< shift/library / productivity

Getting Things Done (GTD)

productivity · hard · 1-2 hours for weekly review; 15 min daily for processing inbox

What is Getting Things Done (GTD)?

A five-step workflow system for capturing all commitments externally, clarifying next actions, and organizing them into context-based lists. Reduces cognitive load by moving all open loops out of your head.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEmoderate

How do you do Getting Things Done (GTD)?

  1. 1.Capture: collect every task, idea, and commitment into a single trusted inbox (physical or digital)
  2. 2.Clarify: process each item — if it takes under 2 minutes, do it now; otherwise determine the next physical action
  3. 3.Organize: place items into lists — Next Actions, Waiting For, Projects, Someday/Maybe, or Reference
  4. 4.Reflect: conduct a Weekly Review every week to update all lists, clear inbox, and review upcoming commitments
  5. 5.Engage: choose what to work on based on context, time available, energy, and priority

How long does it take?

1-2 hours for weekly review; 15 min daily for processing inbox.

Is it hard to start?

hard.

> how Shift handles procrastination

Source: David Allen (Getting Things Done, 2001; revised 2015). Widely adopted in knowledge work; Wired called it 'a new cult for the info age' (2005). Limited peer-reviewed evidence but strong practitioner adoption.
organization · workflow · stress-reduction · inbox-zero · next-actions · weekly-review
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This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.