David Allen On "Getting Things Done"

[karlasechler]

nice conversation. hope to see more of this...

[TheClintond]

I read this book a few years ago, actually after watching this video. Need to read it again because I'm going through an extremely busy, overwhelmed and confused time in my life.

[randumfaktor]

Good lord.  Stewart Smalley in the flesh.

[Hitachi1255]

great guy

[ThomasKjemperud]

5 people are not getting things done...

[PhillipWongVp]

All David Allen is rambling, pink shirts, and goofy vests.

[ragapunkypartyrebeld]

This guy (David Allen) should be required reading as a capstone class for all college students!!!! My goodness, I discovered this guy in the nick of time. Excellent work, no need to reinvent the wheel. David hits the sweet spot of life management

[wendileona]

19:20 - Wow. The guy on the right talks about his favorite "cool" app that he actually loves sharing WHAT it can do, that fascination with tech over productivity is the problem. David then slams it and says its a cool app to collect but when do you get all that you've collected into ZERO collection. You rock David.

That's the problem with geeks-pushing this system. GTD in itself becomes a fascination rather than a tool. It becomes more about 'productivity porn' rather than task completion.

[wendileona]

15:00 the discussion of "how do you say NO" which David basically says, you'll know when to say "no" because you're already on top of your tasks/projects and they will determine when and where you can say "no" or "yes". Nice. The answer is in the system.

[bbbbbb222222]

lol, I never heard about this GTD stuff but I invented this same system for myself, to write things down, then do them and finally write a small review on how things went when I finish.

[ShushLorraine]

I'm one of those two that has never heard of GTD. However, writing everything down is very old. I'll have to learn more to see what the difference is. My dad (81yo) had a tiny notebook that he wrote everything down, even names of new people he met. So far, it sounds like my dad had this down. I'm sure there has to be more to it.

[wendileona]

@ShushLorraine The difference is basically that when you write things down that you need to do its all on one big list. GTD has a system which is marvelous where you break down those tasks to places where you need to take care of those to-do's/tasks. That's key.

[ShushLorraine]

@wendileona Thank you. I'm going to have to read his book.

[onsenatsui]

Perspective: This is a helpful video.

Action: I must watch this video at 12:31pm on tuesday.

[jrduboc]

"Even the french did it"...dude, I'm french, and I'm finding that quite offensive. You system rocks, your work is great, but PLEASE don't generalise people....

[SuccessWithCRM]

Excellent interview that covers the real and practical issues in every persons' lives that GTD addresses. David gets to display a likeable personality as he clearly demonstrates his deep understanding of how we behave and way the GTD systemic approach can help. You'll be having Ah-ha's moments just as Robert does as he listens to David's experiences. Having been involved with GTD for many years, this is one of the very best public videos. Well worth the 30 minutes.

[VenusianArts2]

very informative. two people candidly speaking with kindness - conversational role-models, the both of you.

[amarti1270fl1]

I am currently reading Getting Things Done it has given me a new focus, and provided me with the perspective of what improvements my personal system needs. I have started a in-tray and have been very productive in theses last couple of days. Everyone around me is asking me what Kool-Aid am I drinking? can't wait to share what I am learning.

[DoTheKnowledge]

Peace !

I'm doing some research for a paper I'm puttting together on productivity and time-management, and this helps beyond what I could even express! Thanks Fast Company.

Particular what David shared about Control & Perspective...pure brilliance...

Peace :),

+B

[joemech]

I read GTD at a critical time in my life and it saved my sanity. I quit my career and started a business. It allowed me to attend to a multitude of things without losing anything--appointments, bills, tasks. I no longer stress about forgetting something. I'm no longer embarrassed by having to come up with an excuse to someone for forgetting a commitment I made. In short, this really is one of those life-changers if you're open to it. If not, congratulations on achieving perfection.

[webjacksdesignco]

Me too

[saffronix]

Me three!!!

:)

[lukauskis]

now thats a job, to talk how to do things done.

basically you just talk, talk and talk even more, so that people forget phrase 'just do it' ;)

[zaidmehiar]

commitment to what he is saying is a problem

[clcradio]

If the brain "isnt for reminding and remembering," why do we take tests in school?

[whoops]

He made a broad statement that isn't fully correct. What he should have said is that your brain forgets things quite easily. A system of writing down and organizing your thoughts outside of your mind is much better. The easiest way to accurately remember something is to review it from something, not to recall it from memory. If you asked me to recall from memory all that I learned in physics in high school, I'd barely tell you 5% of what I was taught. If I reviewed my notes though...

[clcradio]

Agreed, fully. However, that certainly does not answer my question.

[ymouchai]

80% of school is B.S. and is built to build work habbits - not anything relevant

[DaveRapoza]

Because once apon a time they thought thats what made somebody smart. Their ability to retain miniscule facts..

[EulenthalKruemel]

Good point, BUT: school is about learning. Remembering and reminding are highly useful, but hardly all there is.

Honestly: why bother your brain and mind with remembering to buy cat food if you could easily outsource it? Better write it down. The only thing you have to remember then is "Look at $note_taking_device" instead of 285 different things you might/could/would/should/ought to do. Makes thing easier AND you can focus on more important things than just remembering.

My $0.02

[clintonskakun]

Because most of what we learn in school is BS, I'm sure you would agree;)

[leoncm100]

Try the pomodoro technique instead, you won't go mad.

[vitorakeda]

gonna try this...

[Phalces]

good system for acid casualties

[natdaFairy0113]

I dont buy the self disclaimer about being lazy. It takes a ton of discipline and diligence to do GTD. I've tried it.

[duggthis]

Good interview, just got the book after hearing DA with Leo Laporte on TWIT (N@N). His (David's) book for this puppy, at least is pretty life changing . Yes a bit cheesey at times, it is so simple like other great ideas.

[EtudianteAviendah]

Great interview! I'm new to GTD, so I'm soaking up everything I can find on this productivity model. Please keep up the good work and know that you are appreciated!

[ebonisnowe]

Wonderful interview :)

I'll watch it when my rampant procrastination starts getting out of hand.