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What is GTD?

This must be the millionth blog touching the subject of GTD so here goes my attempt.
GTD is the short from “Getting Things Done”, a time management method and the title of a book by David Allen. It’s a very good book, that I would advise everyone to read it. The reason I don’t (advise everyone to read it) is because everyone who reads it shouldn’t feel constrained in reading it. People become defensive when someone tries to impose some point of view.
The book was subtly recommended by my brother and I postponed reading it because of my defensive system. After I’ve found more people that praise this book I gave it a try, and I’m glad I did.
A very good definition for what GTD can be found on Wikipedia.
Why is it better than other time management methods? It’s simple; it revolves around maintaining lists and more important: getting stuff out of your head into a system that you can trust and reviewing it periodically. The system can be a PDA, a notebook, a software tool, anything you can rely on.
The GTD process consists of 5 stages:
  1. Collect – whatever hinders your attention (“stuff”)
  2. Process – what they mean and what you should do about it
  3. Organize – the results
  4. Review – as options for what you may chose to do
  5. Do – what you have chosen to do.
It’s that simple. The book explains it better, and I think I’ll read it once more. So let me put that in the system.
There’s a good page for getting started with GTD here .

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