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Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Getting Things Done
In his bestselling first book, Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen presented his breakthrough methods to increase efficiency. Now "the personal productivity guru" (Fast Company) shows readers how to increase their ability to work better, not harder every day. Based on Allen's highly popular e-newsletter, Ready for Anything offers readers 52 ways to immediately clear your head for creativity, focus your attention, create structures that work, and take action to get things moving.
With wit, inspiration, and know-how, Allen shows readers how to make things happen with less effort and stress, and lots more energy, creativity, and effectiveness. Ready for Anything is the perfect book for anyone wanting to work and live at his or her very best.
165 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
435 people are currently reading
7301 people want to read
About the author
David Allen
84 books1,492 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Allen is an American author and productivity consultant. He created the time management method Getting Things Done.
David Allen is an American author and productivity consultant. He created the time management method Getting Things Done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
April 5, 2011
I made a really big push with the GTD system this year. I listened to the GTD Live audio sessions and then I read Ready for Anything. More than ever I'm relying on GTD to manage my life.
What I learned this time around is how connected organization and creativity are. We're either being creative and making new stuff, or else trying to organize all the stuff that we have created so that we have more space (psychological or physical or otherwise) which will then allow us to be creative again.
The format of this book is nice because each principle is just a page or two long. It's easy to pick it up at any time. Some of the principles really hit home, a few didn't help me much. I really like all the quotes; each principle includes several quotes from a wide variety of people. I marked up many of them for future reference.
What I learned this time around is how connected organization and creativity are. We're either being creative and making new stuff, or else trying to organize all the stuff that we have created so that we have more space (psychological or physical or otherwise) which will then allow us to be creative again.
The format of this book is nice because each principle is just a page or two long. It's easy to pick it up at any time. Some of the principles really hit home, a few didn't help me much. I really like all the quotes; each principle includes several quotes from a wide variety of people. I marked up many of them for future reference.
September 17, 2020
My 2nd time reading this book ; it's that good, because it's so spiritually nourishing. Full of revelations on staying in the zone, and how tweaking to stay inside requires way less effort.
Quotes :
-------
"... Though most people, when they think about it say, 'No - your head is probably not the best place to keep something in a trust-worthy fashion' they still keep over half their life in there."
"I have a vision that 25 years from now, every 12 year old on the planet will say 'Why did you ever keep things in your head?' What an old-fashioned and dumb thing to do.' "
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
"Creativity shows up when there's space... How is limited. Clear the pipes and you attract and foster new productive thinking that almost happens by itself."
"Years ago a mentor of mine - who consulted with healthcare organizations - told me that whenever the front office of a clinic cleaned up its backlog of claims and paperwork and streamlined its flow, patient volume invariably increased dramatically. He suggested that as long as the reception staff experienced new business as creating more stress due to clogged systems, they would unconsciously turn it away."
"God forgives those who invent what they need." - Lillian Hellman
"Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle." - Michaelangelo
"Find out what's stressing you and deal with it now, if you want to be truly effective at all levels at once."
"Your power is proportional to your ability to relax."
"The history of productivity is the history of personal freedom."
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." - Lao Tzu
"Don't eliminate fear, but transcend it to diffuse its paralyzing effect."
"People with the most elevated view of what they are doing perform the most elegant-looking actions."
"There is no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need it." - English proverb
"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about." - Charles Kingley
"The people who need what we [at the David Allen Company] do the least are the people who use it the most. Why? Because they're already in the driver's seat and already in motion... It's easier to move when you're in motion... I've never known anyone to get carsick when she was driving the car. A much deeper level of equilibrium is accessed when you actually take charge of the moving vessel. The main reason you'll feel much better when you implement the methods of collecting, processing, organizing, and intuitively managing the total inventory of your work is not that it creates less to do. It's because it automatically puts you back in the driver's seat, at the center of your universe. You become cause, instead of effect."
"Missiles and rockets are off-course most of the time they are in the air. They get where they're going because they continually course-correct."
"Play a game you can win, and lose as much as you need to, to get there."
.
Quotes :
-------
"... Though most people, when they think about it say, 'No - your head is probably not the best place to keep something in a trust-worthy fashion' they still keep over half their life in there."
"I have a vision that 25 years from now, every 12 year old on the planet will say 'Why did you ever keep things in your head?' What an old-fashioned and dumb thing to do.' "
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." - Plutarch
"Creativity shows up when there's space... How is limited. Clear the pipes and you attract and foster new productive thinking that almost happens by itself."
"Years ago a mentor of mine - who consulted with healthcare organizations - told me that whenever the front office of a clinic cleaned up its backlog of claims and paperwork and streamlined its flow, patient volume invariably increased dramatically. He suggested that as long as the reception staff experienced new business as creating more stress due to clogged systems, they would unconsciously turn it away."
"God forgives those who invent what they need." - Lillian Hellman
"Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle." - Michaelangelo
"Find out what's stressing you and deal with it now, if you want to be truly effective at all levels at once."
"Your power is proportional to your ability to relax."
"The history of productivity is the history of personal freedom."
"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." - Lao Tzu
"Don't eliminate fear, but transcend it to diffuse its paralyzing effect."
"People with the most elevated view of what they are doing perform the most elegant-looking actions."
"There is no rest for the wicked, and the righteous don't need it." - English proverb
"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about." - Charles Kingley
"The people who need what we [at the David Allen Company] do the least are the people who use it the most. Why? Because they're already in the driver's seat and already in motion... It's easier to move when you're in motion... I've never known anyone to get carsick when she was driving the car. A much deeper level of equilibrium is accessed when you actually take charge of the moving vessel. The main reason you'll feel much better when you implement the methods of collecting, processing, organizing, and intuitively managing the total inventory of your work is not that it creates less to do. It's because it automatically puts you back in the driver's seat, at the center of your universe. You become cause, instead of effect."
"Missiles and rockets are off-course most of the time they are in the air. They get where they're going because they continually course-correct."
"Play a game you can win, and lose as much as you need to, to get there."
.
January 11, 2010
I'm a big fan of David Allen, but this book was a big disappointment. Its a series of 52 essays that are reprints from Allen's newsletters and website, and they tend to be short, pithy, and reasonably readable pieces that riff on the core principles of Allen's Getting Things Done book. However, the problem with it is that after 2-3 of these things, they bleed together, and you're reminded that all the good ideas were in the original book. Others might like it more than me -- Allen spends lots of time on principles versus tactics in this book, with a massive amount of quotes that are Zen driven. I mainly was motivated to reread Getting Things Done as the best ideas here (Ubiquitous Capture Tool, Weekly Review, psychic RAM) were all described more practically in the previous book.
August 15, 2018
2018 update; I reread David Allen about every year. It gets both simpler and more complex every time.
Sometimes when I read this one along with the others in the series I'm disappointed, this time I enjoyed it the most of the 3. It's the most personally insightful and personable of his books.
Sometimes when I read this one along with the others in the series I'm disappointed, this time I enjoyed it the most of the 3. It's the most personally insightful and personable of his books.
May 29, 2016
If you are a fan of Getting Things Done and the David Allen Company, you'll want to read this book. It's such an encouragement to keep up the practices that help you life your life balancing the hundred different things you have going on at one time with a clear, relaxed mind.
I'd highly suggest reading Getting Things Done the 2015 edition first, though. This book is meant to provide short tips that really hone in on the main principles of the book. It's like a master's guide for those already working within the system.
I'd highly suggest reading Getting Things Done the 2015 edition first, though. This book is meant to provide short tips that really hone in on the main principles of the book. It's like a master's guide for those already working within the system.
August 7, 2007
I received ‘Ready for Anything’ (RfA) as a belated birthday present from my sister. She saw it on my Amazon wish list. This came as a surprise. I don’t remember putting it on the list. Earlier, I dismissed this book in a conversation with Jennifer George, who thoroughly analyzed the text. I’ve been wondering several points about this slim book. I want to make comparisons to it as investigations into the organization philosophy. This book was born after ‘Getting Things Done’. In the order of thing, ‘Ready for Anything’ is the egg. If I compare the two, Ready for Anything is the philosophy in which GTD is the systematic execution, a methodology, where as Ready for Anything is a philosophy. There are some 52 short sections, which can be read as or compare to Koan. At times they are like Koan, because of they are mysterious in nature. At times, it’s hard to understand without a through understanding, and systematic practice of GTD. At times, RfA is a ‘Cliffnote’, a synopsis for the real text. Even though it is written after GTD, I wonder if this could have been a prequal, a predecessor, a subconsciousness lurking underneath GTD. It acts as if an introduction to the systematic execution of a process. In some ways, I prefer RfA, as it is not as dogmatic as GTD nor is it as instructional. It is rather a pondering about a methodology, a pretense for the rigor which is spelled out in GTD. The marvel of it is that, as systematic as GTD is, people who have read it devised their own system. GTD methodology is flexible. Another book by David Allen could not have conjure up a better scheme. It is better to revisit the existing scheme with new eyes and perspectives. I think that this is what RfA does best.
Posted by ducly Filed in Diary | Edit
Posted by ducly Filed in Diary | Edit
October 22, 2013
For those who use GTD this book is a great refresher on why you're doing it, and is excellent chance to look again at each of your processes and change them up if needed.
For those who are new to GTD I think this might be the easiest way to get a taste of what's it all about in terms of why you should do it and the general beliefs that form the core of GTD.
Read this book in bits, it's broken up into 5 minute chapters and I wouldn't read more than 2 at a time. Preferably just 1. This allows you to have a decent think about the ideas in each chapter and how they may apply to you.
Even though it is a short book it is densely packed with ideas and questions so you have to take it slowly to get the best out of it.
For those who are new to GTD I think this might be the easiest way to get a taste of what's it all about in terms of why you should do it and the general beliefs that form the core of GTD.
Read this book in bits, it's broken up into 5 minute chapters and I wouldn't read more than 2 at a time. Preferably just 1. This allows you to have a decent think about the ideas in each chapter and how they may apply to you.
Even though it is a short book it is densely packed with ideas and questions so you have to take it slowly to get the best out of it.
March 28, 2025
A whole bunch of nothing
April 22, 2008
I like David Allen's take, even when I don't agree with him. Like Chapter 7 about Prioritization. But I'm nitpicking.
This is a nice follow on to Getting Things Done where David offers 52 short chapters each dealing with a different topic. Having spent some time working on GTD methodology I re-read this one and definitely took more from it than the first time!
This is a nice follow on to Getting Things Done where David offers 52 short chapters each dealing with a different topic. Having spent some time working on GTD methodology I re-read this one and definitely took more from it than the first time!
March 1, 2020
Short chapters: each one exploring one aspect of the GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology. It's a collection of David Allen's newsletters throughout the years. It contains various of his famous quotes and some of his A-HA moments working with the methodology.
The last chapter brings a GTD summary with the 5 steps, the weekly review, the natural planning model and the higher horizons. It still uses the old nomenclature before David Allen published the revised edition in 2015.
The last chapter brings a GTD summary with the 5 steps, the weekly review, the natural planning model and the higher horizons. It still uses the old nomenclature before David Allen published the revised edition in 2015.
June 13, 2015
I have this book to thank for finally answering the question: How many pages can you fill up using only business cliches and barely-relevant quotes from famous people?
I guess the only reason I give it 2 stars instead of 1 because this book is basically a weak and sloppy repackaging of his first book - and his first book was honestly a life-changing book in terms of organizing yourself and being productive. So if you need a book to do that, read Getting Things Done and just use this one as a coaster or something.
I guess the only reason I give it 2 stars instead of 1 because this book is basically a weak and sloppy repackaging of his first book - and his first book was honestly a life-changing book in terms of organizing yourself and being productive. So if you need a book to do that, read Getting Things Done and just use this one as a coaster or something.
Currently reading
December 27, 2007David Allen is my super nerdy organizing your life boyfriend. This book is hot. It should be combined with his celebrated (I'm still raising a glass) Getting Things Done, better know in left/anarchist circles as the GTD Revolution.
July 3, 2012
Loved this book. Super practical and short sections that can be easily applied to life. Helped inspire me to be more organized and productive.
April 25, 2009
Notes:
One's ability to be productive is a directly proportionate to one's ability to relax.
David Allen's program is irreducible. It is as simple as it can be and not simpler.
1. capture and corral ALL our internal and external "open loops" to regain clarity and energy.
2. Consciously managing our focus within the multiple levels of outcome and responsibilities to which we are committed.
3. creating trusted structures and consistent usage of them to trigger the appropriate focus and reminders as nescessary.
4. Grounding it all with flexible, forward motion at the physical action level.
imagine: completion, structure, focus, and action
David Allen said a month ago that something was coming I couldn't foresee that would affect me significantly. Ask me again on
May 16th. lol
Asian proverb: The more sweat in peace, the less you'll bleed in war.
SINCE I believe function follows form:
what will my ubiquitous capturing tool look like?
Quote: Samuel Johnson: All intellectual progress begins in leisure.
You can only feel good about what you're not doing when you know what you're not doing.
Collect (visionary)- Clarify and define all the outcomes you've committed yourself to accomplish, small and large, , process
(executive) and the actions required to move on them, organize (manager), review, do/focus
ALAS - I am a committee!
Tip: one skipper at a time.
Quote: Eistien: Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler. (irreducible)
Work:
1 - What are your current tasks? (typically 100 - 200 daily)
2 - What are your current projects? /requires more than one step to accomplish (typically 30 - 100)
3 - What are you current areas of responsiblity - (job/home/body. 10 - 15)
4 - How is your job and personal affairs going to be changing in the next month/year?
5 - over the next few years?
6 - why are you on the planet?
Quote Albert Camus: Real generousity to the future is giving all to the present.
Quote: Mencius: If you know the point of balance, you can settle the details, I you can settle the details, you can stop running
around. Your mind will become calm. If your mind becomes calm, you can think in front of a tiger. If you can think in front of a
tiger, you will surely succeed.
Projects vs someday maybe.
Someday maybe: projects without steps needed currently.
Either you need new tires or you don't.
Quote: Thomas Edison: Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Quote - Plutarch: The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.
not thinking about thinking
several times a day reassess all the actions required to accomplish what you are committed to.
weekly a thorough review of all projects and actions attached
month or two . check list of all responsiblities to be sure you are doing the right projects.
yearly - look toward the next 12 months.
few years vision and lifestyle.
grand think.. your reason for being
Review all this at appropriate intervels.
The world just is what it is, what makes the difference is how you're engaged with it.
Quote: Will Rogers: If you find yourself in a hole, its time to stop digging.
Take an inventory of your major assets and procedures- your spaces, your policies, your meetings, your staff, your big toys,
your old clothes, and your jewelry. I'll bet you'll want to change a number of things and you'll enjoy doing it.
minimal habitual habits
1- what is the next step, based on desired outcome.
2- write these down
3- look at the reminders choosing what to do with the windows that open.
Quote: Bergson: Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.
Qute: Fonteyn: The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and
taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.
Quote: Olivier: I'd like people to remember me for a diligent workman. I think a poet is a workman. Shakespeare was a
workman./ And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.
Quote: From a church in sussex 1730 A vision without a task is but a dream; a task without a vision is drudgery; a vision and a
task is the hope of the world.
Quote: Kerry gleeson: This constant, unproductive preoccupation with all the things we have to do is the single largest
consumer of time and energy.
So let's say that you have a list of all the actionable things in front of you. How do you decide what to do ?
1. Context: What can I do at this moment?
2. Type of work (Do I whats on my list, new stuff that shows up, or down back and process?)
3. Level of work - focus on task, resonsiblitly, project, goal, or destiny.
outcomes desired, next actions required.
The rhythm of things..
Handling interruptions.. plan for it, interruptions happen.
from podcast:
David Allen understands that the application of his research is as individual as the devotee.
He believes that we should get things off our mind, and there is an inverse relationship of on your mind and getting things done.
Be patient ... it takes 2 years to get how to get things off your mind. It is a disapline as strict as getting a black belt in K.
1. Write it down. Grab them all.
2. Sort them to determine the next forwarding action.
3. Clarify and Park it on :
projects - weekly
action list computer, phone, errand, read
4. review weekly.
5. do engage.
(each part of this is familiar - everyone has done before, often.)
You are not your work or your thoughts.
4:41 PM 4/21/2009
7:46 AM 4/22/2009
8:27 AM 4/24/2009
One's ability to be productive is a directly proportionate to one's ability to relax.
David Allen's program is irreducible. It is as simple as it can be and not simpler.
1. capture and corral ALL our internal and external "open loops" to regain clarity and energy.
2. Consciously managing our focus within the multiple levels of outcome and responsibilities to which we are committed.
3. creating trusted structures and consistent usage of them to trigger the appropriate focus and reminders as nescessary.
4. Grounding it all with flexible, forward motion at the physical action level.
imagine: completion, structure, focus, and action
David Allen said a month ago that something was coming I couldn't foresee that would affect me significantly. Ask me again on
May 16th. lol
Asian proverb: The more sweat in peace, the less you'll bleed in war.
SINCE I believe function follows form:
what will my ubiquitous capturing tool look like?
Quote: Samuel Johnson: All intellectual progress begins in leisure.
You can only feel good about what you're not doing when you know what you're not doing.
Collect (visionary)- Clarify and define all the outcomes you've committed yourself to accomplish, small and large, , process
(executive) and the actions required to move on them, organize (manager), review, do/focus
ALAS - I am a committee!
Tip: one skipper at a time.
Quote: Eistien: Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler. (irreducible)
Work:
1 - What are your current tasks? (typically 100 - 200 daily)
2 - What are your current projects? /requires more than one step to accomplish (typically 30 - 100)
3 - What are you current areas of responsiblity - (job/home/body. 10 - 15)
4 - How is your job and personal affairs going to be changing in the next month/year?
5 - over the next few years?
6 - why are you on the planet?
Quote Albert Camus: Real generousity to the future is giving all to the present.
Quote: Mencius: If you know the point of balance, you can settle the details, I you can settle the details, you can stop running
around. Your mind will become calm. If your mind becomes calm, you can think in front of a tiger. If you can think in front of a
tiger, you will surely succeed.
Projects vs someday maybe.
Someday maybe: projects without steps needed currently.
Either you need new tires or you don't.
Quote: Thomas Edison: Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.
Quote - Plutarch: The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled.
not thinking about thinking
several times a day reassess all the actions required to accomplish what you are committed to.
weekly a thorough review of all projects and actions attached
month or two . check list of all responsiblities to be sure you are doing the right projects.
yearly - look toward the next 12 months.
few years vision and lifestyle.
grand think.. your reason for being
Review all this at appropriate intervels.
The world just is what it is, what makes the difference is how you're engaged with it.
Quote: Will Rogers: If you find yourself in a hole, its time to stop digging.
Take an inventory of your major assets and procedures- your spaces, your policies, your meetings, your staff, your big toys,
your old clothes, and your jewelry. I'll bet you'll want to change a number of things and you'll enjoy doing it.
minimal habitual habits
1- what is the next step, based on desired outcome.
2- write these down
3- look at the reminders choosing what to do with the windows that open.
Quote: Bergson: Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.
Qute: Fonteyn: The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one's work seriously and
taking one's self seriously. The first is imperative and the second is disastrous.
Quote: Olivier: I'd like people to remember me for a diligent workman. I think a poet is a workman. Shakespeare was a
workman./ And God's a workman. I don't think there's anything better than a workman.
Quote: From a church in sussex 1730 A vision without a task is but a dream; a task without a vision is drudgery; a vision and a
task is the hope of the world.
Quote: Kerry gleeson: This constant, unproductive preoccupation with all the things we have to do is the single largest
consumer of time and energy.
So let's say that you have a list of all the actionable things in front of you. How do you decide what to do ?
1. Context: What can I do at this moment?
2. Type of work (Do I whats on my list, new stuff that shows up, or down back and process?)
3. Level of work - focus on task, resonsiblitly, project, goal, or destiny.
outcomes desired, next actions required.
The rhythm of things..
Handling interruptions.. plan for it, interruptions happen.
from podcast:
David Allen understands that the application of his research is as individual as the devotee.
He believes that we should get things off our mind, and there is an inverse relationship of on your mind and getting things done.
Be patient ... it takes 2 years to get how to get things off your mind. It is a disapline as strict as getting a black belt in K.
1. Write it down. Grab them all.
2. Sort them to determine the next forwarding action.
3. Clarify and Park it on :
projects - weekly
action list computer, phone, errand, read
4. review weekly.
5. do engage.
(each part of this is familiar - everyone has done before, often.)
You are not your work or your thoughts.
4:41 PM 4/21/2009
7:46 AM 4/22/2009
8:27 AM 4/24/2009
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2024
I didn't get much from his original Getting Things Done book - and this book was not that different or better. Felt all over the place - and judging by reading other reviews here now it makes sense as I realise it's a rehash of his newsletters and articles - not book worthy of you ask me
The only decent part was the very beginning talking about being prepared and "ready for anything" and what goes into that
Besides that - it was random articles and no structure that id expect from a book with no transition or ease of follow reading a traditional book
The chapters are best suited as stand alone newsletters, articles or podcasts etc
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
The only decent part was the very beginning talking about being prepared and "ready for anything" and what goes into that
Besides that - it was random articles and no structure that id expect from a book with no transition or ease of follow reading a traditional book
The chapters are best suited as stand alone newsletters, articles or podcasts etc
To Our Continued Success!
Seemy
Waseem.tv/Blog
👆🏼 P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
https://Waseem.tv/GoodReadsBookInvite
May 17, 2014
This is a great book whether you work, volunteer, stay-at-home, or some combination. The chapters are very short and to the point. Each one quickly summarizes a skill or technique that can be used to improve productivity and simplify life.
I did not read his very popular book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity before this one, but I am planning to go back and read it. Allen has a very conversationalist style that makes reading about productivity and organization easy and interesting.
Allen emphasizes the importance of organized productivity as a way to increase creativity and performance. He talks often about creating structures that work for you rather than ones that you try to make work.
I definitely recommend this book. I found lots of great information I can use at home and in my roles in the Junior League of Atlanta. He has a lot to offer in a very short book!
I did not read his very popular book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity before this one, but I am planning to go back and read it. Allen has a very conversationalist style that makes reading about productivity and organization easy and interesting.
Allen emphasizes the importance of organized productivity as a way to increase creativity and performance. He talks often about creating structures that work for you rather than ones that you try to make work.
I definitely recommend this book. I found lots of great information I can use at home and in my roles in the Junior League of Atlanta. He has a lot to offer in a very short book!
July 24, 2008
I found this book a nice review of the Getting Things Done system, and while a lot of what the essays are saying is general, I think anyone reading would be better off already familiar with GTD.
These essays were a nice length, easily digested in a quick sitting with some interesting relevant quotes for each one. Some of them fire you up, some make you muse on your work and systems, but all succintly focus on an aspect of productivity, organisation, goals or structures.
These essays were a nice length, easily digested in a quick sitting with some interesting relevant quotes for each one. Some of them fire you up, some make you muse on your work and systems, but all succintly focus on an aspect of productivity, organisation, goals or structures.
March 28, 2012
I agree with other reviewers: If you want to get stuff done, read the original GTD book. In "ready for anything", each section is a tiny part of the GTD principle, more explained as a philosophy. David Allen explains more why we should use GTD but skips how (see other book). If you know that this book was published after GTD instead of before, this is confusing.
Instead of reading this, I can heartily recommend "Getting Things Done". Ready for Anything is a nice reminder on why you should keep on using the system, but you should instead simply re-read GTD.
Instead of reading this, I can heartily recommend "Getting Things Done". Ready for Anything is a nice reminder on why you should keep on using the system, but you should instead simply re-read GTD.
December 14, 2019
It's a collection of random ideas about productivity – some are valuable, some are not so interesting. The problem is that there is no structure – everything is mixed together, which makes it very easy to forget as soon as you turn the page.
If you want to refresh the principles of GTD, better reread the original "Getting Things Done" book.
If you want to refresh the principles of GTD, better reread the original "Getting Things Done" book.
August 4, 2024
Another good read by my favorite productivity guide. Practical advice, time management, stress reduction, and work-life balance packed in 52 actionable tips to improve efficiency and reduce stress in both work and personal life. It’s built on the concept from my favorite book by Allen, “Getting Things Done”. Warm recommendation for anyone who is starting or is already getting things done. :)
January 27, 2016
Overly complicated, in my opinion, and redundant. Too many steps, presented too quickly, with little reflection and even less cohesiveness.
December 21, 2017
Great to use as a daily reading to keep the GTD thoughts at the forefront.
April 27, 2025
Phew. I’m glad that’s over.
June 12, 2020
Getting Things Done (GTD) is a great book. It has really helped me a lot in organizing my life. David Allen in this book compiled the articles from his website about the details of GTD applicability, and the minutiae of GTD mentality. This book might answer the question of "why is GTD so useful, popular and timeless?". But the rationale of the GTD system in the main book is very enough. So, Don't read this book.
January 2, 2018
The book is full with lots of explanation and some good tips. I also like the little quotes on the margin. The author has extensive knowledge on the topic of productivity, getting organized etc. I would have enjoyed reading the book more if the language was fluid.
April 18, 2020
Title felt like a companion book to David Allen's GTD program, as opposed to something stand-alone. Unfortunately not a lot of value added.
January 1, 2018
Getting Things Done in essay format.
May 5, 2022
There's nothing new in this book, but is a refinement of Allen's ideas on productivity. It's a good refresher and useful in improving GTD practice, but I'm glad I read the first book first.
March 2, 2020
I did enjoy the length of each chapter, as it was able to keep my attention. Although this book contained useful information for a work environment and keeping up with more 'corporate' tasks, I did not find it as considerate towards work-life balance or mental health. I also found that if the flowchart or steps at the end of the book were not present, I would not know where to start, especially with the repetitiveness I believed was in the book. The flowchart at the end was more useful than the rest of the book, unfortunately.
April 28, 2025
While GTD was absolutely positively life-changing for me, this book is a big pile of nothingness. The advice is so generic it's worthless, and all the different "principles" just blend together into a vague slop of horoscope-esque unactionable truisms. Yeah I guess creativity is importantly... I guess focus is important... I guess it makes sense to not have meetings that are unimportant...
Dunno. This ain't it. Reading this felt like a waste of time.
Dunno. This ain't it. Reading this felt like a waste of time.
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