Book Review: Getting Things Done

I've been reading Getting Things Done by David Allen. For an overview of David Allen’s book see this handy handout that I found online. If you read the book, this is an excellent supportive resource. If you don’t plan reading the book, you may want to have a look at this handout for an pictorial overview. It is very interesting and helpful.

I am enjoying reading this book because David Allen offers a functional and complete system for absolutely everything in your life. When he talks about work, he means everything from reading a book, keeping a home to paid employment – so it is relevant to everyone. I found his psychological insight interesting, as he explains why things will or won’t work and helps you get started to get things done. The book provides great tips for multi-tasking.

“Getting Things Done” is about scooping up all your stuff and having a good sort! David Allen encourages you to sort into to-do, to fix, to buy, to talk about, to plan, to develop, to design etc and to to put them all into lists and systems that you check and update weekly. The key is to be clear on what you have and what you want and know what you should do next.

The book asks you to look long term at your life so that you focus on what is important in the now. He also has the nifty idea of calling your regular to-do list, the ‘Next Action list’. It is something different from your long term 5 year achievement list or projects on the go etc. The ‘Next Action list’ is to define and understand your ‘next action’ and is a very important lesson of the book. David Allen explains that you need to understand the difference between your Next Action and the things you want to achieve in your life, for example, rather than saying ‘I’d like to have a tidy desk’, write ‘clear paperwork’. David Allen says that when goals are too big, they will never be done, so write in steps.

This book will make you want to start making lists, get organised and GO! So what are you waiting for….? Here’s the book!

What book(s) are you reading at the moment, add a comment and let us know your recommendations!