A Electronic PDA, a wallet-notebook, an archive, ONE MORE archive, guess theres some GTD software on the PC... the fuck?! I'd go completely insane . I have one moleskine notebook with five post-it tabs, thats it.
@Stahlross Yes, his approach seems like overkill to me. I think plenty of people would use this as an excuse to put off doing anything. "I can't work on that project now, I'm trying to update my GTD system."
@J90JAM Oh God yes! I'm taking a break from reading it by watching this. I haven't finished it yet and it's already improved my organisation. And I feel relaxed. Worth every penny!
But if you need to cure procrastination, rather than just being disorganised, this book doesn't have a cure. It works on the assumption that you are already motivated at a normal level.
If you need to cure procrastination I recommend The Now Habit by Niel Fiore first.
@richardcadbury Thank you so much for recommending The Now Habit. I had never heard of it - and it hasn't been translated in Dutch yet. I ordered the audio book; I'm only half way through now but I already think it might just save my life...
GTD is also on the shelf, but I'll first learn how to get rid of my procrastination habit :-)
I've watched this video and am reading his book but I see no advantage to his method of processing work. He still has several type of files (ticklers, alphabetized, etc.) he uses a PDA, notepads, and a recorder as capturing devices and he has his PC on his desk. Maybe he is off loading his mind of stresses but i don't see the workday becoming more effective. I am still trying to find a way to manage and file information so I can find it quickly.
Uhh..well, I keep stuff that's coming in in, in my, uhh... "In"-box, here, and...Here's my digital 'voice' device, digital, that could be useful...Nahh, let me toss that in the "In" box....Need some batteries...And I have stuff that's filed in these "file" folders, and I have -other- stuff, in these -closer- file folders...
I wonder why he doesn't use his PDA as a capture tool... I mean, it would have a voice recorder, notes application, should be a great capture tool, no?
@raymondu99 No, it would create a friction. To get to the voice recording function of a PDA you have to click a few buttons & your brain would resist when you are tired or on the go. You'd just give up. Much easier to have a voice recorder.
@raymondu99 The Palm Treo David's using is a great capture tool. There is a 3rd party voice recorder app that allows a side button to large capacity card. I think it comes with Notes app (or you can beam it over) so you can use the pen to write notes, it has a camera for pix/video which you can capture info in that manner. Plus built in Tasks where you can setup categories as contexts + a 3rd party app Projects.
But you may need to be flexible to move on to other tools, GTD is the foundation.
I am amazed at how spartan and dungeonesque his office looks. I imagined much more CEO-like largess, considering he must be a multimillionaire by now. This looks to me like he is working in his closet. I am dumbstruck. Love GTD, btw.
@awgondzur I agree. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised by how ordinary it all looked. Kind of like my stuff. That's encouraging...
It is so easy to get out of control with information, especially these days, that it often clutters your workspace and computer, even with everyday information.
This I think is almost a perfect way to organize all your tasks because, even at 23, and how tech and computer savvy I am, technology sometimes can over complicate things. Sometimes the best ways, are non "tech" ways.
Pen and Paper = Best Note Taking Device, Ever. Because it doesn't require batteries =)
Transforming my brain from messy to David's GTD really is like training for a blackbelt. It seems so simple at first but has taken me years of pain. And then this three minute summary just pulls so much of it together. It has transformed my life so that I can reach my goals without wasted time and stress.
i also have a problem where i come up with imao a cracking new element to a plot line, but to incorporate would require me to take a sledge hammer to months of previous work, how do i carry on with all that has come b4 with out starting afresh and binning everything, it would be o.k to do this once in a while, but its occuring regularly. how can i say the new idea is something else and stick to orig plan knowing the new may be far superior. causes me to get nada completed. can u help me?
when i'm doing creative stuff, the BIGGEST problem i have 4 not makin any head way, is, that i reach a solution, but with creative stuff theres never a single final answer, and i think there may be a better way to solve, say a plot line twist 4 instance. Does any one have any way to stick to ur convictions and say this will do? so i can move on knowing im not going down a dead end developing the idea?this is a massive issue 4 me, i'm here now seeking answers, not some ad hoc query
I always had this problem too. My work would often come out 'half-baked' because I would constantly come up with a 'better' idea (or spend too long looking for a better idea that may not have come) but never have enough time to complete it.
What I was told back then is what I say to myself when I start to think about something too much: "a good idea today is better than a great idea tomorrow".
Find something that works. Utilise it. Move on to the next problem.
He's really "Old School". In todays personal and work environment almost all of that paper would be digital files on his computer and he would be working his to do lists off his PDA
I tried to go digital, even bought a PDA, but found that good old pen and paper works best for me. Our uni does a great diary that includes a 'Brain RAM dump place'.
That's not true at all, not even hugs corps are doing that, you are talking pipe dreams. As you heard him say, most of what is in his Alpha file system are brochures, things he needs day to day, and if you read just the 1st chapter of his book, you would knlw that his files would be down to zero by the year end, and then he starts over.
Please don't use the term "oriental". It's considered derogatory and assumes that all of Asia is a single culture separate from the western world.
It's a song from the Punjab region of India, in a folk style known as "bhangra". I don't know the name of the song itself, but it is absolutely in that style.
"Getting things done" seems so simple, but I am completely amazed by how much stuff I was trying to carry around in "Mental RAM" and until I got it all out, I didn't realise how much of my energy it was taking up. Thanks LifeHacker + Allen.
Ha, his laptop is nearly the exact same one I have.
TheClintond 6 months ago
PAR.
magics999 6 months ago
Does anyone know what watch David Allen is wearing on this clip?
Thank you
razanats 11 months ago
A Electronic PDA, a wallet-notebook, an archive, ONE MORE archive, guess theres some GTD software on the PC... the fuck?! I'd go completely insane . I have one moleskine notebook with five post-it tabs, thats it.
Stahlross 11 months ago
@Stahlross Yes, his approach seems like overkill to me. I think plenty of people would use this as an excuse to put off doing anything. "I can't work on that project now, I'm trying to update my GTD system."
redlightmax 2 months ago
What's the hourglass for?
richardcadbury 1 year ago
Is the book worth getting?
J90JAM 1 year ago
@J90JAM Oh God yes! I'm taking a break from reading it by watching this. I haven't finished it yet and it's already improved my organisation. And I feel relaxed. Worth every penny!
But if you need to cure procrastination, rather than just being disorganised, this book doesn't have a cure. It works on the assumption that you are already motivated at a normal level.
If you need to cure procrastination I recommend The Now Habit by Niel Fiore first.
richardcadbury 1 year ago 4
@richardcadbury Thank you so much for recommending The Now Habit. I had never heard of it - and it hasn't been translated in Dutch yet. I ordered the audio book; I'm only half way through now but I already think it might just save my life...
GTD is also on the shelf, but I'll first learn how to get rid of my procrastination habit :-)
Just wanted to say thank you :-)
Rettequetette 4 months ago
@Rettequetette Graag gedaan :)
richardcadbury 4 months ago
@J90JAM yes
elforich 9 months ago
@J90JAM hell yes
vutQy 5 months ago
I've watched this video and am reading his book but I see no advantage to his method of processing work. He still has several type of files (ticklers, alphabetized, etc.) he uses a PDA, notepads, and a recorder as capturing devices and he has his PC on his desk. Maybe he is off loading his mind of stresses but i don't see the workday becoming more effective. I am still trying to find a way to manage and file information so I can find it quickly.
THEPUMP10 1 year ago
I get the sense that he doesn't really like showing us his home office.
mikemix77 1 year ago
@mikemix77 yeah it shows
bbbbbb222222 1 year ago
Jesus, what?
Uhh..well, I keep stuff that's coming in in, in my, uhh... "In"-box, here, and...Here's my digital 'voice' device, digital, that could be useful...Nahh, let me toss that in the "In" box....Need some batteries...And I have stuff that's filed in these "file" folders, and I have -other- stuff, in these -closer- file folders...
The *fuck*?
justdave2068 1 year ago
Great job Joey.
jacquelinrichards 2 years ago
I wonder why he doesn't use his PDA as a capture tool... I mean, it would have a voice recorder, notes application, should be a great capture tool, no?
raymondu99 2 years ago
@raymondu99 No, it would create a friction. To get to the voice recording function of a PDA you have to click a few buttons & your brain would resist when you are tired or on the go. You'd just give up. Much easier to have a voice recorder.
nottanvir 1 year ago
You could map it to just a one button click though.
raymondu99 1 year ago
@raymondu99 The Palm Treo David's using is a great capture tool. There is a 3rd party voice recorder app that allows a side button to large capacity card. I think it comes with Notes app (or you can beam it over) so you can use the pen to write notes, it has a camera for pix/video which you can capture info in that manner. Plus built in Tasks where you can setup categories as contexts + a 3rd party app Projects.
But you may need to be flexible to move on to other tools, GTD is the foundation.
wendileona 1 year ago
His voice reminds me a little of tom brokaw
xjungfreud 2 years ago
"There are demons that hide things in the smallest places no matter what"
Where can i get the file metal thing he has his projects files on?
tariqjuneja 2 years ago
The Davidco website.
Flyrev 2 years ago
@tariqjuneja Walmart...8 bucks
webjacksdesignco 2 years ago
Hi guys! can someone please tell me what labeler David Allen is using?
breezethrough 2 years ago
@breezethrough hi, he is using the Brother labeler!
seraluna2004 2 years ago
@Sera: thanks for the reply! do you know what brother model he is using? i cant decide whch one to get!
breezethrough 2 years ago
@breezethrough He's using Brother PT-18R. You can buy it from Amazon.
nottanvir 1 year ago
I am amazed at how spartan and dungeonesque his office looks. I imagined much more CEO-like largess, considering he must be a multimillionaire by now. This looks to me like he is working in his closet. I am dumbstruck. Love GTD, btw.
awgondzur 2 years ago 2
@awgondzur I agree. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I was surprised by how ordinary it all looked. Kind of like my stuff. That's encouraging...
Tweezer215 1 year ago
I already do GTD, but one thing I'll totally steal from this setup is the travel folder... :)
FrancescoK 2 years ago
It is so easy to get out of control with information, especially these days, that it often clutters your workspace and computer, even with everyday information.
This I think is almost a perfect way to organize all your tasks because, even at 23, and how tech and computer savvy I am, technology sometimes can over complicate things. Sometimes the best ways, are non "tech" ways.
Pen and Paper = Best Note Taking Device, Ever. Because it doesn't require batteries =)
Telzon 2 years ago
Transforming my brain from messy to David's GTD really is like training for a blackbelt. It seems so simple at first but has taken me years of pain. And then this three minute summary just pulls so much of it together. It has transformed my life so that I can reach my goals without wasted time and stress.
boobookins 2 years ago 7
This comment has received too many negative votes show
BOOOOOORRRRRIIIIIINNNNNGGGGG!!!! This guy is a dinosaur!
trentiusmaximus82 2 years ago
i also have a problem where i come up with imao a cracking new element to a plot line, but to incorporate would require me to take a sledge hammer to months of previous work, how do i carry on with all that has come b4 with out starting afresh and binning everything, it would be o.k to do this once in a while, but its occuring regularly. how can i say the new idea is something else and stick to orig plan knowing the new may be far superior. causes me to get nada completed. can u help me?
bryngOneOn 2 years ago
when i'm doing creative stuff, the BIGGEST problem i have 4 not makin any head way, is, that i reach a solution, but with creative stuff theres never a single final answer, and i think there may be a better way to solve, say a plot line twist 4 instance. Does any one have any way to stick to ur convictions and say this will do? so i can move on knowing im not going down a dead end developing the idea?this is a massive issue 4 me, i'm here now seeking answers, not some ad hoc query
bryngOneOn 2 years ago
I always had this problem too. My work would often come out 'half-baked' because I would constantly come up with a 'better' idea (or spend too long looking for a better idea that may not have come) but never have enough time to complete it.
What I was told back then is what I say to myself when I start to think about something too much: "a good idea today is better than a great idea tomorrow".
Find something that works. Utilise it. Move on to the next problem.
GuerrillaSauce 2 years ago
Whats the song in the end?
ajthegreat2003 2 years ago
I'm curious as well. It sounds like a generic bhangra song, but I can't recognize the song itself from the small clip that plays.
JupiterJaz 2 years ago
He looks totally fed up to me
leoncm100 2 years ago 2
My new cell phone has a voice recorder and Microsoft notepad and word. It is a really amazing capturing tool.
PancakeRecipes 2 years ago
He's really "Old School". In todays personal and work environment almost all of that paper would be digital files on his computer and he would be working his to do lists off his PDA
jmichael103 2 years ago
I tried to go digital, even bought a PDA, but found that good old pen and paper works best for me. Our uni does a great diary that includes a 'Brain RAM dump place'.
jogsingumboots 2 years ago 10
That's not true at all, not even hugs corps are doing that, you are talking pipe dreams. As you heard him say, most of what is in his Alpha file system are brochures, things he needs day to day, and if you read just the 1st chapter of his book, you would knlw that his files would be down to zero by the year end, and then he starts over.
clcradio 2 years ago
He doesn't seem to enthusiastic showing his work space...
yaguang 2 years ago
Well, I think it might be because he's explained his whole system thousands of times.
alpenjon 2 years ago
thanks for uploading this.
spiritsA 2 years ago
Comment removed
TerrestrialBiped 3 years ago
How does that correlate? It doesnt. His "simple" but effective desk roves how good GTD can be.
clcradio 2 years ago
Can't see the "open projects" list.
micheletoscan 3 years ago
Hi,
What's the name of the oriental melody at the end?
dannielo 3 years ago
Please don't use the term "oriental". It's considered derogatory and assumes that all of Asia is a single culture separate from the western world.
It's a song from the Punjab region of India, in a folk style known as "bhangra". I don't know the name of the song itself, but it is absolutely in that style.
JupiterJaz 2 years ago
"Getting things done" seems so simple, but I am completely amazed by how much stuff I was trying to carry around in "Mental RAM" and until I got it all out, I didn't realise how much of my energy it was taking up. Thanks LifeHacker + Allen.
Nice vid, I learned something new.
demorphic 3 years ago 2
Now i have lot of idea for my desk!! Good video! I love the gtd book! :)
dzamir 3 years ago
Mmmm Good Stuff! GTD Rocks!
MichaelHawkins1961 3 years ago
Or pr0n??
LifeHackDoc 3 years ago
This is like porn.
THE 43 FOLDERS!!!
thekoehlers 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
'Like' porn?
Did you really think, with that groaning "I totally unload my briefcase", he really is talking about his briefcase?
kuapo 3 years ago