Getting Things Done (GTD)

The foundation of David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology is how the “mind is for having ideas not holding them”. Thus if you are able to empty your mind from everything that requires attention, the methodology promises you to gain control, become more creative and productive, and to become confident in that everything you are doing at any time is exactly what you should be doing at exact that time.

The objectives of Getting Things Done should be achieved by implementing two focuses: the horizontal focus and the vertical focus. The horizontal focus concerns every aspect of work and personal life and incorporates clear definitions of projects and the next actions to be taken in order to get closer to completing the projects, as well as reminders placed in a complete and trusted system that is being reviewed on a regular basis. This should be implemented using the five steps for work-flow management of: (1) to capture every item that has attention, (2) to clarify what the item means and what to do, (3) to organize the results from the clarify step, (4) to reflect on priorities, and lastly (5) to engage with the chosen items.

In opposition is the vertical focus used for a single project to get it under control, to find a solution, or to ensure that the right steps are set out. The vertical focus should be implemented using the natural planning model and the five phases of project planning: (1) defining the purpose and principles, (2) outcome visioning, (3) brainstorming, (4) organizing, and (5) defining next actions.

This article will make an in-depth description of the practices involved in the Getting Things Done methodology as well as describe its limitations. The described practices is based on the second and newest edition of the “Getting Things Done” book by David Allen published in 2015.