out of the box and will help you right away. Although their lasting effects are more apparent when you are indeed motivated and committed, like having one hour a day reserved to empty and process your INBOXes.
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