GTD — Getting Things Done

Details
Full Name

Getting Things Done (GTD)

Also known as

GTD, GTD by David Allen, GTD Methodology

Core Concepts:

Capture

Collect everything that has your attention — tasks, ideas, commitments — into trusted external "inboxes" so nothing is held in your head

Clarify

Process each captured item: Is it actionable? If yes, define the next physical action. If no, trash it, incubate it, or file it as reference

Organize

Place clarified items into the right lists — Next Actions, Projects, Waiting For, Someday/Maybe, Calendar — so they are retrievable at the right moment

Reflect

Review your system regularly (Weekly Review) to keep it current, complete, and trusted

Engage

Choose which actions to take based on context, time available, energy, and priority

Two-Minute Rule

If an action takes less than two minutes, do it immediately rather than deferring it

Projects List

Any desired outcome requiring more than one action step is a "project" tracked on a dedicated list with at least one next action

Contexts

Next actions are tagged by context (e.g., @computer, @phone, @errands) to batch work efficiently

Trusted System

All commitments are stored externally so the mind is free to focus on doing rather than remembering

Key Proponent

David Allen ("Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity")

When to Use:

  • Managing a high volume of tasks, projects, and commitments across work and personal life

  • Reducing mental load and anxiety caused by open loops (unfinished commitments)

  • Setting up a reliable personal productivity and task management system

  • Improving focus by clarifying next actions rather than vague to-do items

  • Onboarding teams or individuals to structured workflow management

  • Combining with note-taking systems such as P.A.R.A. or todo.txt