242. Getting Thing Done Book Summary

<p>When I first heard of <em>Getting Things Done</em>, I was skeptical. How could it possibly live up to the fanaticism of its cult following? But once I saw the power of the “next action,” of “someday/maybes,” and of organizing tasks by “context,” I knew there was a good reason for the hype: “GTD” works.</p> <p>More than fifteen years later, GTD still helps me stay productive and in control of all of the <em>things</em> going on in life and work. GTD has helped me write three books, build a business, and move to South America. I regularly re-read it, and I always find new ways to apply its principles and techniques.</p> <p>Here’s my <em>Getting Things Done</em> book summary – in my own words – after many years of practice and <a href= "https://kadavy.net/blog/posts/david-allen-podcast-interview/">two</a> <a href= "https://kadavy.net/blog/posts/david-allens-getting-things-done-legacy/"> podcast interviews</a> with author David Allen.</p> <h3>The principles that make GTD work</h3> <p>These are not “principles” as expressed in the <em>Getting Things Done</em> book, but this is my summary of its most important ideas.</p> <h4>1. Trusted System: GTD is your “trusted system”</h4> <p>The most important idea behind GTD is to get everything out of your head and into a “trusted system.”</p> <p>What is a trusted system? A “trusted” system is a system in which you can “trust” that you will engage appropriately with everything in the system.</p> <h4>2. Appropriate Engagement: Your trusted system helps you “engage appropriately”</h4> <p>GTD handles a wider breadth of things than your typical to-do list/calendar combination. Because GTD helps you “engage appropriately” with <em>everything</em>.</p> <p>What does it mean to “engage appropriately?” That means you’re doing no more and no less than is necessary to achieve your goal.</p> <p>You can trust your system will remind you to buy cat food only when you’re physically capable of buying cat food, and before you run out of cat food.</p> <p>You can also trust your system to hold