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The Getting Things Done Workbook: 10 Moves to Stress-Free Productivity
An accessible, practical, step-by-step how-to guide that supplements Getting Things Done by providing the details, the how-to's, and the practices to apply GTD more fully and easily in daily life
The incredible popularity of Getting Things Done revealed people's need to take control of their own productivity with a system that reduces the stress of staying on top of it all. Around the world hundreds of certified trainers and coaches are engaged full time in teaching the process, supported by a grassroots movement of Meetup groups, LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, podcasts, blogs and dozens of apps based on it. While Getting Things Done remains the definitive way to gain perspective over work and create the mental space for creativity and mindfulness, The Getting Things Done Workbook enhances the original by providing an accessible guide to the GTD methodology in workbook form.
The workbook divides the process into small, manageable segments to allow for easier learning and doing. Each chapter identifies a challenge the reader may be facing--such as being overwhelmed by too many to-do lists, a messy desk, or email overload--and explains the GTD concept to address. The lessons can be learned and implemented in almost any order, and whichever is adopted will provide immediate benefits. This handy instructional manual will give both seasoned GTD users and newcomers alike clear action steps to take to reach a place of sustained efficiency.
The incredible popularity of Getting Things Done revealed people's need to take control of their own productivity with a system that reduces the stress of staying on top of it all. Around the world hundreds of certified trainers and coaches are engaged full time in teaching the process, supported by a grassroots movement of Meetup groups, LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, podcasts, blogs and dozens of apps based on it. While Getting Things Done remains the definitive way to gain perspective over work and create the mental space for creativity and mindfulness, The Getting Things Done Workbook enhances the original by providing an accessible guide to the GTD methodology in workbook form.
The workbook divides the process into small, manageable segments to allow for easier learning and doing. Each chapter identifies a challenge the reader may be facing--such as being overwhelmed by too many to-do lists, a messy desk, or email overload--and explains the GTD concept to address. The lessons can be learned and implemented in almost any order, and whichever is adopted will provide immediate benefits. This handy instructional manual will give both seasoned GTD users and newcomers alike clear action steps to take to reach a place of sustained efficiency.
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
686 people are currently reading
1170 people want to read
About the author
David Allen
84 books1,483 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 52 reviews
November 16, 2019
Being a big fan (not an adherent - that would be a different topic altogether) of GTD method, I obviously have a tremendous respect for Mr. Allen. He is definitely a genius of productivity and systematic approach, but I cannot say I enjoy his writing style very much - Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity is a treasure of good advise but it is longish and diluted with lot of quasi-philosophizing. Overall, it is no surprise that people are looking for other sources that could describe the GTD method precisely and to the point.
This workbook is trying to fulfill this role in part, also aiming to build the "GTD muscle" for a new practitioner. This is a commendable goal and largely, the book nails it. You get the detailed method overview, description (and rationalization) of each step and a number of examples (reasonably realistic). At the end of the day, you'll be better at GTD after reading this book than before.
My primary problem is with the execution. Huge foldouts with philosophical quotes from Mr. Allen's other books look like a waste of space. So is the obsession with large fonts and huge (two-thirds of a page in size!) exclamation point signs and other graphics. I'm sure Mr. Allen is beyond padding the page count with such cheesy tricks, but not only it doesn't add to the book value - it also makes the presentation quite unprofessional.
Overall verdict: the book is helpful (you'll be better at GTD after reading it) but it hardly has any lasting value - even if you decide to read it again (you won't) it will make it more useful. Bottom line: very slightly recommended, 3/5 for value, 1/5 for execution.
This workbook is trying to fulfill this role in part, also aiming to build the "GTD muscle" for a new practitioner. This is a commendable goal and largely, the book nails it. You get the detailed method overview, description (and rationalization) of each step and a number of examples (reasonably realistic). At the end of the day, you'll be better at GTD after reading this book than before.
My primary problem is with the execution. Huge foldouts with philosophical quotes from Mr. Allen's other books look like a waste of space. So is the obsession with large fonts and huge (two-thirds of a page in size!) exclamation point signs and other graphics. I'm sure Mr. Allen is beyond padding the page count with such cheesy tricks, but not only it doesn't add to the book value - it also makes the presentation quite unprofessional.
Overall verdict: the book is helpful (you'll be better at GTD after reading it) but it hardly has any lasting value - even if you decide to read it again (you won't) it will make it more useful. Bottom line: very slightly recommended, 3/5 for value, 1/5 for execution.
November 5, 2019
Love this workbook! One of the criticisms of David Allen's Getting Things Done is that people feel it is overwhelming in it's own right. This workbook really breaks everything down step-by-step. The workbook is not cluttered and the pages are laid out simply. There are a lot of mini quizzes, checklists, steps, and capture space. If you are looking to really learn the GTD system from the ground up or just get a refresher, you could easily read this instead of the GTD book. I'm personally looking forward to going through this to restart my own productivity system.
August 10, 2020
Yeesh. No knocks on the GTD methodology, which I think can be useful if rigorously practiced, and there are some good nuggets in here, whether you have read the book or a newcomer to this approach - but this workbook is horribly designed... so much wasted space, unnecessary advertising for the original book, ugly QR codes (which no one ever uses) and lame pull quotes taking up full 2-page spreads that serve no purpose. It really feels like the content here is thin and the publisher had to stretch to hit page count to make this into a book they could sell.
December 24, 2019
I had gotten a copy of the original Getting Things Done, but had never gotten the thing done of reading it through or implementing the system. For me, then, this workbook covered new ground, but I think if you have read the book, it might not be as useful. This would be a nice gift if you're sure the recipient wants some help getting organized, especially for more visual people.
August 6, 2019
I received a Digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The GTD method has such a cult following on the internet. I tried to read the original book a few years ago and while it was very informative and I can see how it's helpful, it was difficult to get through. It was very repetitive and the examples were tailored to the more high-powered executive type, a category in which I do not fall, and it felt unrelatable.
When I was given the opportunity to receive an advance copy of the workbook, I was so excited! I really enjoyed this and it condensed the GTD system into a much more manageable form. I appreciated the format - it was easy to read and understand and the steps (and sub-steps) were laid out in a logical way that I didn't quite get in the original book.
I think this was an excellent workbook and will be useful to GTD pros and newbies alike.
The GTD method has such a cult following on the internet. I tried to read the original book a few years ago and while it was very informative and I can see how it's helpful, it was difficult to get through. It was very repetitive and the examples were tailored to the more high-powered executive type, a category in which I do not fall, and it felt unrelatable.
When I was given the opportunity to receive an advance copy of the workbook, I was so excited! I really enjoyed this and it condensed the GTD system into a much more manageable form. I appreciated the format - it was easy to read and understand and the steps (and sub-steps) were laid out in a logical way that I didn't quite get in the original book.
I think this was an excellent workbook and will be useful to GTD pros and newbies alike.
October 13, 2019
Helpful condensed version of the older full book.
November 19, 2023
Format: ebook
The workbook is a push to show-up each day both with intention and a clear path forward. GTD is known for having a zealous following and I bet it’s because this isn’t just advice, it’s a lifestyle. My main complaint is the same as with the original book: the author comes off preachy, with ‘the right path for everyone.’ Most of it was applicable and helpful, especially in my professional life. But some of it I skimmed, like the part where he discusses email strategies as if we all get hundreds a day. That’s not my situation and I have my own system that works well already and is MUCH simpler.
This workbook took me a couple of months to work through. It’s structured to support the building of GTD habits with pauses built-in for the reader to implement each step before they continue. The interactive segments were engaging, getting me thinking about long term goals and providing practice on things such as creating next-steps.
Most helpful habits:
-If something takes less than 2 minutes to do, do it now
-write every idea or to-do down NOW in a single designated place
-sort tasks, emails, papers, etc into the following categories: next steps, wait for (someone or something), and maybe/someday. Clean it out weekly.
-have a specific next action for each task
-schedule a time each day to review the schedule, next steps, to update lists, etc.
-the necessity of consistent, scheduled routine when getting organized
I’m putting a paper copy on my Christmas gift list.
The workbook is a push to show-up each day both with intention and a clear path forward. GTD is known for having a zealous following and I bet it’s because this isn’t just advice, it’s a lifestyle. My main complaint is the same as with the original book: the author comes off preachy, with ‘the right path for everyone.’ Most of it was applicable and helpful, especially in my professional life. But some of it I skimmed, like the part where he discusses email strategies as if we all get hundreds a day. That’s not my situation and I have my own system that works well already and is MUCH simpler.
This workbook took me a couple of months to work through. It’s structured to support the building of GTD habits with pauses built-in for the reader to implement each step before they continue. The interactive segments were engaging, getting me thinking about long term goals and providing practice on things such as creating next-steps.
Most helpful habits:
-If something takes less than 2 minutes to do, do it now
-write every idea or to-do down NOW in a single designated place
-sort tasks, emails, papers, etc into the following categories: next steps, wait for (someone or something), and maybe/someday. Clean it out weekly.
-have a specific next action for each task
-schedule a time each day to review the schedule, next steps, to update lists, etc.
-the necessity of consistent, scheduled routine when getting organized
I’m putting a paper copy on my Christmas gift list.
March 22, 2022
A good introduction to "Getting Things Done". Motivation not included. (I read this book with a group, which was much better because we got support and accountability.)
If you're serious about GTD there's no substitute for the full-length book by David Allen.
If you're serious about GTD there's no substitute for the full-length book by David Allen.
August 26, 2021
A more straightforward version (hands on examples, focused just on the actionable pieces) of the GTD methodology than what is found in the main Getting Things Done book. This would be an easier place for most people to dip their toes in and figure out if this is a helpful system for them, then to graduate to the main book if they're looking for additional examples or detail.
It's a pretty quick read (unless you stop to do each portion of the workbook as instructed). I'm considering purchasing it to keep on the shelf with the full GTD book to keep both easily accessible.
Rating: G
It's a pretty quick read (unless you stop to do each portion of the workbook as instructed). I'm considering purchasing it to keep on the shelf with the full GTD book to keep both easily accessible.
Rating: G
October 12, 2019
The Getting Things Done Workbook is a very thorough and detailed planner for working through the Getting Things Done Method. I had not read the Getting Things Done books before reading this workbook, although there are many references to the books. I found it very helpful in providing examples for every possible type of action items and they ways to categorize them. Whether it be in your work life or personal life, either digitally organized or in analog (pen and paper) format, this is very helpful to staying on top of projects, tasks, and information in your life. After reading this workbook I will definitely read Getting Things Done.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
July 14, 2022
This book was on my radar for a couple of months and this week I felt I needed a GTD refresher so I picked it up. I loved it! It's totally action-oriented: perfect for people who have already read the Getting Things Done original book. I enjoyed how it presented the 10 Moves going through all the 5 Steps in order. I learned a lot from it! I realized I was overcomplicating my system and the exercises put me back on track.
December 29, 2022
Tahle cvičebnice mě hodně příjemně překvapila. Dodala mi některé chybějící dívky skládačky, kvůli kterým mi dříve GTD tolik nedávalo smysl, a zároveň některé principy zjednodušila a dobře vysvětlila, jak je uvést do praxe. Trochu lituju, že neexistovala už před lety, kdy jsem GTD četla poprvé, protože myslím, že by mi hodně pomohla ho tehdy uchopit za správný konec a reálně implementovat.
October 30, 2020
A Marie Kondo of paperwork, not really what I expected.
December 21, 2022
A much more fast paced book compared to the actual book, I haven't read through the original book yet however I've already gleaned a lot from just this workbook.
I haven't fully implemented all the techniques yet, and it would probably take months before I can compare actual progress, but I am going to slowly implement this (plus a whole host of other productivity methods) to see which ones fit and which ones don't.
I am happy that this workbook emphasises flexibility and what works for you often, it's not entirely rigid. There are moments of that in this book (as in any self-help book) but not too often. The methods make sense, they're not overly complicated, and they're broken down in a way that doesn't feel like you have to upend your entire life just to try out. They're simple additions to life that may take a while to implement, but shouldn't take hours to maintain a week.
Looking forward to see if this really helps a lot of not over the upcoming month or so.
I haven't fully implemented all the techniques yet, and it would probably take months before I can compare actual progress, but I am going to slowly implement this (plus a whole host of other productivity methods) to see which ones fit and which ones don't.
I am happy that this workbook emphasises flexibility and what works for you often, it's not entirely rigid. There are moments of that in this book (as in any self-help book) but not too often. The methods make sense, they're not overly complicated, and they're broken down in a way that doesn't feel like you have to upend your entire life just to try out. They're simple additions to life that may take a while to implement, but shouldn't take hours to maintain a week.
Looking forward to see if this really helps a lot of not over the upcoming month or so.
August 19, 2025
Fantastic! I've read the Getting Things Done book. I've implemented and used GTD for years (mostly half-assed ;) So this year I took a GTD course that followed this workbook and it was a great way to review my system and improve it! Some things are still untouched messes (ie. my email) but thanks to this workbook and course I've realized my biggest stumbling block is the "Clarify" part of GTD. The book says you might need 60-90min per day for that. No wonder my system was a mess, I never spent even close to that time!
And now I have a really great new habit to review all my lists every couple of days or more often, just to get a sense of what's on my plate. And it's quick enough I can do it even during chaos periods. Because I think the biggest message I got from GTD this time round was "You can only feel comfortable about what you're NOT doing when you KNOW what you're not doing."
And now I have a really great new habit to review all my lists every couple of days or more often, just to get a sense of what's on my plate. And it's quick enough I can do it even during chaos periods. Because I think the biggest message I got from GTD this time round was "You can only feel comfortable about what you're NOT doing when you KNOW what you're not doing."
June 28, 2021
Esse novo livro do David Allen traz mais objetividade ao apresentar e ensinar a metodologia GTD. Ele é um ótimo livro para quem deseja aprender mais desse sistema pessoal de organização, porque ele vai direto ao ponto, criando meios de aprender os primeiros passos de forma mais didática.
Para quem conhece e já utiliza o sistema, ele é um bom material para fazer suas revisões e comparar no que precisa melhorar no dia a dia. Vale a leitura para quem não conhece como também para que utiliza a tempos.
Diria que a ordem de leitura que recomendo é este livro e depois a edição de capa azul da "A Arte de Fazer acontecer"
Para quem conhece e já utiliza o sistema, ele é um bom material para fazer suas revisões e comparar no que precisa melhorar no dia a dia. Vale a leitura para quem não conhece como também para que utiliza a tempos.
Diria que a ordem de leitura que recomendo é este livro e depois a edição de capa azul da "A Arte de Fazer acontecer"
December 11, 2022
A good note to return to every once in a while.
Some mantras, central to the GTD framework.
1. The benefit of this is allowing you the luxury of emptying your mind without letting it get distracted into your doing.
2. You increase your creativity and productivity exponentially when you make it a habit to capture potentially meaningful things in the moments they occur.
3. The essence of getting things done is knowing what "done" means, and what "doing" is like and where it happens.
4. View current problems as projects.
Some tips that I need to implement:
1. Nature mindsweeping.
2. Never put something back into the "in" tray.
3. Think of doing this this as my work, not chores that's preventing me from doing actual work.
"Having a clear head and relaxed, focused control is dependent on orienting yourself in space, and time with the appropriate map, the lists and pictures of your landscape of commitments and interests. The real value of building a trusted external brain, as GTD does, is to free you to make good, intuitive, choices about what to be doing, and what not to."
"You don't set priority, you have them."
"Trust yourself: every heart vibrates to that string."
Some mantras, central to the GTD framework.
1. The benefit of this is allowing you the luxury of emptying your mind without letting it get distracted into your doing.
2. You increase your creativity and productivity exponentially when you make it a habit to capture potentially meaningful things in the moments they occur.
3. The essence of getting things done is knowing what "done" means, and what "doing" is like and where it happens.
4. View current problems as projects.
Some tips that I need to implement:
1. Nature mindsweeping.
2. Never put something back into the "in" tray.
3. Think of doing this this as my work, not chores that's preventing me from doing actual work.
"Having a clear head and relaxed, focused control is dependent on orienting yourself in space, and time with the appropriate map, the lists and pictures of your landscape of commitments and interests. The real value of building a trusted external brain, as GTD does, is to free you to make good, intuitive, choices about what to be doing, and what not to."
"You don't set priority, you have them."
"Trust yourself: every heart vibrates to that string."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2023
Das war wirklich hilfreich. Alles noch mal ganz kurz zusammengefasst. Platz, um eigene Notizen zu den jeweiligen Schritten einzutragen. Evaluation der Vorher-Nachher-Veränderung. Besonders gefallen hat mir die Seite, die nach dem Warum fragt. Warum mache ich das überhaupt? Ja, das Workbook ist definitiv eine sinnvolle Ergänzung zum Buch. Man kann es auch allein bearbeiten, wenn man dann die ganzen QR-Codes scannt und im Grunde doch noch mal den Inhalt des Buches erarbeitet. Also besser gleich beides zusammen. Denn ja, ich war auch skeptisch am Anfang, aber es hat wirklich funktioniert. Und es ist so einfach. Mein Hirn war deutlich leerer und ich dadurch entspannter.
December 20, 2020
This book is a phenomenal supporting material to the GTD methodology. The format is easy to follow and the checklists are incredibly helpful. If you feel the main GTD book can be overwhelming, this is a great step-by-step guide to walk you through each step confidently, and start building routines to supportive the life you envision for yourself. I’m excited to get more out of this methodology in the upcoming year.
May 2, 2021
Recomiendo mucho este libro para todas aquellas personas que están buscando organizar la gran cantidad de tareas, proyectos, pendientes, papelería, cartas, mensajes y correos, por mencionar algunos, que tienen. David Allen muestra a través de ejemplos prácticos cómo aplicar su metodología GTD. Yo la puse en práctica y he visto un cambio en la administración de mis pendientes y ahora me siento más al tanto de todos los compromisos que hice. Vale la pena leerlo!!!
October 22, 2022
Se você já leu o GTD, leia este.
Diferente do livro anterior, o objetivo deste é trilhar os passos do GTD de maneira muito prática.
Revisitar esta metodologia trouxe mais sensação de organização e realização para as tarefas do dia a dia.
Por ser um método simples, pode levantar dúvidas se realmente funciona, mas no dia a dia entendemos como podemos utilizá-lo da melhor maneira e enxergar o progresso em nossos objetivos.
Diferente do livro anterior, o objetivo deste é trilhar os passos do GTD de maneira muito prática.
Revisitar esta metodologia trouxe mais sensação de organização e realização para as tarefas do dia a dia.
Por ser um método simples, pode levantar dúvidas se realmente funciona, mas no dia a dia entendemos como podemos utilizá-lo da melhor maneira e enxergar o progresso em nossos objetivos.
January 25, 2023
This is an excellent GTD Method Workbook. It is very practical and enables the application of the method in 10 Moves. I can recommend it to both GTD beginners and practioners. The book contains a couple of helpful checklistes to alalyse progress. The workbook is worth going through even more than once.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2019
Overall, a great place to start getting organized, getting ready to start a new chapter of your life.
Practical, step-by-step advice, ready for anyone to pick up and start making changes.
**I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Practical, step-by-step advice, ready for anyone to pick up and start making changes.
**I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2019
Overall, a great place to start getting organized, getting ready to start a new chapter of your life.
Practical, step-by-step advice, ready for anyone to pick up and start making changes.
**I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest revi
Practical, step-by-step advice, ready for anyone to pick up and start making changes.
**I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest revi
March 13, 2020
There are lots of helpful tools and methods throughout the book, and I imagine this would be great for a starter, but I already have a file system I'm a huge fan of (PARA: https://fortelabs.co/blog/para), so it wasn't as applicable to me.
June 7, 2021
(7/10) Es el complemento que le faltaba al libro principal, ya que éste adolecía de ser poco práctico. Este es justo lo contrario, te define claramente los pasos a seguir para montar un sistema GTD. Sin embargo, creo que se queda un poco corto para la gente que ya usa GTD.
June 26, 2021
I've read David Allen's books years ago and incorporated many of the ideas into my life, but this workbook is a great practical summary and quite enough for someone with no prior knowledge of GTD to be able to start implementing it successfully
April 13, 2024
This is great stuff. I read GTD a long while ago but I think after reading this book I need to read the original GTD book again.
This system seems to work. I only use parts of it and it makes me more productive already.
This system seems to work. I only use parts of it and it makes me more productive already.
April 28, 2024
The most complete GTD guide
For all who love Getting Things Done, this is the most complete step-by-step implementation guide. It includes tutorials and templates I have not seen before.
For all who love Getting Things Done, this is the most complete step-by-step implementation guide. It includes tutorials and templates I have not seen before.
September 20, 2019
This wasn’t a perfect book, but it definitely helped me organize a few systems!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews