Comments on: A GTD Summary & Review of Allen’s Getting Things Done

By: Martin Voelker

Martin Voelker — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:56:34 +0000

Derek,
thanks for the link. The guy from Wired gives GTD a 4 out of 5 and concludes: “The book is as dry as a camera manual. It took me two years to open my camera manual, too. Both turned out to be useful.”
The alternative to a dry book in this genre will often be neo-pagan New Age gobbledigook, businessified. Allen also doesn’t get obsessed with the positive thinking fad (while acknowledging that it has some role).
I have listened to the audiobook (within one week) and bought the book. While I appreciate the “cliff notes” I don’t agree that they’ll suffice for someone who is looking to implement the GRD method, especially when doing it by him or her self.
What I found personally true is that those “open loops” that Allen asks us to identify and close are my biggest hurdle for getting things done. Being haunted by hovering tasks and responsibilities and amorphous stuff weighs on me. GTD gives clear direction on how keep on top.
Also, in retrospect, I’ve been in too many interactions and meetings where no clear next action has been defined. If reinforcing simple processes like these were the only things GTD effected in organizations, it’s worth $600 per head (which by the way is not a large fee by industry standards).

By: Derek

Derek — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:53:23 +0000

Here is a nice overview from Wired of GTD, 4 Hour Workweek, and Never Check Email in The Morning – http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/magazine/17-01/mf_self_help

It does a similar job of what you did here, GE, and is worth the read if you are into this stuff.

By: Antoine

Antoine — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:43:50 +0000

Thanks for this summary G.E. Miller. You saved me some time, and that is highly valuable. Let me try to save some of yours

*1 Have you read the book? What are your thoughts?
No. I think buying it is an easy yet concrete step towards getting your life organized. If the book’s only downside is it’s length and repetition, that’s ok. If it is boring too, then it’s a motivation killer. Bottom line if one feels knowledgeable about getting things done AND energized, sounds like an ok spend.

*2 What are the basics of your workflow method?
To get moving on a daily basis: Meeting schedule + To do list
To get moving in the right direction: periodically, review progress towards objectives + adjustment of objectives and path forward (for my “goals in life” it is a yearly review, for shorter projects it is obviously more frequent)
[Not sure what you call a workflow method, so forgive me if my answer is not the kind you are looking for]

*3 What productivity/efficiency tips have you found to be the most effective?
- to do list (a long one, contrary to what is usually advised re to do lists). Keeping it long is my best way to avoid procrastination: you always find items that you feel like doing
- as many deadlines as you can handle (and I mean strict deadlines). Meetings are great deadlines: you know that if you are late, you will inflict pain to yourself AND others)

By: Lesley

Lesley — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:07:40 +0000

I found a lot of the information in the book to be things that can be derived from the use common sense.
Honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard to stay on top of things in one’s life. I hold a full-time job, run a home, go to school, and I am a mom/wife. If you don’t know how to manage you life, either you will learn or it will manage you.

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 23:44:42 +0000

Could not agree more – you nailed it with your summary.

By: Stuart

Stuart — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:38:07 +0000

Oh no! You just obliterated my GTD religion!

By: Shaun Connell

Shaun Connell — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:39:53 +0000

I saw the book at Barnes and Noble and decided against getting it. I flipped through it and it certainly came off like a bunch of “self-help” fluff. Merlin Mann made a comment about it over at his “anniversary” post: http://www.43folders.com/2008/09/08/four-years

By: Chotchke

Chotchke — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:55:01 +0000

I don’t really understand the whole GTD phenomenon. I mean, hasn’t anybody who does work and completes things been practicing some form of ‘GTD’. Overhype, in my opinion. I guess it’s good for people who don’t know what they’re doing at work or are really unorganized.