Getting Things Done  (English, Paperback, Allen David)

Published in the year 2002, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity is a book that provides the readers with key insights into reducing stress in their lives to accomplish their goals.

Summary Of The Book

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity starts off by telling the readers that their previously used methods for attaining success will not work in these modern times. He explains that basic time management practices may prove futile if certain disruptions occur in an individual’s schedule. Getting Things Done is now a popular time management method drafted out by renowned productivity consultant, David Allen. Also known as GTD, this method is based on the concept of de-cluttering the mind of planned activities, making a note of them externally. Allen then goes on to explain that an individual can now focus on the task they have to complete, rather than worry about recalling them.

Allen’s time management method is based on two principles, control and perspective. Through the course of this book, he provides the readers with a workflow process by which they can effectively finish their tasks and he outlines six “horizons of focus” to do so. Allen tells the readers that it is virtually impossible for them to achieve their goals, if they aren’t able to regulate their day-to-day activities.

He goes on to explain that GTD basically involves keeping a track of information required to complete a specific task. Allen also delves into ‘front-end’ planning, which if deficient, can result in mental roadblocks. Front-end planning simply involves generating a plan in the mind, which can be implemented later, without any major difficulty. He elaborates that the human brain “reminder system” at times does not remind individuals of the things they need to do, thereby, citing the need for external support. Allen goes to explain that an individual’s productivity is directly linked to their ability to relax. He explains that only when an individual’s mind is clear, are they able to achieve stress-free productivity.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity has been greatly appreciated by its readers and several magazines. Several task management tools have incorporated the GTD methodology and some of them include wikidPad, TiddlyWiki, TaskCracker, and Pocket Informant.

About David Allen

David Allen is an author and consultant.

Allen has written Ready For Anything: 52 Productivity Principles For Work And Life and Making It All Work: Winning At The Game Of Work and Business of Life.

Allen was born on 28th December, 1945, and was raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. He completed his undergraduate degree from New College, now New College of Florida. He then went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his postgraduate degree in American History. Allen had 35 professions prior to him turning 35 years old. The Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness has ordained him a Minister as well. Allen has founded his own firm, David Allen Company, focusing on action management, executive coaching, and productivity. He currently resides in Ojai, California, with his fourth wife.