Getting Things Done: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of Getting Things Done, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
Get everything out of your head
Allen argues that the mind is good at having ideas but poor at holding reminders.
He suggests capturing every task, idea and commitment into a trusted system outside your head, so your mind can relax and focus on the work in front of you.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Open loops drain your attention
An open loop is anything you have agreed to do but have not finished or decided about.
Allen explains that these unfinished items keep tugging at the mind, causing stress until they are either done, dropped or recorded in a reliable system.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Clarify the next action
For each captured item, Allen asks two questions: is it actionable, and if so, what is the very next physical step?
Defining the next action, such as phoning someone or drafting an outline, turns vague worries into things you can actually do.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Do it now if it's quick
Allen's two-minute rule says that if a next action takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
Tracking such a small task would take longer than simply finishing it, and clearing it keeps your lists short and manageable.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Organise actions by context
Allen recommends sorting next actions into lists by context, meaning the place, tool or person needed, such as at the computer, on the phone or at home.
You can then see at a glance what you can do right where you are.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
The weekly review keeps it working
Allen calls the weekly review the critical success factor of his method.
Once a week you clear your inboxes, update your lists and look ahead, so the system stays current and you can trust it rather than your memory.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
See work at several levels
Allen describes horizons of focus, from daily actions and current projects up to areas of responsibility, goals, vision and life purpose.
Reviewing the higher levels from time to time makes sure your daily actions serve what matters most.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Plan projects the natural way
Allen's natural planning model follows how the mind plans naturally: define the purpose, imagine a successful outcome, brainstorm ideas, organise them and decide the next actions.
Working through these steps makes projects feel clearer and less overwhelming.
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