David Allen: Getting Things Done

The Getting Things Done steps:

Capture—collect what has your attention

Clarify—process what it means

Organize—put it where it belongs

Reflect—review frequently

Engage—simply do.

The methodology has not changed in the revision of the book, but what has changed is the number of people who need it.

If what’s most on your mind right now is thinking about what should be on your mind, then it’s time to spend more time clarifying what is most important.

“Not only do you need to spend time thinking, you need to spend time not thinking – absolutely daydreaming.” -David Allen

Your biggest job is to define what your work is.

“The big secret about Getting Things Done is it’s not really about getting things done. It’s about creating appropriate engagement with your life.” -David Allen

“The people most attracted to what we teach, the GTD methodology, are the people who need it least.”

David recommended The War of Art* by Steven Pressfield

One of the best habits you can develop is to do the thing first that you are least looking forward to. Perfectionism is a huge obstacle for procrastination.

David recommended Brain Chains* by Theo Compernolle

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