GETTING THINGS DONE - David Allen

Book Summary

"Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity" is a productivity book written by David Allen, first published in 2001. The book provides a step-by-step approach to organizing one's work and personal life. The goal of the book is to help readers achieve a "mind like water," where one can respond to any situation with a clear and focused mind.
The book begins by introducing the concept of "open loops," which are any incomplete tasks or commitments that are occupying mental space. Allen argues that the key to productivity is to capture these open loops and process them in a systematic way. He provides a five-step workflow for processing open loops, which includes capturing, clarifying, organizing, reviewing, and doing.
Throughout the book, Allen emphasizes the importance of creating a trusted system for managing open loops. He explains how to create and maintain a system of lists and folders, and how to use them effectively to stay on top of one's work and personal life.
In addition to practical tips for managing tasks and commitments, the book also includes guidance on managing one's time, energy, and attention. Allen encourages readers to set clear goals and priorities, and to use their time and energy in a focused and intentional way.
Overall, "Getting Things Done" is a comprehensive guide to personal productivity that has helped millions of readers around the world. The book's practical tips and step-by-step approach make it accessible to anyone looking to improve their productivity and reduce stress in their lives.

Key Takeaways

Capture everything: To be productive, you need to get everything that is on your mind out of your head and into a trusted system.
Process open loops: Allen's five-step workflow for processing open loops includes capturing, clarifying, organizing, reviewing, and doing.
Create a trusted system: The trusted system is a central place where all of your open loops can be captured, processed, and organized.
Use lists and folders effectively: Allen recommends using lists and folders to organize your open loops and keep track of what you need to do.
Set clear goals and priorities: It's important to set clear goals and priorities so that you know what you need to focus on.
Use your time and energy wisely: Allen encourages readers to use their time and energy in a focused and intentional way.
Review your system regularly: Regularly reviewing your system helps ensure that you are staying on top of your open loops and using your time and energy effectively.
Embrace a "mind like water": The goal of productivity is to achieve a "mind like water," where you can respond to any situation with a clear and focused mind.