Getting Things Done

The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

By David Allen

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About the book

David Allen, a coach and management consultant, built his productivity system on one premise: a clear mind works better than a crowded one, so every task, idea and commitment should leave the head and go into a trusted external record. The method, known as GTD, runs through five stages: capture, clarify, organize, reflect and engage. Items end up in the trash, on a someday/maybe list, in reference files, on a project list, on next-action lists sorted by context, on the calendar, or are done at once if they take under two minutes. Allen keeps the system technology neutral and suggests starting on paper. First published in 2001, it was revised in 2015 to reflect changes in technology.

Tony Hsieh named it among his picks, noting that Allen had spoken at a Zappos all-hands meeting and given him a signed copy. Ali Abdaal called it a productivity classic he returns to often, even though he uses few of its techniques.

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This book has 8 recommendations

Tony Hsieh (CEO/Zappos)

Getting Things Done by David Allen. He recently spoke at our Zappos all-hands meeting and gave me a signed copy of his book.

Eric Rose (Chairman/Columbia University Department of Surgery)

When I'm flat-out stressed about the volume and complexity of my work, I open this book and find immediate ways to gain a sense of control. That's really a critical need for decision making. David made me what I am today: headstrong and proud of it.

Joline Godfrey (CEO/Independent Means)

A true skeptic of most management fixes, I have to say David's program is a winner!

Carola Endicott (Director of Quality REsources/New England Medical Center)

Warning: Reading Getting Things Done can be hazardous to your old habits of procrastination. David Allen's approach is refreshingly simple and intuitive. He provides the systems, tools, and tips to achieve profound results.

Scott Keyes (Co-Founder/Scott's Cheap Flights)

Business-wise, Getting Things Done. Big believer in the David Allen method.

Lewis Smith (Entrepreneur & Developer/BodyTracker)

"Getting Things Done" by David Allen really changed my whole attitude to managing myself and all the stuff I have going on. It's not the best written book, but the concepts in it were revolutionary to me and meant I went from feeling stressed all the time about work, to much calmer with much less stuff in my head.

Todd Henry (Founder of Accidental Creative)

The manual for personal productivity.

Ali Abdaal

An absolute productivity classic. I don’t use many of David’s techniques, but I refer to his book pretty often.

This book is part of our collection:
– Best Productivity Books

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