Getting Things Done
by David Allen
Key Concepts
Mind Like Water
Attain a state of clear, focused thinking by offloading mental clutter.
Capture Everything
Collect all thoughts, tasks, and ideas into a trusted external system.
Next Actions
Define the very next physical action required for each task or project.
Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes, complete it immediately.
Weekly Review
Regularly review your entire system to maintain clarity and control.
Action Items
Conduct a 'mind sweep' to externalize all open loops and commitments.
For every item, decide if it's actionable, then do, delegate, defer, or discard.
Break down projects into concrete, single 'next actions'.
Organize tasks into context-based lists (e.g., @computer, @calls, @errands).
Perform a comprehensive weekly review to clear your head and update your system.
Core Thesis
Achieve stress-free productivity by systematically capturing, clarifying, and organizing all commitments.
Mindset Shift
The shift is from managing time to managing attention and commitments, leading to greater control and less overwhelm.