Getting Things Done (GTD) is a highly effective productivity system developed by David Allen. It’s a method for managing your commitments and tasks to reduce stress and improve focus.
The 5 Stages of GTD
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Capture
Collect all your "stuff" - tasks, ideas, commitments - into an "inbox." This could be a physical inbox, a digital one, or a combination.
Don't judge or process anything yet. Just get it all out of your head.
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Process
Go through your inbox and decide what to do with each item:
- Delete: If it's no longer relevant.
- Do: If it takes less than 2 minutes.
- Delegate: If someone else can do it.
- Defer: Add it to your "Next Actions" list.
- Wait: Add it to a "Waiting For" list, tracking dependencies.
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Organize
Keep your tasks organized using:
- Next Actions Lists: A list of specific actions you need to take, categorized by context (e.g., @Computer, @Phone, @Home).
- Projects: Any task that requires more than one step.
- Waiting For: A list of items you've delegated or are waiting on others.
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Review
Regularly review your system to ensure it’s still working for you. This includes:
- Weekly Review: Go through all your lists and projects.
- Monthly Review: A more comprehensive look at your entire system.
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Reflect
Take time to reflect on your process and identify areas for improvement.
GTD is about creating a clear and manageable system for your life. Start small and build from there.