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The Get Things Done Book: 41 Tools to Start, Stick With and Finish Things
Every day we begin new projects, or try to find pleasure in the ones we're working on - above all, we hope one day we'll finish them! But in a disjointed, distracting world it's often hard to find the motivation and focus necessary.
This compact book brings together 41 of the best productivity models. From world-famous techniques to the best-kept secrets of the professionals, this book is full of big ideas that actually work - distilled to their essence. You'll find out how to achieve deep work, compartmentalise tasks and identify your priorities - as well as how to build confidence, find your circle of competence and even learn to work with difficult people.
Stylish and compact, this little book is a powerful asset. Whether you need to pull off a new project, assess what you've achieved so far, or even just understand your own working habits, this unique book has all the tools you need.
This compact book brings together 41 of the best productivity models. From world-famous techniques to the best-kept secrets of the professionals, this book is full of big ideas that actually work - distilled to their essence. You'll find out how to achieve deep work, compartmentalise tasks and identify your priorities - as well as how to build confidence, find your circle of competence and even learn to work with difficult people.
Stylish and compact, this little book is a powerful asset. Whether you need to pull off a new project, assess what you've achieved so far, or even just understand your own working habits, this unique book has all the tools you need.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published August 17, 2021
163 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Mikael Krogerus
43 books165 followersMikael Krogerus is a freelance writer for German and Swiss newspapers and magazines. He was a staff writer with NZZ FOLIO, the supplement magazine of Switzerlands leading newspaper Neue Zürcher Zeitung, for five years. Prior to that he worked as a copywriter for various advertising agencies. He’s a graduate of the Kaospilot School. He’s a Finnish citizen and was brought up in Sweden and Germany.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 6, 2023
This book is a little gem for anyone looking to enhance their productivity: it's compact and insightful and offers practical strategies, tips, and techniques to help manage time effectively and achieve goals.
Krogerus understands the challenges we face in a world filled with distractions, overwhelming to-do lists, and competing priorities. He breaks down these challenges into manageable pieces and presents a systematic approach to getting things done. One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on self-awareness and understanding our individual productivity patterns. The author encourages readers to reflect on their personal strengths, weaknesses, and work preferences, enabling them to tailor the techniques to their own unique circumstances.
The book is divided into concise chapters that are easy to navigate and digest: one or two pages with just the essential info and no bullshit in-between. Not everything is made for everyone : you just pick which strategies resonates with you, and get going. Overall, I loved it.
Krogerus understands the challenges we face in a world filled with distractions, overwhelming to-do lists, and competing priorities. He breaks down these challenges into manageable pieces and presents a systematic approach to getting things done. One of the book's strengths is its emphasis on self-awareness and understanding our individual productivity patterns. The author encourages readers to reflect on their personal strengths, weaknesses, and work preferences, enabling them to tailor the techniques to their own unique circumstances.
The book is divided into concise chapters that are easy to navigate and digest: one or two pages with just the essential info and no bullshit in-between. Not everything is made for everyone : you just pick which strategies resonates with you, and get going. Overall, I loved it.
March 19, 2023
There is a title error here in Goodreads but it has a picture of the book. Anyhow, I like that the book is super practical and concise regarding different practices to use in daily life. It starts from how to organize your work up to your life. I have now finally started to use Pomodoro technique. Some more thoughts:
*"Good enough is usually good enough."
*"Criticism is like exercise: annoying, but good for you."
*keep in your "doing" list a max of three things
*"A task doesn’t disappear because we don't do it"
*"Life never turns out as planned but is worth living anyway."
*We need to schedule our next day's work the day before and decide on the six most important things we need to do and start from the order of importance
*it is okay to feel bored and don't always check your phone as you will turn less concentrated over time
*Sun Tzu, 6th century BC: "Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
A reminder to myself: come back to this book and read it over from time to time. It is packed with good ideas.
*"Good enough is usually good enough."
*"Criticism is like exercise: annoying, but good for you."
*keep in your "doing" list a max of three things
*"A task doesn’t disappear because we don't do it"
*"Life never turns out as planned but is worth living anyway."
*We need to schedule our next day's work the day before and decide on the six most important things we need to do and start from the order of importance
*it is okay to feel bored and don't always check your phone as you will turn less concentrated over time
*Sun Tzu, 6th century BC: "Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
A reminder to myself: come back to this book and read it over from time to time. It is packed with good ideas.
August 22, 2023
*2.5
Well... I am a bit disappointed.
I picked this book randomly when I saw it in the store because I suck so much at "getting things done" and keeping up motivation, that I figured this book would help me quite a bit.
Unfortunately, it didn't, really.
It had maybe about 5 good ideas and techniques that seemed actually useful, but other than that, I found it to be rather useless for me personally and I even skipped some of the pages/chapters.
But here is the thing.
The reason why this book was so useless to me was because this book is heavily aimed at people who do some type of office work or own a company, or smth.
No, I do not have a problem with having too many emails to answer. And no, I do not have a problem with my workers/colleagues disagreeing. I don't even have a job.
I picked this book up thinking that it would offer some general advice, and while it does, a lot of stuff just felt useless if you're just a younger person who doesn't have an office job and kids.
I can see how it can be helpful to some, but I wish that it was clarified more who the target audience was.
Also, they keep referencing other books, and honestly, that just made me want to drop this book and read those instead. Nothing original here to be found, and a lot of advices have already been said 1000 times before.
Cool that the book has pictures tho, and it's a pretty quick read.
Well... I am a bit disappointed.
I picked this book randomly when I saw it in the store because I suck so much at "getting things done" and keeping up motivation, that I figured this book would help me quite a bit.
Unfortunately, it didn't, really.
It had maybe about 5 good ideas and techniques that seemed actually useful, but other than that, I found it to be rather useless for me personally and I even skipped some of the pages/chapters.
But here is the thing.
The reason why this book was so useless to me was because this book is heavily aimed at people who do some type of office work or own a company, or smth.
No, I do not have a problem with having too many emails to answer. And no, I do not have a problem with my workers/colleagues disagreeing. I don't even have a job.
I picked this book up thinking that it would offer some general advice, and while it does, a lot of stuff just felt useless if you're just a younger person who doesn't have an office job and kids.
I can see how it can be helpful to some, but I wish that it was clarified more who the target audience was.
Also, they keep referencing other books, and honestly, that just made me want to drop this book and read those instead. Nothing original here to be found, and a lot of advices have already been said 1000 times before.
Cool that the book has pictures tho, and it's a pretty quick read.
April 17, 2023
Incredibly valuable. Concise, to the point and immediately executable. If you are not getting the results you want, the answer is probably among the pages of this book.
September 12, 2025
If Headway made a book, it would be like this one.
May 27, 2024
Easy read, I leave this on my desk as a reminder to eat the frog & as a handbook to continuous improvement. 8/10
December 2, 2023
A great overview of tools I had tried out and forgot, plus new tools I want to apply. Nice to (re)discover them! Especially because each chapter/tool has a short introduction and a cute sketch. Favourites: The pomodoro technique (a classic!), the 5/25 rule, the transactional model.
December 19, 2023
Bit boring to read, but definitely helpful.
October 10, 2023
Lovely book with good tips. And I am done with it btw 😉
May 11, 2024
Crisp, succinct, and profoundly effective.
Insights were curated from a broad spectrum of disciplines - modern psychology, personal development, management science, organisational theories; hacks were drawn from proven mental models and time optimisation strategies.
Imagine a giant bookcase of best-selling personal AND organisational productivity books condensed into a single pocket-sized guide — this is what it’s all about.
The structure and layout provide an excellent reader experience. Each chapter focuses on a singular concept, with implementation suggestions, and where relevant, vivid and funny illustrations to drive home the point.
Overall a brisk, informative, and delightful read.
Key personal takeaways and favorite chapters:
1. The 5-Second Rule (Mel Robbins, 2017) - how to get going.
2. The Delphi Method (US Military, 1950s; Dalkey and Helmer, 1963) - demonstrates that anonymous solicitation and aggregation of minds and opinions improve decision quality.
3. Deep Work (Cal Newport, 2016) - advocates for segregating blocks of time for immersive work.
4. The 5/25 Rule - akin to an effective mental spring cleaning of low-impact and irrelevant aspirations.
5. Likeability (Casciaro and Lobo, HBR, 2005) - frames colleagues and counterparts across two axes of competence and likability, into the quadrants of “jerk of the month”, “competent jerk”, “lovable fool”, and “trainable-farting unicorn” (both competent and likable). Implication: It really helps to highlight toxic and low-productivity relationships to avoid.
6. Project Evaluation (Benny Maggi) - an enlightening new multi-dimensional approach to evaluate an achievement based on money, fun, and impact. Implication> Remembering that FUN is important for sustainable engagement!
7. The Transactional Model (Eric Berne, 1910-70) - appreciates that psychological needs are equivalent to physical hunger, and mental energy is nurtured by having the right structure, stimuli, and recognition. Implication: A balanced system is essential for refueling the mind to avoid burnout, applicable for personal wellness and team-building / organisational management.
Insights were curated from a broad spectrum of disciplines - modern psychology, personal development, management science, organisational theories; hacks were drawn from proven mental models and time optimisation strategies.
Imagine a giant bookcase of best-selling personal AND organisational productivity books condensed into a single pocket-sized guide — this is what it’s all about.
The structure and layout provide an excellent reader experience. Each chapter focuses on a singular concept, with implementation suggestions, and where relevant, vivid and funny illustrations to drive home the point.
Overall a brisk, informative, and delightful read.
Key personal takeaways and favorite chapters:
1. The 5-Second Rule (Mel Robbins, 2017) - how to get going.
2. The Delphi Method (US Military, 1950s; Dalkey and Helmer, 1963) - demonstrates that anonymous solicitation and aggregation of minds and opinions improve decision quality.
3. Deep Work (Cal Newport, 2016) - advocates for segregating blocks of time for immersive work.
4. The 5/25 Rule - akin to an effective mental spring cleaning of low-impact and irrelevant aspirations.
5. Likeability (Casciaro and Lobo, HBR, 2005) - frames colleagues and counterparts across two axes of competence and likability, into the quadrants of “jerk of the month”, “competent jerk”, “lovable fool”, and “trainable-farting unicorn” (both competent and likable). Implication: It really helps to highlight toxic and low-productivity relationships to avoid.
6. Project Evaluation (Benny Maggi) - an enlightening new multi-dimensional approach to evaluate an achievement based on money, fun, and impact. Implication> Remembering that FUN is important for sustainable engagement!
7. The Transactional Model (Eric Berne, 1910-70) - appreciates that psychological needs are equivalent to physical hunger, and mental energy is nurtured by having the right structure, stimuli, and recognition. Implication: A balanced system is essential for refueling the mind to avoid burnout, applicable for personal wellness and team-building / organisational management.
October 11, 2023
Krogerus' earlier books, especially "The Decision Book" and "The Change Book", were a genuine pleasure to read. Both because they are short, and the metaphors - often visual - are so apt. This book is no exception. They cut to the chase and shared a tapas meal of forty-ish productivity hacks. Some are apparent, like Delphi Method - if you are not the expert, ask multiple experts and - essentially - find the mean and deviation of their recommendation before deciding. Some are perhaps even a bit questionable, say "5 Whys" - it is usually a post facto analysis tool. But the entire catalog is explained exemplarily and quite a few will remain super useful in your own productivity toolkit.
For example, remote work overwhelmingly creates "bursty communication" was a great insight. So was the saying "likeness competes, difference inspires".
Yesterboxing - checking your mailbox once or twice a day and ONLY reply to messages 12-24 hours old - is a tool that I have already adopted. Super useful!
There are so many books written on Kanban, but Krogerus distilled the raw essence of it - one, have three queues - done, doing and to do; two, have no more than 3 items in the 'doing' list. Brilliant.
Napoleonic Triage - a form of which is now adopted in urgent care - could be another practical heuristic to decide "should I directly get involved in this or delegate" for any leader of people. Ask three simple questions -
1. Will it succeed without me?
2. Will it fail with my help?
3. Will it succeed my help?
If any of the first two answers is yes, or the third one is no - there is no point.
Deep Work is also illustrated well, with a simple diagram, than - I believe - in the entire canonical book on it. Just spend an hour or so, no more than 4 focused hours a day, without WiFi into something critical.
The best insight of the beautifully illustrated short book was "The Law of Reversed Effort" - there will be things where the more we try the more we fail. Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone. So pay very close attention to the difference between 'working hard' and 'trying hard'.
Hat tip!
For example, remote work overwhelmingly creates "bursty communication" was a great insight. So was the saying "likeness competes, difference inspires".
Yesterboxing - checking your mailbox once or twice a day and ONLY reply to messages 12-24 hours old - is a tool that I have already adopted. Super useful!
There are so many books written on Kanban, but Krogerus distilled the raw essence of it - one, have three queues - done, doing and to do; two, have no more than 3 items in the 'doing' list. Brilliant.
Napoleonic Triage - a form of which is now adopted in urgent care - could be another practical heuristic to decide "should I directly get involved in this or delegate" for any leader of people. Ask three simple questions -
1. Will it succeed without me?
2. Will it fail with my help?
3. Will it succeed my help?
If any of the first two answers is yes, or the third one is no - there is no point.
Deep Work is also illustrated well, with a simple diagram, than - I believe - in the entire canonical book on it. Just spend an hour or so, no more than 4 focused hours a day, without WiFi into something critical.
The best insight of the beautifully illustrated short book was "The Law of Reversed Effort" - there will be things where the more we try the more we fail. Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone. So pay very close attention to the difference between 'working hard' and 'trying hard'.
Hat tip!
July 7, 2024
This book is short but really good!
It gives a high level summary of so many other books and useful techniques that are out there. For some of the techniques, I believe, it still is worth reading their own entire books (like some described in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”), but in general this one covers all of it in good detail.
On the other hand, for many of them reading the summarized version in this book is well enough and just right (to my taste).
The book is a really great time/knowledge trade off especially for people who don’t enjoy reading long books that contain mostly uncompressed information. I could imagine though that, for people who love to get into details, this book can be a nightmare since it really only touches the surface.
But my belief is that with these techniques there is no single one that solves everything at once but rather the overarching view brings the most benefits. And in that case, this book is perfect!
It gives a high level summary of so many other books and useful techniques that are out there. For some of the techniques, I believe, it still is worth reading their own entire books (like some described in “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”), but in general this one covers all of it in good detail.
On the other hand, for many of them reading the summarized version in this book is well enough and just right (to my taste).
The book is a really great time/knowledge trade off especially for people who don’t enjoy reading long books that contain mostly uncompressed information. I could imagine though that, for people who love to get into details, this book can be a nightmare since it really only touches the surface.
But my belief is that with these techniques there is no single one that solves everything at once but rather the overarching view brings the most benefits. And in that case, this book is perfect!
October 1, 2023
Overall this book was a partial slay, a good book to help people identify issues in their day to day processes.
The “Transactional model” was a great way to measure burn out !
I also liked how they acknowledge in the end that “success” is mainly luck, who you are etc, I would love to see a self help book start out as an individual self help book and turn into some sought of manifesto about social stratification.
The authors have used some journal articles to support what they’re saying unlike most of the self help books, however they should used used more journal articles, I wouldn’t pass an essay at school with this limited amount of resources.
I also really liked the font.
The “Transactional model” was a great way to measure burn out !
I also liked how they acknowledge in the end that “success” is mainly luck, who you are etc, I would love to see a self help book start out as an individual self help book and turn into some sought of manifesto about social stratification.
The authors have used some journal articles to support what they’re saying unlike most of the self help books, however they should used used more journal articles, I wouldn’t pass an essay at school with this limited amount of resources.
I also really liked the font.
September 9, 2024
Most productivity books give you a lot of value after reading, I'm constantly looking for the newest technique or method that will help me improve my day to day efficiency. I liked the way this book was layed out, as it tackles 5 main principles regarding getting things done and then elaborates by explaining where theories or methods fit into each category.
This book talks about a lot , and does a great job in covering the ground for the major aspects of getting things done. I think it could develop a template on how to apply all the techniques to your day to day life.
Easy read, worth it
This book talks about a lot , and does a great job in covering the ground for the major aspects of getting things done. I think it could develop a template on how to apply all the techniques to your day to day life.
Easy read, worth it
October 15, 2024
Une partie de moi adore ce genre de bouquins de self improvement, une autre n'arrive pas à les prendre au sérieux.
Il y a une sorte de naïveté un peu américaine, à vouloir établir une méthode de réussite (notamment les 5 why, les trois cases doing, les 25/5 buts dans la vie etc). Enfin, et surtout, pour réussir à mener les projets à terme, le livre recommande d'éteindre son téléphone portable. Yeah.
Mais, je retiens une idée intéressante: au lieu de dire: sorry i am late, dire: thanks for waiting for me. Super utile pour les gens qui ont tendance à trop s'excuser tout le temps. Et à être en retard tout le temps aussi.
Il y a une sorte de naïveté un peu américaine, à vouloir établir une méthode de réussite (notamment les 5 why, les trois cases doing, les 25/5 buts dans la vie etc). Enfin, et surtout, pour réussir à mener les projets à terme, le livre recommande d'éteindre son téléphone portable. Yeah.
Mais, je retiens une idée intéressante: au lieu de dire: sorry i am late, dire: thanks for waiting for me. Super utile pour les gens qui ont tendance à trop s'excuser tout le temps. Et à être en retard tout le temps aussi.
December 24, 2024
The get things done book talks about methods, best practices which can help you in your pensonal and professional life.
What attracted me is that the very last chapter, talks about how sometimes doing nothing is the best you can do.
I undenstood that Someone who might have picked this book, will be someone who desparately or on a consious level trying to get things done. So its very important to let people also understand that
somelimes may be everything you are doing is right but not the time. And when sometimes you let go desires, you either get those things or you end up realizing that it was never the thing you fully wanted.
What attracted me is that the very last chapter, talks about how sometimes doing nothing is the best you can do.
I undenstood that Someone who might have picked this book, will be someone who desparately or on a consious level trying to get things done. So its very important to let people also understand that
somelimes may be everything you are doing is right but not the time. And when sometimes you let go desires, you either get those things or you end up realizing that it was never the thing you fully wanted.
February 22, 2025
This book serves as a summary of various theories and models compiled from different sources. However, its main drawback is that it provides only a basic explanation and limited examples. And it's quite boring as well.
It may be a suitable choice for students seeking a concise overview or for those looking for a light read while traveling. But it's not a deep reading book.
I have read two books from this series—this one and *The Decision Book*—but, unfortunately, I did not find them particularly engaging.
It may be a suitable choice for students seeking a concise overview or for those looking for a light read while traveling. But it's not a deep reading book.
I have read two books from this series—this one and *The Decision Book*—but, unfortunately, I did not find them particularly engaging.
March 25, 2025
I absolutely love this book. I have been reading it within small time slots to really absorb the ideas presented im each chapter. Whenever I felt lost or too overwhelmed with life, the book gave me the motivation to keep going. I can recall numerous moments in which an event occurred and I thought back to this book. There's so many life lessons that can be learned from it, applied to an individual or on a greater scale.
June 14, 2023
This book doesn’t give you much by way of depth of details, but that isn’t the point. It gives you just about enough to get going, and of course, the rest is up to you. I found it refreshing, the way it framed concepts such as “agile” or “deep work” - which got me thinking about them again and practicing them again! I recommend this!
December 3, 2023
I have been on a slump lately and have become a serial procrastinator. This book has provided me techniques, strategies, and tips on how to get things done. I love how each technique is explained, backed with studies, which allowed me to understand things and behaviors on a deeper level. Highly recommended, specially if you are a business owner and you juggle a lot of things.
July 27, 2024
This isn’t just “another productivity book” - it’s full of awesome mini practical theories, practical tips and tricks to actually focus on what’s meaningful for you and the best way to help you navigate how to achieve those things. Already I’ve learnt a few basic things I can start implementing in my life tomorrow. Enjoyed reading it in one sitting but will definitely revisit regularly.
December 18, 2024
The shortest self-help book I ever read. Just 163 pages. Some of the concepts discussed in this book which I found to be helpful : Appreciation, 5/25 Rule, Disruptive Innovation, Brainwriting, Theory of Small Gifts, A New Map of Life, Project Evaluation, The Matthew Effect, Concept of Structure, Stimuli and Recognition, Journalling and The Law of Reversed Efforts.
My Rating: 3.5/5
My Rating: 3.5/5
January 4, 2025
Leider fokussieren sich die Autoren zu stark auf das Machen im beruflichen Kontext. Ich hätte mich über allgemeinere Strategien (oder Taktiken?) gefreut, da das Buch sich meiner Meinung nach auf den ersten Blick nicht nur an Berufstätige richtet, die im Büro und im Team kreativ arbeiten müssen.
Man hätte das ruhig prominenter vermerken können, dann hätte ich mir die CHF 25.- sparen können.
Man hätte das ruhig prominenter vermerken können, dann hätte ich mir die CHF 25.- sparen können.
June 7, 2023
There are so many productivity books that I’ve read in the last two years and this one stands in the top five. With simple, bite sized tips to ensure you get the job done. Many of the tips I have stored and will constantly keep coming back to remind myself of. A definite recommend.
November 22, 2023
There are many brilliant ideas from this book, and get prepared to write it down (or use apps like CamScanner). And what’s more, you come to learn that there is a law or name for the idea, such as the Matthew effect.
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July 10, 2024I thought the book was good but was really disappointed and grossed out he put have sex as one of his goals (on his 25 goals list). Call me a prude but I felt it was inappropriate given the tone of the rest of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 1, 2024My top 3: (1) grow your circle of competence (by saying “I don’t know” more (2) start saying “thank you” instead of “I’m sorry” ..for waiting. …for spotting my mistake. …for listening. and (3) get focused by listing 25 things you want to do in your life then highlight the 5 most important.
February 7, 2025
Ein kleines Buch mit sehr vielen guten und hilfreichen Tipps. Die Kapitel sind kurz und prägnant ohne Firlefanz. Endlich erklärt mir jemand in knappen Worten wie ich das ständige Prokrastinieren in Angriff nehmen kann. Vielen Dank. Ein Buch, das ich sicher noch öfter in die Hand nehmen werde.
May 15, 2025
This book helped me realize I have ADHD because I could literally do NONE of the things the author listed. Like, imagine just being like: " I'm going to work from 11-12:00" and then DOING IT. Madness, can't believe the blessed, fantastical life neurotypicals live.
July 21, 2025
I was hopping this book will inspire me and give me some new ideas, but nothing I read here was not something I didn't already know.
It was a bit disappointing. I finished this book in two hours and didn't learn anything new.
It was a bit disappointing. I finished this book in two hours and didn't learn anything new.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews