Your brain is great for having ideas, not for storing them.
David Allen
About the author
David Allen stands as one of the most respected productivity experts of our time. As the creator of the “Getting Things Done” (GTD) method, Allen changed how millions of people manage their work and lives. His background spans various careers, from karate teacher to manager at a lawn service company, giving him unique insights into personal productivity.
Allen worked over 35 different jobs before age 35. This broad work experience shaped his understanding of how people struggle with organization. The quote came from his 2001 bestseller “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,” which has sold millions of copies worldwide.
What makes Allen so relatable is his straightforward, practical approach. Unlike many productivity coaches who talk about grand life goals, Allen focuses on simple, actionable steps. His work has attracted followers from CEOs to everyday office workers, all drawn to his practical wisdom about managing information overload.
The meaning of the quote
The quote offers a powerful insight into how our minds work. The human brain excels at making connections between ideas and spotting patterns. What it does poorly is storing information with reliability and perfect recall.
When we try to use our minds as storage systems, we create what Allen calls “open loops”: unfinished tasks that drain our mental energy. Whenever we think “I need to buy milk” or “I should call Mom,” our brain burns energy. This mental clutter limits our ability to think clearly and creatively.
The solution? External systems. Writing things down, using digital tools, or creating physical reminders frees your mind from the burden of remembering. A simple notebook, task management app, or even sticky notes work better for storage than your memory.
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