Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity cover, first edition
AuthorDavid Allen
SubjectBusiness
PublisherPenguin Books
2001
Published in English
2001
Pages267
ISBN978-0-14-312656-0 (2015 Reprint Edition)
OCLC914220080

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a process for increasing your own productivity. In his book the author states that it is not a time management system but instead is a process for bringing order and action to our typically chaotic and random individual worlds. The system and process for achieving this is described in the book of the same title[1] by productivity consultant David Allen.

The GTD method rests on the idea of moving all items of interest, relevant information, issues, tasks and projects out of the mind by recording them externally and then breaking them into actionable work items. This allows attention to be focused on taking action on tasks, instead of recalling them.[2]

Second, the ability to add sub-tasks. Sometimes the original task, as part of a project, may have two or three small and track-necessary steps, but doesn't warrant creating it as a separate project. Third, when a task is exported to the calendar, the option to retain it in.

  • Define the stuff you capture and decide what you do with it. Put each thing in its place; there is a place for everything. You can track your activity. Knowing how you are doing will help you improve and seeing your progress will motivate you to continue improving.
  • Chaos Control™: Gtd To Do List 1 4 5 Months; Chaos Control™: Gtd To Do List 1 4 5 0; Chaos Control™: Gtd To Do List 1 4 52.
  • GETTING THINGS DONE ® is a personal productivity methodology that redefines how you approach your life and work.
  • Chaos Control for PC and Mac has been updated to version 1.9! In previous versions of Chaos Control contexts lists only showed your tasks. From now on the app will show you projects there as well. In combination with the “Favorites” menu it is a powerful way to organize your projects and single tasks together, in convenient way.

First published in 2001, a revised edition of the book was released in 2015 to reflect the changes in information technology during the preceding decade.

Themes[edit]

Allen first demonstrates stress reduction from the method with the following exercise, centered on a task that has an unclear outcome or whose next action is not defined. Allen calls these sources of stress 'open loops', 'incompletes', or 'stuff'.[1]:13

  1. The most annoying, distracting, or interesting task is chosen, and defined as an 'incomplete'.
  2. A description of the successful outcome of the 'incomplete' is written down in one sentence, along with the criteria by which the task will be considered completed.
  3. The next step required to approach completion of the task is written down.
  4. A self-assessment is made of the emotions experienced after completing the steps of this process.

He claims stress can be reduced and productivity increased by putting reminders about everything you are not working on into a trusted system external to your mind. In this way, you can work on the task at hand without distraction from the 'incompletes'.[1]:14 The system in GTD requires you to have the following tools within easy reach:

  • An inbox
  • A trash can
  • A filing system for reference material
  • Several lists (detailed below)
  • A calendar.

These tools can be physical or electronic as appropriate (e.g., a physical 'in' tray or an email inbox).[1]:88 Then, as 'stuff' enters your life, it is captured in these tools and processed with the following workflow.[1]:27

Workflow[edit]

Logic tree diagram illustrating the second and third steps (process/clarify and organize) of the five-step Getting Things Done workflow.

The GTD workflow consists of five stages: capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage.[3] (The first edition used the names collect, process, organize, plan, and do; the descriptions of the stages are similar in both editions). Once all the material ('stuff') is captured (or collected) in the inbox,[1]:106 each item is clarified[1]:122 and organized[1]:141 by asking and answering questions about each item in turn as shown in the black boxes in the logic tree diagram. As a result, items end up in one of the eight oval end points in the diagram:

  • in the trash
  • on the someday/maybe list
  • in a neat reference filing system
  • on a list of tasks, with the outcome and next action defined if the 'incomplete' is a 'project' (i.e., if it will require two or more steps to complete it)
  • immediately completed and checked off if it can be completed in under two minutes
  • delegated to someone else and, if you want a reminder to follow up, added to a 'waiting for' list
  • on a context-based 'next action' list if there is only one step to complete it
  • on your calendar[1]:27

Empty your inbox or inboxes daily or at least weekly ('in' to empty).[1]:122 Don't use your inbox as a 'to do' list. Don't put clarified items back into the inbox.[1]:27 Emptying your inbox doesn't mean finishing everything. It just means applying the 'capture, clarify, organize' steps to all your 'stuff'.[1]:27

Next, reflection (termed planning in the first edition) occurs. Multi-step projects identified above are assigned a desired outcome and a single 'next action'.[1]:191 Finally, a task from your task list is worked on ('engage' in the 2nd edition, 'do' in the 1st edition) unless the calendar dictates otherwise. You select which task to work on next by considering where you are (i.e., the 'context', such as at home, at work, out shopping, by the phone, at your computer, with a particular person), time available, energy available, and priority.[1]:204

Chaos

Implementation[edit]

Because hardware and software is changing so rapidly, GTD is deliberately technologically-neutral. (In fact, Allen advises people to start with a paper-based system.[4]) Many task management tools claim to implement GTD methodology[5] and Allen maintains a list of some technology that has been adopted in or designed for GTD. Some are designated 'GTD Enabled', meaning Allen was involved in the design.[6]

Perspective[edit]

Allen emphasizes two key elements of GTD — control and perspective. The workflow is the center of the control aspect. The goal of the control processes in GTD is to get everything except the current task out of your head and into this trusted system external to your mind. He borrows a simile used in martial arts termed 'mind like water'. When a small object is thrown into a pool of water, the water responds appropriately with a small splash followed by quiescence. When a large object is thrown in the water again responds appropriately with a large splash followed by quiescence. The opposite of 'mind like water' is a mind that never returns to quiescence but remains continually stressed by every input.[1]:12 With a trusted system and 'mind like water' you can have a better perspective on your life. Allen recommends reflection from six levels, called 'Horizons of Focus':[1]:215–219

  • Horizon 5: Life
  • Horizon 4: Long-term visions
  • Horizon 3: 1-2 year goals
  • Horizon 2: Areas of focus and accountability
  • Horizon 1: Current projects
  • Ground: Current actions

Unlike some theories, which focus on top-down goal-setting, GTD works in the opposite direction. Allen argues that it is often difficult for individuals to focus on big picture goals if they cannot sufficiently control the day-to-day tasks that they frequently must face.[1]:54 By developing and using the trusted system that deals with day-to-day inputs, an individual can free up mental space to begin moving up to the next level.[citation needed]

Allen recommends scheduling a weekly review, reflecting on the different levels. The perspective gained from these reviews should drive one's priorities at the project level.[1]:50 Priorities at the project level in turn determine the priority of the individual tasks and commitments gathered during the workflow process. During a weekly review, determine the context for the tasks and put each task on its appropriate list. An example of grouping together similar tasks would be making a list of outstanding telephone calls, or the tasks/errands to perform while out shopping. Context lists can be defined by the set of tools available or by the presence of individuals or groups for whom one has items to discuss or present.[citation needed]

Summary[edit]

Chaos Control: Gtd Review

GTD is based on storing, tracking, and retrieving the information related to the things that need to get done. Mental blocks we encounter are caused by insufficient 'front-end' planning. This means thinking in advance, generating a series of actions which can later be undertaken without further planning. The mind's 'reminder system' is inefficient and seldom reminds us of what we need to do at the time and place when we can do it. Consequently, the 'next actions' stored by context in the 'trusted system' act as an external support which ensures that we are presented with the right reminders at the right time. As GTD relies on external reminders, it can be seen as an application of the theories of distributed cognition or the extended mind.[7]

Reception[edit]

In 2005, Wired called GTD a 'new cult for the info age',[8] describing the enthusiasm for this method among information technology and knowledge workers as a kind of cult following. Allen's ideas have also been popularized through the Howard Stern Show (Stern referenced it daily throughout 2012's summer) and the Internet, especially via blogs such as 43 Folders,[9]Lifehacker,[10] and The Simple Dollar.[11]

In 2005, Ben Hammersley interviewed David Allen for The Guardian article titled 'Meet the man who can bring order to your universe',[12] saying: 'For me, as with the hundreds of thousands around the world who press the book into their friends' hands with fire in their eyes, Allen's ideas are nothing short of life-changing'.

In 2007, Time Magazine called Getting Things Done the self-help business book of its time.[13]

In 2007, Wired ran another article about GTD and Allen,[14] quoting him as saying 'the workings of an automatic transmission are more complicated than a manual transmission... to simplify a complex event, you need a complex system'.

A paper in the journal Long Range Planning by Francis Heylighen and Clément Vidal of the Free University of Brussels showed 'recent insights in psychology and cognitive science support and extend GTD's recommendations'.[7]

Chaos Control: Gtd & Tasks 1 2 1

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrAllen, David (2015). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (2 ed.). Penguin Books. ISBN9780143126560.
  2. ^Fallows, James (November 2012). 'Busy and Busier'. The Atlantic. Retrieved December 28, 2018.
  3. ^David Allen (2001). 'Getting Things Done: Five Simple Steps That Apply Order To Chaos'. gettingthingsdone.com. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  4. ^Forrister, Kelly (2010-08-02). 'Which list manager should I use for GTD?'. GTD Times. The David Allen Company. Archived from the original on 2010-08-06. Retrieved 2015-01-04.
  5. ^Forrister, Kelly (2009-05-04). 'Simply GTD with Kelly: Getting Started'. The David Allen Company. Archived from the original on 2010-08-29. Retrieved 2010-08-22. If you're at all familiar with GTD you know that David Allen does not tell you which tools to use--GTD is tool agnostic--so those choices are up to you. Not saying all tools, software programs, paper planners work seamlessly with GTD, but where you organize your stuff is up to you.
  6. ^'Common Tools & Software'. Getting Things Done website. David Allen Co. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  7. ^ abHeylighen, Francis; Vidal, Clément (December 2008). 'Getting Things Done: The Science behind Stress-Free Productivity'(PDF). Long Range Planning: International Journal of Strategic Management. 41 (6): 585–605. CiteSeerX10.1.1.161.441. doi:10.1016/j.lrp.2008.09.004. ISSN0024-6301.
  8. ^Andrews, Robert (2005-07-12). 'A new cult for the info age'. Wired.com. Condé Nast. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  9. ^Mann, Merlin (2004-09-08). 'Getting started with 'Getting Things Done''. 43 Folders. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  10. ^Robinson, Keith (2006-03-21). 'Best of GTD'. Lifehacker. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  11. ^'Review: Getting Things Done'. The Simple Dollar. 2020-04-09. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  12. ^Hammersley, Ben (2005-09-28). 'Meet the man who can bring order to your universe'. The Guardian. London: Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
  13. ^'The Oracle of Organization'. Time. 2007-03-12. Retrieved 2010-03-05.
  14. ^Wolf, Gary (2007-09-25). 'Getting Things Done Guru David Allen and His Cult of Hyperefficiency'. Wired.com. Retrieved 2010-03-05.

Further reading[edit]

  • Allen, David (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (1 ed.). Penguin Books. ISBN978-0-14-200028-1.
  • Allen, David (2003). Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life. Viking Books. ISBN978-0-670-03250-1.
  • Allen, David (2008). Making it All Work. Viking Books. ISBN978-0-7499-4103-1.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Getting_Things_Done&oldid=1007924212'

Chaos Control 1.11.2

Outlook Tasks Gtd


Chaos Control was created to help you manage your goals and desired outcomes in both your business and personal life.
People don't usually achieve impressive results simply by being good at task management. It's the ability to set legitimate goals that makes the difference. Just write down your desired outcomes to make them real. This simple technique helps you to prioritize your goals before acting on them.

Chaos Control: Gtd & Tasks 1 2 1st

Chaos Control is a task manager based on the best ideas of GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology created by David Allen. Whether you are running a business, launching an app, working on a project or simply planning your holiday trip, Chaos Control is a perfect tool to manage your goals, juggle your priorities, and organize your tasks to get things done. And the best part is, you can handle both heavyweight project planning and simple daily routine like shopping list management in one flexible app. Also, Chaos Control is available across all major mobile and desktop platforms with seamless sync.
HERE IS HOW IT WORKS:
  1. MANAGE YOUR PROJECTS
    Project is a goal combined with a set of tasks you need to complete in order to achieve it. Create as many projects as you like to write down all the desired outcomes you have
  2. ORGANIZE YOUR GOALS
    Create unlimited number of projects and group them by category using Folders
  3. USE GTD CONTEXTS
    Organize tasks from different projects using flexible context lists. If you are familiar with GTD you would just love this feature
  4. PLAN YOUR DAY
    Set due dates for tasks and make plans for any particular day
  5. USE CHAOS BOX
    Put all the incoming tasks, notes and ideas into Chaos Box in order to process them later. It works similar to GTD inbox, but you can use it as a simple to-do list
  6. SYNC YOUR DATA
    Chaos Control works on both desktop and mobile devices. Setup an account and sync your projects across all of your devices

Chaos Control: Gtd & Tasks 1 2 1

This app is designed with creative people in mind. Designers, writers, developers, startup founders, entrepreneurs of all kinds and pretty much anyone with ideas and desire to make them happen. We combined the power of GTD with the convenient interface to help you with:
  • personal goal setting
  • task management
  • time management
  • planning your business and personal activities
  • building your routine
  • handling simple to do lists, checklists and shopping lists
  • catching your ideas and thoughts to process them later
KEY FEATURES
  • Seamless cloud sync across all major mobile and desktop platforms
  • GTD-inspired Projects and Contexts supplemented with Folders, sub-folders and sub-contexts
  • Recurring tasks (daily, weekly, monthly and chosen days of the week)
  • Chaos Box - Inbox for your unstructured tasks, notes, memos, ideas and thoughts. Great tool for staying on track inspired by GTD ideas
  • Notes for tasks, projects, folders and contexts
  • Fast and smart search

What's New:

Version 1.11.1
  • Minor improvements in the new Task Edit dialog.

Screenshots:

  • Title: Chaos Control 1.11.2
  • Developer: Dmitriy Tarasov
  • Compatibility: macOS 10.13.0 or later, 64-bit processor
  • Language: English, Russian
  • Includes: K'ed by TNT
  • Size: 53.18 MB
  • View in Mac App Store

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