Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

List Price: $15.00 Discount Price: $7.28

Customer Reviews:

Great book [Posted on 2008-08-25]
I was very satisfied with this purchase, this book takes all the things you already know how to do (e.g., create lists, prioritize, organize), and compiles it into a system which is practical and very effective. I now realize that this is the key step I've been missing in my personal effectiveness and cannot recommend it highly enough.

Life changing.. [Posted on 2008-08-28]
First, I want to say that I'd listened to the audio book of this years ago. And at the time it didn't resonate with me AT ALL. Frankly I'm not sure I finished the audio--but either way I couldn't remember any of it other than it was in my library.

Fast forward a couple years.. I adopted Tim Ferris' 4HWW method of listing tasks on an 8 1/2 x 11" sheet of plain paper. That worked great for me for a while. While I'm a tech guy, I like things that are effective, work anywhere, don't require batteries, etc.

I then wanted to--as David says: "Get off the runway" with my tasks and start managing with a more project/goal/initiative-centric approach. To me that was a big problem with the "tasks" approach--you get buried in "to do" stuff and never get above the trees.

Additionally, in my situation I had huge leakage in delegating or following up with other people with my requests, questions, etc. So the process for handling emails that required responses alone has radically altered how I work and manage my own time.

I recently finished GTD and it was like an epiphany. During the first 1/3 of the book though I felt like "okay, I got the preaching--how do I *implement* this", and actually purchased/read other systems in the middle. Ultimately coming back to and finishing this book. I'm very happy that I did.

In my opinion, you should take what works for you from the book and integrate it with your life/style. For me the 43 folders didn't make sense as I am so nomadic with my work. But it is a good concept. For me, everything has to be electronic and ideally live out on the internet cloud somewhere. So naturally some of my tools will be different than his. But the *system* is what's key.

The gold is simply getting you to see "stuff" coming into your life as things that need to be processed from your Inbox (the goal being Inbox Zero), and an effective system of processing, then handling things once they're organized.

Also, I like how there aren't any "special" requirements, like you have to buy a special organizer, get certain software, buy their printed pages, etc. I am currently using a $7 calendar/organizer (with cool doodling) and $15/year for the "pro" version of Toodledo (the base version is free). It also has "slim" web access via iPhone.. so I can access my lists from practically anywhere. Well worth it to organize my life.

Again, for me this has been life-altering. It's taken a lot of the stress of worrying about stuff falling through the cracks, not being busy all the time, etc. And ultimately that's what I wanted to achieve.

How to get things done [Posted on 2008-08-30]
I'd much rather have it as a video. Those of us who have trouble getting everything done on a timely basis DON'T have time to sit and read a self-help book this verbose.

Master David! [Posted on 2008-08-31]
I've been to project and management training. I've been on a three-day retreat to discover my true values and to empower me to take control of my life. All those were good, but I always thought that something was missing, something to do with changing my habits, something to do with implementation, with, well... getting things done!

In comes this book, which I heard of through OmniFocus (wonderful tool for the Mac). I read it overnight and I was ON! While the courses and the training may have laid down the foundation, this book made the difference and changed my life!

Thank you, Master David!

No More Clutter! [Posted on 2008-09-04]
I am so inspired by this book! My filing system at work and at home has never worked as efficiently as it does now, after reading this book. Author David Allen's detailed system helps clear the 'clutter' in my mind as I have adopted his system of writing down what needs to get done so the task is either written on my calendar or on my to-do list. I don't have to try to "remember" what I need to do next, wasting time and energy thinking and getting lost in my thoughts. If something can be done in two minutes I do it, I file it, I make the phone call. My desk stays in order and I feel more at ease. I love feeling organized and clear in my life.

Another book which clears "the clutter" in my mind is Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Can Instantaneously Transform Your Life by Ariel & Shya Kane. This book teaches how to live in the moment without getting lost in the conversation of my thoughts. The Kanes have a yearly "Time & Project Management" Course in New York City, and a "Transformation in the Workplace" seminar which is scheduled this September. These courses and their books have brought ease and inspiration to my workplace.

As a banker in New York City, I highly suggest checking out David Allen and Ariel and Shya Kane. You will discover a stress free environment in the workplace and at home.

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