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Getting Things Done with Work Life Balance
7 CDs, Workbook, Templates
Audio CD
First published October 14, 2014
5 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
David Allen
84 books1,494 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 6, 2025
I mean yes!
The system is good but I would challange Mr Allen to update the book.
It has been written a few dacades ago.
And for somone living in the AI era this point I am making matters.
The system is good but I would challange Mr Allen to update the book.
It has been written a few dacades ago.
And for somone living in the AI era this point I am making matters.
July 24, 2019
How many times have I listened to David Allen's GTD material? It never gets old. Having used his system consistently for I would guess going on 10 years, I always appreciate hearing it again as it reaffirms how much it really works for me. This time around I felt validated because sometimes in the midst of the high demands of the job I find myself doing little things that are perhaps perceived as not as urgent or important but it is all part of the process...after collecting and something takes 2 minutes or less (I would even go so far on some things to say as much as 10 minutes) it is best just to get it done and out of the way because it creates more overall clarity.
David makes a lot of references to the martial arts. What I took away from the content this time around is the concept of a tense body being slow and a relaxed body being a quick body. It's no the strength of the chop on the blocks but he speed that breaks the boards. I can be quicker if I can relax.
David makes a lot of references to the martial arts. What I took away from the content this time around is the concept of a tense body being slow and a relaxed body being a quick body. It's no the strength of the chop on the blocks but he speed that breaks the boards. I can be quicker if I can relax.
February 14, 2025
David Allen is often seen as a cliché productivity author, supposedly followed by every productivity enthusiast. But when his book appeared on my feed at a discount, I decided to give it a try—and I liked it. It reminded me a lot of 4000 Weeks, yet I found some valuable takeaways. I'd rate its impact on me as 3 out of 5 because while it offers many useful tips, I already practice several of them. Here are my key takeaways and notes as I read through the book:
Start with Your Surroundings
When you want to start to organize life around you, you can start from where you are. Look around you physically—at your desk or in your car's glove box. What’s there that shouldn’t be? Often, we leave things out as reminders of tasks we need to do. These items can help you start your first to-do list. For every task you add, identify two things: the desired outcome and the immediate next step.
The Two-Minute Rule
The two-minute rule is a well-known concept from Getting Things Done. But, the next level idea I learned in this book was to keep a two-minute timer on your desk. When you wonder if you can respond to an email quickly, start the timer. If you finish within two minutes, you’ve handled it without adding it to your to-do list. Over time, this helps you recognize which tasks are quick wins.
Context-Based Task Lists
Similar to the environment-triggered habits from Atomic Habits, Allen suggests creating context-specific lists: tasks you can do on the go, with your phone, at home, or in the office. Labeling tasks by their requirements (e.g., needing Internet or a phone) helps you act efficiently based on your situation.
Weekly Reviews
Allen recommends a weekly review of your tasks. I already do this for work on Monday mornings to plan my week. It keeps priorities clear and prevents tasks from slipping through the cracks.
Vision Alignment
Keep your life vision in mind when setting yearly goals or deciding on tasks. This ensures your daily actions align with your long-term aspirations. I do this via my "Designing Your Life" exercise, yearly plans, and weekly plans.
Capturing Thoughts Anywhere
Have a system to capture thoughts wherever you are. Allen suggests keeping a notepad in places you frequent. I use Google speakers at home and my watch with Google Assistant to set reminders quickly.
Inbox Zero Philosophy
Allen emphasizes clearing your inbox every 24-48 hours. However, after reading 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, I’ve chosen not to pursue this as a strict goal. It’s about balance.
The 5-Step Process
Capture: Write down everything on your mind.
Clarify: Decide what each item means and what to do about it.
Organize: Place tasks in trusted systems.
Reflect: Review regularly to stay on track.
Engage: Focus on doing tasks efficiently.
Outcome Thinking
Teach even kids to think about their desired outcomes, identify the gap between where they are and where they want to be, and determine the next immediate step. This simple framework works for everyone.
Flexible Structure
Being too rigid can backfire. In high school, I planned every hour meticulously. A delay in the first hour threw off my entire day. Now, I build flexibility into my schedule, expecting unplanned events. This adaptability reduces frustration and keeps me productive.
Trust Your System
Allen stresses having a reliable system to track tasks—just like we do with phone numbers or emails. When your brain trusts that it doesn’t need to remember everything, you free up mental space.
I achieve this through:
Night journaling and daily planning
Weekly sprint boards at work
A Kanban backlog board at home for family tasks
This approach helps me stay organized and mentally clear, allowing me to focus fully on work or family without lingering task-related thoughts.
Start with Your Surroundings
When you want to start to organize life around you, you can start from where you are. Look around you physically—at your desk or in your car's glove box. What’s there that shouldn’t be? Often, we leave things out as reminders of tasks we need to do. These items can help you start your first to-do list. For every task you add, identify two things: the desired outcome and the immediate next step.
The Two-Minute Rule
The two-minute rule is a well-known concept from Getting Things Done. But, the next level idea I learned in this book was to keep a two-minute timer on your desk. When you wonder if you can respond to an email quickly, start the timer. If you finish within two minutes, you’ve handled it without adding it to your to-do list. Over time, this helps you recognize which tasks are quick wins.
Context-Based Task Lists
Similar to the environment-triggered habits from Atomic Habits, Allen suggests creating context-specific lists: tasks you can do on the go, with your phone, at home, or in the office. Labeling tasks by their requirements (e.g., needing Internet or a phone) helps you act efficiently based on your situation.
Weekly Reviews
Allen recommends a weekly review of your tasks. I already do this for work on Monday mornings to plan my week. It keeps priorities clear and prevents tasks from slipping through the cracks.
Vision Alignment
Keep your life vision in mind when setting yearly goals or deciding on tasks. This ensures your daily actions align with your long-term aspirations. I do this via my "Designing Your Life" exercise, yearly plans, and weekly plans.
Capturing Thoughts Anywhere
Have a system to capture thoughts wherever you are. Allen suggests keeping a notepad in places you frequent. I use Google speakers at home and my watch with Google Assistant to set reminders quickly.
Inbox Zero Philosophy
Allen emphasizes clearing your inbox every 24-48 hours. However, after reading 4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, I’ve chosen not to pursue this as a strict goal. It’s about balance.
The 5-Step Process
Capture: Write down everything on your mind.
Clarify: Decide what each item means and what to do about it.
Organize: Place tasks in trusted systems.
Reflect: Review regularly to stay on track.
Engage: Focus on doing tasks efficiently.
Outcome Thinking
Teach even kids to think about their desired outcomes, identify the gap between where they are and where they want to be, and determine the next immediate step. This simple framework works for everyone.
Flexible Structure
Being too rigid can backfire. In high school, I planned every hour meticulously. A delay in the first hour threw off my entire day. Now, I build flexibility into my schedule, expecting unplanned events. This adaptability reduces frustration and keeps me productive.
Trust Your System
Allen stresses having a reliable system to track tasks—just like we do with phone numbers or emails. When your brain trusts that it doesn’t need to remember everything, you free up mental space.
I achieve this through:
Night journaling and daily planning
Weekly sprint boards at work
A Kanban backlog board at home for family tasks
This approach helps me stay organized and mentally clear, allowing me to focus fully on work or family without lingering task-related thoughts.
September 22, 2025
Review:
David Allen’s Getting Things Done audiobook is a total game-changer for managing work and life balance with ease. His calm narration makes the practical system simple and motivating to apply. The method helped me clear mental clutter, organize tasks efficiently, and regain focus without stress.
The weekly review is a standout: it keeps me aligned with goals and current on tasks. No more overwhelm—just clear next steps and confidence. If you want a peaceful, productive life, this audiobook is a must-listen. 5 stars! ⭐️
Key action steps from the audiobook:
Capture Everything: Collect all ideas and tasks into a trusted place to clear your mind.
Clarify Next Actions: Define clear next steps for every task and project.
Organize Intelligently: Sort tasks by projects, deadlines, and contexts, so nothing gets lost.
Weekly Review: Regularly update and reflect on your system to stay in control.
Engage Confidently: Work knowing exactly what to do next, maintaining focus and calm.
Maintain a “Mind Like Water”: Stay adaptable and stress-free even amid sudden demands.
Need help setting up your own GTD system or weekly review? I’m happy to guide you!
September 16, 2025
Man, this book is in serious need of a revamp. GTD has a share of interesting teachings but the repetitiveness of it and its content on the PKM side being so old... meh, it isn't a worthy lecture anymore and for a justified reason, the PKM field evolved, GTD did not. I can still recall days from 5 years ago where some PKM gurus would recommend the book non-stop (I am grateful I did not read it there and then, as it would've taken me the wrong direction). If you are reading this book in hopes of owning your life through a knowledge management system, I would personally recommend you to do your own research and create a system based on what works from the bits and pieces you find on the web... if you prefer the book model I would recommend you better read BASB from Tiago Forte (just be careful, it isn't the holy grail; his system also needs serious adjustments, maybe some supplementing something with Zettlekasten more tagging and some other considerations with the folder organization which is what I did personally). As a final word on this book: If you still want to read it, I would advice you to do so on an audio format, it'll save you some time.
PS: and for the love of God... please... USE. GOOD. TOOLS. Obsidian, Notion or Logseq (pushing it).
PS: and for the love of God... please... USE. GOOD. TOOLS. Obsidian, Notion or Logseq (pushing it).
January 23, 2024
I believe that every business owner should read David Allen’s original GTD book. This version repeats a lot of the processes and if, like me, you’ve been using these systems for years then it does seem a bit samesey. But, it’s good to have a refresh and there were some new sections that I enjoyed. Overall, it’s a good read.
June 8, 2020
Great ideas on time management and organization. His tips on creating trust in your mind was mindblowing!
January 14, 2024
'GTD' remains a must-read for anyone drowning in tasks. Just be prepared for some déjà vu after the initial rush
May 28, 2013
Good book. Most of the concepts presented I was already aware of so nothing there that I really wanted to change about how I currently work through my to-dos. Had some interesting snippets about 'collaborative cultures' and getting coworkers involved in the system.
Not much focus on what to do after the initial purge. No focus at all on how to keep track of system once you've started / get back on track if things go wrong.
Not much focus on what to do after the initial purge. No focus at all on how to keep track of system once you've started / get back on track if things go wrong.
November 16, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars
There is a lot of repetition. But few lessons are very useful like creating lists, 2 min rule, asking what is the outcome and what is the action, weekly review system, and designating responsibility for each task.
There is a lot of repetition. But few lessons are very useful like creating lists, 2 min rule, asking what is the outcome and what is the action, weekly review system, and designating responsibility for each task.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews