GTD
Getting Things Done (GTD) is a systematic approach to organizing tasks, projects, and commitments to achieve stress-free productivity.
Core Principles
- Capture everything that has your attention
- Clarify what each item means
- Organize into appropriate categories
- Review regularly
- Take action on what's important
Components
1. Capture
- Write down every task, idea, or commitment
- Use a trusted system (digital or analog)
- Keep capture tools always accessible
2. Clarify
- Process what each item means
- Decide if it's actionable
- Determine next actions
3. Organize
- Projects list
- Next actions list
- Waiting for list
- Someday/Maybe list
- Reference material
4. Reflect
- Daily review
- Weekly review
- Monthly/Quarterly review
5. Engage
- Choose actions based on:
- Context
- Time available
- Energy level
- Priority
Usage
Used for managing personal and professional tasks, reducing mental load, and increasing productivity. Provides a complete system for capturing and processing all commitments.
Related Concepts
- Productivity Systems Hub - Comprehensive productivity resources
- Task Management
- Weekly Review
- Inbox Zero
- Bullet Journal - Alternative organization system
- Atomic Habits - Complementary habit system
Best Practices
- Start small with one component at a time
- Build the habit gradually
- Review and refine your system regularly
Examples and Applications
- Task Management: Capture, clarify, organize, reflect, engage
- Project Planning: Break down complex projects into actionable steps
- Email Management: Process inbox to zero regularly
- See also: Eisenhower, Atomic Habits, Frameworks