Since you’re visiting this site then you’ve probably already read Getting Things Done by David Allen . If you haven’t then I suggest you take a look.

Unlike some people I’m not a GTD “groupie”, however I do think it’s an excellent book with some great ideas. Just as important than the practical advice is the philosophy of GTD.

GTD is, at heart, about making lists. Lists of actions. I’m a great believer in the power of lists and of taking action, so it fits naturally into my approach to life.

Allen gives a system in which to encapsulate these action lists, complete with processes, reviews and tickler files. However the system is immensely pragmatic. What matters is what works for you. You can use GTD wholesale or – like me – pick and choose the bits that work for you.
GTD is about getting all your “open loops” out of your head and down on lists where they can be organised and controlled. It’s about taking control with a system rather than giving control to a system.

Which is probably one of the reasons it appeals so much to technical people like myself. We’ve all had experience of over-engineered time and task management systems that simpy don’t reflect our world. We’re also sick of systems that seem designed merely to sell over-priced stationery.

GTD isn’t like that. It demands no special equipment. Yes, you can use a PDA or buy dedicated GTD software. Or you can use the “hipster” PDA – a bunch of 3×5 index cards!

So if you haven’t read GTD yet, please do. For me it isn’t the Holy Grail of personal productivity, however it has been and still is a very useful part of my life.