Will & Luke Discuss

#17 Getting Things Done (David Allen, 2001/2015)

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In this final part of our trio on productivity and lifestyle design, we discuss David Allen's productivity system, 'Getting Things Done' (GTD), a fresh way to look at all the 'things', 'tasks' and 'stuff' in one's life. GTD helps you feel safe that whatever you are doing is what you want to be doing, and feel ok with the things that you're not. It takes the responsibility of remembering away from your brain, to allow it room to do what it's good at -- creativity, planning and learning. Key values are: creating psychological space; encouraging engagement in life; and helping us not feel like we need to be anywhere else other than with the task at hand, leading to a sense of flow and confidence. It's very much a bottom up approach: Start with your 'stuff' and clear your head. Sound a bit confusing? I think we make sense of it.  

Hope you enjoy

Will & Luke

  • 00:00 Introductions 
  • 03:50 Luke's journey with 'Getting Things Done'. Creating an overview. 
  • 5:00 Closing of open loops. External storing system. 
  • 9:40 The inventory process and the 'inbox' 
  • 12:30 The 5 steps to mastering workflow (Capture what has our attention, Clarify what each item means, Organise - which presents options, then Reflect/Choose and Engage)  
  • 16:20 Next action steps + projects 
  • 18:43 4 Criteria for deciding on next actions (time available, energy available. context and priority) 
  • 20:16 Capturing (never have the same thought twice) 
  • 22:44 2 minute rule, next action list, deferring, protecting your calendar and 'waiting for' list. Or does it end up in 'reference' or 'someday' or 'tickler file'. 
  • 43:20 Some simple take aways instead of whole system (prioritising and categorising) 
  • 46:21 How to do something productive when lazy vs allowing yourself to relax knowing your 'stuff is organised'. Effects of procrastination.  49:20 Productivity and the remembering self. Personal accountability. More able to confidently say no.  
  • 54:00 Agreements with yourself (3 ways: 1. Don't make the agreement, 2. Complete the agreement 3. re-negotiate the agreement) 
  • 57:10 Bottom up approach. Start with your stuff! 
  • 1:04:30 Comparisons with 'The 4 Hour Work Week' and how the mind works with undefined 'stuff' and current responsibilities. 
  • 1:13:45 Will's take aways into current system (Next actions list, floater tasks, weekly review, ground level 'stuff')  

    • Purchase the book at: https://gettingthingsdone.com/

    This specific episode can also be seen on: https://youtu.be/tJThvNwbsEQ

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