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Getting Things Done

352 pages, 2015

business & management

business & management

1082 books
self-improvement

self-improvement

909 books
Takeaways
Description

In the history of self-help books, there have been few that have entered the canon, but David Allen’s Getting Things Done is one of those rare gems. The book has become something of a bible for the disheartened office worker and offers a way to achieve not only professional success but more importantly personal satisfaction. 

Now a new edition of Allen’s classic has been published, updated with new material and a fresh perspective on the modern workplace. For anyone who strives every day to be organized, this is a chance to make sure you will never get overwhelmed again.

The Two-Minute Rule

David Allen introduces a simple yet effective rule in Getting Things Done. If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This rule helps to clear small tasks quickly, freeing up time for more significant tasks.

The Importance of a Trusted System

Allen emphasizes the need for a trusted system to manage your tasks. This system can be a physical notebook, a digital app, or anything that works for you. The key is to have a place where you can dump all your tasks, ideas, and projects, so you can free up your mind for more creative thinking.

The Five Stages of Workflow

In Getting Things Done, you'll find a detailed exploration of the five stages of workflow: collect, process, organize, review, and do. Allen guides you through each stage, helping you understand how to manage your work more effectively.

The Power of Next-Action Decisions

One of the key insights from the book is the concept of next-action decisions. Instead of getting overwhelmed by a big project, Allen suggests breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This way, you always know what your next step should be.

The Role of Context in Task Management

Allen encourages readers to consider the context of their tasks. This means thinking about where you are, who you're with, and what resources you have available when deciding what task to tackle next. This approach can help you make the most of your time and energy.

Quotes 4

David Allen's Getting Things Done is not just a book, it's a new way of living. It's a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their lives.

Daniel PinkDaniel Pink - Bestselling Author

Getting Things Done is a game-changer. It's the blueprint to achieve more, with less stress.

Tim FerrissTim Ferriss - Entrepreneur, Author

David Allen's Getting Things Done is a tool for rethinking and reshaping your life.

Seth GodinSeth Godin - Marketing Guru

Getting Things Done offers help building the new mental skills needed in an age of multitasking and overload.

James FallowsJames Fallows - Journalist, Writer
Daniel PinkTim FerrissSeth GodinJames Fallows

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