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 Required Reading! Nov 02, 2009
I teach Outlook 2007 at my organization. Every student gets a copy of this book and it is required reading. Our final 2-hour session is completely focused on the principles of GTD. We call it an implementation workshop.
This book pays for itself.
M@
Paradigm Shifting Book Oct 28, 2009
I read the hype and now I know why so many people think so highly of this book - it truly changes the way you handle your work. It may sound corny, but the text is full of many "Aha!" moments - such as Allen's explanation that until you "collect" a task or idea or action by writing it down, it lingers in your mind, to haunt you, distract you and drain your energy. Allen's explanation of how our natural planning process - one that works every time we use it - is usually not accessed at work or when we have a major project at home. Instead, we tend to do things in reverse order, or in some other convoluted sequence. Allen explains the steps in natural planning and how they can very easily and to great success be applied at work and at home. Another major insight is that to get things done, you need to start from the bottom up, or at runway level, to use Allen's analogy, and then move up to 10,000 feet, then 20,000 feet, etc., rather than beginning from the top-down, by trying to identify your values and purposem, and then identifying the descending issues - the day-to-day, runway stuff will obstruct your path anyway, unless you handle it first. Yet another great piece of advice is the "What's the next action?" exercise, which forces you to think of the next, actual, physical action that needs to be taken to accomplish your task or move a project forward - vague and ambiguous statements and generalities just won't do.
On the down side, this book is about some very admittedly mundane tasks, like filing and making lists. For this reason, I think the book could have been enhanced by clearer examples and illustration. There is an excellent example on the author's web site, for example, on how to use natural planning for a child applying to college. Future editions should include such case studies.
The biggest lift to get the system going is the initial step of collecting and organizing all your open loops. It seems as if most of Allen's client take a whole day or even a weekend to do it. This is a great initial commitment, but one that should pay dividends.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Sytem really works Oct 26, 2009
As someone who struggled for handling papers at work and home, I was delighted with real common sense advice in this book. Simple, easy to follow (and cheap!) suggestions for staying on top of things cut my stress by 90 percent. Few how-to books have any lasting effects. David Allen's book was a real game changer.
Very helpful Oct 12, 2009
Just like probably everyone else, I have used and use a variety of productivity management tools. After I started using PocketInformant on my iPhone as my calendar and to-do list application I decided I needed better background on the GTD system. I found this book very helpful in explaining the GTD system and how to implement it in my life. Easy to read and thoughtfully organized, I give this book the highest possible rating.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 good ideas here, help with implementation needed Oct 01, 2009
This was the first of David Allen's products I trued, and I was pleased but a little frustrated with the length and theory. The ideas are sound and David offers a blank canvas upon which to build a system which works for you. I later found a book by christina randle: "Getting it together", which is shorter, shares similar content, and is much more readily implementable. David's book is well written and the messages are powerful...if you're looking for the opportunity to develop a system completely customized to yourself, use David and be prepared to commit some time & energy to staying on course. If you are looking for something a bit more canned, and easier to stay on course with christina randle.
both will help you effectivley blend your life (both work & personal).
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