Few books (or authors) have had a more profound influence on thinking about productivity than Getting Things Done, by David Allen. I’ve mentioned it many times on the show, and thought it was time to give a brief overview of the “GTD” system and how it works. Of course I recommend that you get a copy of the book and read it for yourself, but in the meantime, this episode’s overview will introduce you to the concepts, which come up often in our discussions on The Productive Woman.
It’s Not Just About Getting Things Done
In truth, this book is not so much concerned with getting things done as it is championing appropriate engagement with your world–guiding you to make the best choice of what to do in each moment, and eliminating distraction and stress about what you’re not doing.” ~ David Allen, Getting Things Done
For More Information
[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”0143126563″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”US” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZyWmWR5mL._SL160_.jpg” tag=”theproductivewoman-20″ width=”106″]Pick up your own copy of [easyazon_link asin=”0143126563″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”theproductivewoman-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity[/easyazon_link], by David Allen.
Visit the Getting Things Done website for more information about the system and the resources they offer.
(I have no affiliation with David Allen or his organization. I just really like this book.)
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please share in the comments below or email me.
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Hi Laura
Great podcast on GTD. I created a system and book titled Control Your Day: A New Approach to Email Management using Microsoft Outlook and the concepts of GTD. I would be happy to send you a free copy of the book. If you think your user community would be interested, I would be happy to discuss doing a podcast or guest post with you. You can find more information at http://www.controlyourday.net
Hi, Jim. Thanks for writing. I’d be happy to read your book and learn a bit more about your system.
Hi Laura, send me an email jim@controlyourday.net and I will send you over a free copy of the PDF version of the book.
thanks Laura for this ” reminder”. This method is very powerful, but needs to be regularly revised and updated ( I mean for the people who are using it) to avoid bad habits to plant their seeds !
I agree! I try to reread the book every year or so, and I always find things I need to tweak and refresh in my systems.
Laura what are the other books you try to retread every year.
Good question, Kirby. Hmm. There aren’t a lot of books on that list. One I’ve recently added to that list is Greg McKeown’s book, Essentialism. I read it for the first time a few months ago and it had a profound impact on my thinking. I also dig back in to a couple of David Sparks’s books periodically–Paperless being one of them. There’s so much really good stuff in it, and one can only implement a few new ideas at a time.
How about you, Kirby? Any productivity-related books you recommend as worth reading (or re-reading)?
Laura thanks for asking. I do read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People every year from front to back and also on audiobook. I actually reference it often and looks more of a workbook with my highlights and scribbles in it. Then I like to revisit Think and Grow Rich. I’m thinking about adding Brian Tracy’s No Excuses to the list. I just started reading it and I really enjoying it. It is really resonating with me.
Ah , 7 Habits. Another good one. I haven’t re-read that one in awhile. And I’ve never read Think and Grow Rich. What do you like about it (and No Excuses)?
What I like about Think and Grow Rich is the philosophy of a successful life. Hill discuses masterminds, sub-conscious, persistence, decision making, causes of failure, organization, imagination, faith and many more topics.
Brain Tracy talks about in No Excuses in a simpler fashion and gets at self-discipline. He paints a picture and creates a lot of thought. Each chapter has stories of experts and actionable items.
Both sound very worth reading. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on them.