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93 of 95 people found the following review helpful:
Remarkable, 14 May 2005
By A Customer
This is a life-changing book. I was drowning in paper, felt constantly anxious about things I wasn't getting done, was missing deadlines, finding it hard to keep on top of my various commitments and projects. I thought I was just a disorganized person; this book has changed everything for me. I now have a clear idea of my commitments, an easy-access and reliable filing system, a simple way of capturing all my necessary actions, an empty inbox, and freer weekends. I should add that I have always been very cynical about these kinds of books and in fact I still am: I have looked at several other books on 'personal organization' and find them (a) ludicrous, pumped-up, pop-psychology books full of jargon and power phrases but signifying nothing, or (b) obsessed with making you a more productive little unit at work. This book is about making you a happier person - and makes it clear that the result of his simple techniques might be that you actually do less, by realising how your schedule works and refusing to take too much on. I can't recommend it enough.
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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
Flow from Angst to Action . . . and Relax!, 14 May 2004
This book is for all those who are overwhelmed with too many things to do, too little time to do them, and a general sense of unease that something important is being missed.Everyone has experienced times when everything seemed effortless, and progress limitless. David Allen has captured ways for you to achieve that wonderful state of mind and consciousness more often. His key concept is that every task, promise, or assignment has a place and a time. With everything in its proper place and time, you feel in control and replace the time spent on vague worrying with effective, timely action. As a result, the accomplishments grow while the pressure to accomplish decreases. As a result, the book contains many insights into "how to have more energy, be more relaxed, and get a lot more accomplished with much less effort." The key psychological insight of this book is that rapid progress occurs when you take large, unformed tasks, and break them down and organize them into smaller, sequential steps for exactly what to do and when. The book provides lots of guidance and examples for how to do this. The book is organized into three sections. The first gives you an overview of the whole process for how to get more done in a relaxed way. The second spells out the details of how to implement that process, in a way that a personal coach might use. The third provides subtle insights that help you appreciate the benefits that follow from using the process. Like all good coaches, Mr. Allen understands that appreciating a subject from several perspectives and getting lots of practice with it are critical steps in learning. The process advocated by this book is described with lots of systems flow charts that will appeal to all of the engineers and left-brained people. The right-brained people will find lots of discussions about emotions, feelings, and stress. So both types of thinkers should do well with this material. The essence of the process is that you write down a note about everything when you take on a new responsibility, make a new commitment, or have a useful thought. All of this ends up in some kind of "in" box. You then go through your "in" box and decide what needs to be done next for each item. For simple issues, this includes identifying the action you should take first and when to take it. For tougher issues, you schedule an appropriate time to work the problem in more detail. You organize the results of this thinking, and review your options for what you should be doing weekly. Then you take what you choose to do, and act. Think of this process as the following five steps: (1) collect (2) process (3) organize (4) decide (5) act. For the tougher problems, you start with identifying your purpose and principles so you know why you care how it all turns out. Then you imagine the potential good outcomes that you would like. Following that, you brainstorm with others the best way to get those outcomes. Then you organize the best pathway. Finally, you identify the first actions you need to take. Then you act, as in step 5 above. From this outline, I hope that you can see that this is not rocket science. It is simple common sense, but with discipline. The critical part is the discipline because that is what focuses your attention where it will do the most good. For example, rather than sitting on something you have no idea how to get started, you can decide right away to get ideas from others on what the purpose and principles are that should be used in selecting a solution. So, you are in motion, and you have saved much time and anxiety. What I learned from this book is that many people allow a lot of time to pass without taking any useful steps because they cannot imagine what to do next. This process should usually overcome that problem by showing you what to work on, providing methods to accomplish that step in the process, and guiding you to places where you can get appropriate help. As a result, this book should help overcome the bureaucracy and communications stalls that bedevil most organizations. This fits from my own experience in helping people solve problems. If you simplify the questions and make them into familiar ones, everyone soon finds powerful alternatives drawn from a lifetime of experiences and memories. Keep things broad, abstract, and vague, and peoples' eyes glaze over while they struggle for a place to begin. After you have finished reading and applying this book, I suggest that you share your new learning with those you see around you who are the most stressed out. By helping them gain relaxed control of their activities, you will also be able to enjoy the benefits of their increased effectiveness in supporting your own efforts. May you always get the tools you need, understand what to do next, and move swiftly through timely actions!
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36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
Too many things to Do? This book will enable you to cope., 25 Feb 2007
Do you ever feel stressed because you have so many different things you need/want to do? Do you forget appointments or waste time looking in piles of paper for that one important note that you made? If you like me are disorganized and never seem on top of things this is the book for you. I love reading self improvement books. In fact I get a lot of stick from my husband about my reading habits along the lines of 'Why don't you stop reading books about improving your life and start living.' 'Getting Things Done' is the first such book to get me into action mode and start working on all those projects I've put off for so long. No longer do I feel my life is out of control; no longer do I feel overwhelmed by all the 'stuff' I've taken on board.
If you want to get organized but don't know where to start Dave Allen's book will give you the tools to 'Get Things Done.' The book recommends a set of principles, habits and a filing system which encompasses everything that you want to do from the mundane 'I must get new tyres for the car' to the important major project at work. If you have a hectic lifestyle this system will remind you that your library books need renewing or that the car is due for its MOT as well as that you need to write the first draft of a report for work or you want to email a friend to ask if they would like to go to a concert. You can concentrate on making that phone call or writing that report without worrying about all those other things that you need/want to get done. His system even finds room for long term 'dreams' which are not possible at the moment such as learning a second language, writing a book or travelling to China.
So when I'm not at my desk making phone calls, writing letters, or reading emails I can relax knowing that everything is in my filing sytem, calendar or in-tray. If I need to go into town to pick up some milk a quick check in the appropriate file will remind me I've also got some dry cleaning to pick up or whatever else needs doing in town. Setting up the system takes time and effort but it works. Dave Allen recommends clearing two whole days to clear an office and your mind of clutter and put it into a system which reviewed regularly. I didn't have two full clear days and did it over a couple of weeks but my home office has stayed tidy, organised and fully functional since and other areas of my home/life are being transformed.
This is a practical book with lots of useful ideas for increasing productivity in all areas of life and reducing stress but if you are prepared to implement the whole system it can be life changing.
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
Go Get It and Get Things Done, 16 Mar 2007
I've always thought of myself as a reasonably well organised individual. However, after reading David Allen's `Getting Things Done' I realised that there were areas of my personal time management that could benefit from applying the GTD system.
Dave Allen's GTD is a solid, well-written and sensible guide to improving time management. He describes his book as a `compilation of more than two decades worth of discovery about personal productivity'. Indeed, throughout the book there are snippets of information from Allen and thoughtful quotes on all aspects of time management from setting time aside to getting the basics of a filing system together: `You increase your productivity and creativity exponentially when you think about the right thing at the right time and the tools to capture your value-added thinking'.
Because GTD does not favour any particular technology, you are free to adapt the system to your own needs. So, whether you prefer to build your to-do-list using a low-tech notebook and pencil or to capture them using the latest Blackberry device, then you are free to do so and the system still works.
But there are areas of GTD where the lack of advice on incorporating technology into the system is a little too sparse. I found this to be particularly true on the topic of dealing with email about which the book barely mentions. Given that we spend so much of our time managing email and we depend upon it for much of our workflow, I thought more discussion on the subject would have been justified. I have subsequently incorporated some of the GTD techniques into my own methods for tackling email management.
Still, I'm a convert to the concepts and techniques described in the book which I have found to be very effective.
Tetsou
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28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
Fantastic way of getting organized, 18 Feb 2007
First off, I'll start by saying: "Don't hesitate, JUST BUY IT!!"
This is one of the best investments you'll ever make. I've read "Getting Things Done", got hooked, then proceeded to read D.Allen's other book "Ready for Anything" as well as source and listen to the CDs "Getting Things Done fast". I can honestly say that this book and the whole "GTD" way of thinking has changed my life.
Before this book, I was a procrastinator who was almost always late for deadlines and often unreliable with commitments. I read a variety of books on time-management, productivity and procrastination-motivation, but none as influential as this.
I have been using GTD for about 2yrs now, I am highly organized, productive, with all my commitments outlined in an organized and trusted system - nothing slips through the cracks any more. I've set everything up in Outlook, have my categories such as @home, @computer, @out etc and just keep ticking away Next Actions and completing projects. I synchronize everything with my smartphone (HTC S620) and have the whole system (calendar, tasks, contacts, notes) portable with me wherever I go. My inbox remains empty and all my emails are correctly processed. Finally, I've introduced the habit of the Weekly Review and now look forward to blocking the outside world, once a week, to take stock and reorganize myself and prepare for the week ahead.
Since I got this book, besides being productive and organized, I find myself meeting all deadlines and feeling much less stressed.
Like I said, JUST DO IT and buy the book! What you'll get is one of the best and most practical books on personal productivity!!!
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
Excellent time management system, 31 Oct 2005
Excellent method of improving time management and prioritisation. Very clear to apply; based on about 6 or 7 simple principles which I found well described - in summary and detail; and easy to apply. I have been applying time management methods for 20 years and I found more benefit from this method in 2 weeks than in any other methods I have used. Introduced it to another member of my company who said the same as I felt two weeks later - felt much more in control, therefore less stressed and more in control. Great stuff. This is nice and simple, easy to apply, and in a well written book. Strongly recommended if you want to keep on top of multiple responsibilities - including home and family and also just as useful if you want to stay on top of others who have responsibilities to you. I'm so glad I stumbled across this book. It really has changed my life (pause for vomiting, but it is true.)
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38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
One of the best investments you'll ever make, 20 Sep 2003
Whether you have a problem with being overloaded, clutter, forgetfulness, being unable to say no to requests, or simply not knowing where to find invoices etc when you need them, this book is for you. You must be prepared however to set aside at least 1 to 4 days to set up your system but once it is rolling you feel so mentally free and in control. I have a few books on time management but this is definitely the best...
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32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
No More Clutter!, 16 Nov 2008
I am so inspired by this book! My filing system at work and at home has never worked as efficiently as it does now, after reading this book. Author David Allen's detailed system helps clear the 'clutter' in my mind as I have adopted his system of writing down what needs to get done so the task is either written on my calendar or on my to-do list. I don't have to try to "remember" what I need to do next, wasting time and energy thinking and getting lost in my thoughts. If something can be done in two minutes I do it, I file it, I make the phone call. My desk stays in order and I feel more at ease. I love feeling organized and clear in my life.
Another book which clears "the clutter" in my mind is Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life by Ariel & Shya Kane. This book teaches how to live in the moment without getting lost in the conversation of my thoughts. The Kanes have a yearly "Time & Project Management" course and "Transformation in the Workplace" seminar in New York City. These courses and their books have brought ease and inspiration to my workplace.
As a banker in New York City, I highly suggest checking out David Allen and Ariel and Shya Kane. You will discover a stress free environment in the workplace and at home.
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Ditch all your existing time/self management books!, 10 Nov 2002
Having read more than my fair share of time management books I stumbled across this whilst in the U.S. & it immediately grabbed my attention. I can safely say that this is the creme de la creme of time/self management books. Get ready to throw away your existing library of similar books & never have to buy another. I could immediately associate with the problems highlighted in this book, too much to do & never enough time. David Allen introduces his 'Work Flow' system for dealing with everything that arrives in our field of control. Like all good ideas Davids' are simple but highly effective... P.S. I don't work for him!!!
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24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
Buy it!, 8 Dec 2004
By A Customer
This book has changed my life. It provides a complete system to manage your work. Once you have set up your systems and absorbed the book properly it is amazingly effective with very little effort to actually maintain the system. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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