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Getting Things Done af David Allen (Resumé)

Getting Things Done af David Allen - Resumé

Reviews

David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) method provides a detailed system for organizing tasks and commitments. The book offers useful tips for improving productivity and reducing mental overwhelm, but some say the book might be unnecessarily wordy and out-of-date. Others highlight the significant work needed to set up and keep the system going.

Praise

  1. Solid task management approach
    GTD provides a comprehensive five-step process for (1.) collecting, (2.) processing, (3.) organizing, (4.) reviewing, and (5.) taking action on tasks and responsibilities.

    “The GTD method is built around five essential steps designed to simplify the way we handle tasks. From capturing everything that demands our attention to reflecting on our commitments, Allen’s approach aims to turn confusion into clarity.”
  2. Increased productivity and focus
    GTD can improve productivity, concentration, and peace of mind by organising tasks, reducing multitasking, and frequently reviewing commitments.

    “By eliminating multitasking, GTD increases productivity and performance in finishing tasks. This system also helps manage open loops and internal commitments, leading to better focus and relaxation, which are important for improved productivity.”
  3. Makes project management easier
    GTD encourages breaking down projects into specific next actions, making them more tangible and manageable.

    “Project management becomes more productive with GTD by separating projects from the specific actions needed within them.”

Criticisms

  1. System complexity and setup
    Creating and maintaining the GTD system demands significant time, energy, and attention, especially initially. The many lists and categories can be difficult to manage.

    “One of the main criticisms of the GTD method is its intricacy, which can be hard to handle for some users. The upfront work needed to set up the system is substantial, especially for people with long task lists.”
  2. Demanding requirements
    The system relies on constant reviews, updates, and maintenance to work well, which some find hard to sustain and draining.

    “A key requirement of the GTD method is its dependence on the user’s ongoing dedication. Successfully handling open loops requires capturing all tasks needing attention in a reliable, frequently reviewed and organized external system.”
  3. Wordiness and dated recommendations
    The book is much longer than needed to explain the key points of the system. Many of its suggestions, such as its major emphasis on physical filing systems, seem outdated.

    “Around 20% of the book focuses on paper-based tools. It reads like GTD was updated in the late 90s and has stayed the same for the last 20 years. The book could be half as long and still effectively convey the key points.”
  4. Not flexible enough for individual needs
    GTD offers a fairly inflexible, one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for everyone. Customization and combination with other methods are often needed.

    “While the GTD method provides a useful framework for relaxed productivity and time management, it’s important for users to consider its fit for their personal needs and routines. For some, combining GTD with other productivity systems or allowing for flexibility could lead to the best results.”

Conclusion

Getting Things Done presents a useful but maybe imperfect method for personal productivity. While many find its thorough system helpful for organizing tasks and increasing productivity, its complexity and the major work needed to set it up and maintain it are big downsides. The book itself, though insightful, is overly long and sometimes dated. Potential readers should consider the benefits of the system’s intricacy, time investment, and inflexibility to determine if it fits their needs. Many will likely need to simplify and adapt GTD to make it practical for long-term use.

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