Capture everything that has your attention
Externalize all commitments, ideas, and tasks into trusted collection tools
Book summary
Foundational TextPerennial SellerGoodreads Favorite
Getting Things Done
by David Allen
Transform overwhelm into organized action with the definitive productivity methodology
Master the art of stress-free productivity with David Allen's revolutionary GTD system
4.0(166.6k)Published 2001
Topics
ProductivityTime ManagementOrganizationWorkflow
Reading companion
How to read Getting Things Done with Readever
Implement GTD in stages—start with capturing everything in your mind, then process one collection bucket daily. Use Readever to track your progress through each workflow stage and set reminders for your weekly reviews. Highlight Allen's explanations of the "mind like water" concept and create custom action lists based on your contexts. The AI can help translate GTD terminology into your specific work environment.
Things to know before reading
- GTD is a complete system, not just tips—approach it as a methodology to implement
- Have your current tools (notebooks, apps, calendar) ready to start capturing immediately
- The "2-minute rule" is foundational—be prepared to apply it during reading
- Weekly review is non-negotiable for system maintenance—schedule time for it
Brief summary
Getting Things Done in a nutshell
Getting Things Done introduces David Allen's revolutionary productivity system that has transformed how millions organize their work and lives. The GTD methodology provides a complete workflow for capturing, clarifying, organizing, reflecting on, and engaging with all your commitments. By externalizing everything that has your attention into a trusted system, you achieve mental clarity and stress-free productivity.
Key ideas overview
Getting Things Done summary of 5 key ideas
The GTD system rests on five core principles that work together to create stress-free productivity.
Clarify what each item means and what to do next
Process collected items by asking 'What is it?' and 'Is it actionable?'
Organize actions by context and priority
Categorize next actions by where, when, and with what tools you can complete them
Review your system regularly to keep it current
Conduct weekly reviews to update lists, clear inboxes, and refresh priorities
Engage with confidence using your trusted system
Make intuitive choices about what to do based on context, time, energy, and priority
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Book summaries like Getting Things Done
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Achieve mental clarity and stress-free productivity
This summary gives you the complete GTD workflow to capture every commitment, clarify what each item means, organize it into actionable categories, review your system regularly, and engage with confidence. You'll learn how to transform overwhelm into organized action and maintain a clear mind regardless of how many projects you're managing.
Deep dive
Key ideas in Getting Things Done
Key idea 1
Capture everything that has your attention
Externalize all commitments, ideas, and tasks into trusted collection tools
The first step in GTD involves collecting every open loop, commitment, idea, and task that occupies your mental space. This includes everything from major projects to minor errands—anything that doesn't belong where it is or how it is. By moving these items out of your head and into external systems (notebooks, apps, or physical inboxes), you free up mental RAM and prevent important items from slipping through the cracks.
Remember
- Use multiple capture tools that are always accessible when ideas strike
- Empty your mind regularly to maintain mental clarity
- Trust your system so you can stop trying to remember everything
Key idea 2
Clarify what each item means and what to do next
Process collected items by asking 'What is it?' and 'Is it actionable?'
Once items are captured, you systematically process them by asking two key questions: "What is this?" and "Is it actionable?" If it's not actionable, you either trash it, file it as reference material, or incubate it for later consideration. If it is actionable, you determine the very next physical action required. This step transforms vague intentions into concrete next actions.
Remember
- Always identify the very next physical action for every actionable item
- If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately
- Delegate what you can't or shouldn't do yourself
Key idea 3
Organize actions by context and priority
Categorize next actions by where, when, and with what tools you can complete them
After clarifying actions, you organize them into categories that make sense for your workflow. This includes context lists (calls, computer, errands, home), project lists, calendar items, and waiting-for lists. The organization system ensures you can quickly find the right actions based on your current context, energy level, and available time.
Remember
- Group actions by context (where you can do them) rather than by project
- Use projects lists for outcomes requiring multiple steps
- Maintain separate lists for delegated items and calendar-specific commitments
Key idea 4
Review your system regularly to keep it current
Conduct weekly reviews to update lists, clear inboxes, and refresh priorities
The GTD system requires regular maintenance through a weekly review process. This involves processing all collected items, reviewing project lists, updating next actions, and clearing your mind. The weekly review ensures your system remains trustworthy and current, allowing you to make confident decisions about what to work on.
Remember
- Schedule a consistent weekly review to maintain system integrity
- Use the review to reconnect with your higher-level goals and priorities
- Keep your system current so you can trust it implicitly
Key idea 5
Engage with confidence using your trusted system
Make intuitive choices about what to do based on context, time, energy, and priority
With a fully trusted system in place, you can engage with your work confidently. Rather than reacting to whatever seems most urgent, you make conscious choices about what to do based on your current context, available time, energy level, and priorities. This transforms work from reactive firefighting to proactive, strategic engagement.
Remember
- Trust your system to surface the right actions at the right time
- Make choices based on context, time, energy, and priority—not just urgency
- Achieve flow state by having clear next actions for every project
Context
What is Getting Things Done about?
Getting Things Done presents David Allen's comprehensive productivity methodology that has become the gold standard for personal and professional organization. The book outlines a complete system for managing workflow, from capturing every commitment to engaging with confidence.
The GTD methodology addresses the fundamental challenge of modern life: how to manage an overwhelming number of commitments while maintaining mental clarity and focus. Allen argues that our minds are for having ideas, not holding them, and provides a systematic approach to externalize everything that has our attention into a trusted system.
The book combines practical techniques with psychological insights about how we relate to our work. It's not just about getting more done—it's about achieving a state of "mind like water" where you can respond appropriately to whatever comes your way without stress or overwhelm.
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Review
Getting Things Done review
David Allen's Getting Things Done stands as one of the most influential productivity books of the 21st century. Its systematic approach to workflow management has been adopted by millions worldwide, from executives to students to creative professionals.
The strength of GTD lies in its comprehensive nature—it provides a complete framework rather than isolated tips. Allen's insight that our productivity problems stem from inadequate systems, not personal failings, is both liberating and empowering. The methodology works equally well for managing complex projects and simple daily tasks.
Critical Reception: Getting Things Done has sold over 2 million copies worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages. It has been praised by business leaders, productivity experts, and publications including The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal. The methodology has spawned an entire ecosystem of tools, apps, and communities dedicated to implementing GTD principles.
- "One of the most influential business books of its era" - The New York Times
- "The ultimate book on personal organization" - Fast Company
- "Transformed how millions approach productivity and workflow management"
- "Provides a complete system rather than isolated productivity tips"
- "Balances practical techniques with psychological insights about work"
Who should read Getting Things Done?
Professionals feeling overwhelmed by competing commitments and information overload
Managers and leaders seeking to improve team productivity and workflow
Students and academics managing multiple projects and deadlines
Creative professionals needing systems to manage ideas and projects
Anyone seeking to reduce stress and achieve mental clarity in their work
About the author
David Allen is widely recognized as the world's leading expert on personal and organizational productivity. With over thirty years of pioneering research and coaching experience, he has transformed how millions of people approach their work and lives.
Allen's unconventional career path includes work as a magician, waiter, karate teacher, landscaper, and travel agent before he began his career in productivity consulting. His diverse background gives him unique insights into workflow management across different contexts. He holds a black belt in karate and has studied various spiritual traditions, which informs his holistic approach to productivity.
As founder of the David Allen Company, he has coached executives at Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide. His GTD methodology has become the foundation for numerous productivity tools and applications, and he continues to be a sought-after speaker and consultant on productivity and workflow management.
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Final summary
Getting Things Done provides more than just productivity tips—it offers a complete philosophy for managing work and life. The GTD methodology transforms how you relate to your commitments, moving from reactive stress to proactive engagement. By implementing this system, you achieve the "mind like water" state where you can respond appropriately to whatever comes your way, maintaining focus and clarity regardless of how many projects you're managing.
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