‘Get Things Done’ (or ‘GTD’) is not only a mantra, it’s also an organisational method. First proposed by Dave Allen in a book of the same name, the method is based on the principle that tasks need to be moved out of the mind, and recorded externally in order to be effectively acted on. Effort can then be concentrated on defining and completing tasks, rather than just remembering them. But there’s much more to the method than managing lists.
Rather than managing time by priortising the tasks in a list, GTD organises your workload using ‘control and perspective’. This workflow system is grounded in ’6 different levels of focus’, allowing the practitioner to gain control of the tasks and commitments, and obtain perspective on what is most pressing. This forward planning is intend to remove any mental blocks and increase productivity.
I think the method has much merit. In my experience, conducting a review of workload at the end of each day, and organising my tasks for the next day into context list (email, telephone, etc.) allows me hit the ground running each morning. It makes the day more productive as I am ready to go as soon as I reach my desk.
GTD is based on having an efficient system which allows store, track and retrieve all information related to the things that need to get done. Whilst the system can done using paper-based lists, there are quite a few programs, apps, etc on the market which are ‘GTD ready’ and allow the user to manage lists and workflow. I’ll be looking at some of my favourite in future posts.
Buy ‘Getting Things Done: How to Achieve Stress-free Productivity’ by David Allen
