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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
I really wanted to read this book. I already know a lot of the ideas inside but I typically appreciate getting the little nuggets along the way to the ideas. Unfortunately this was far too dry & slow for me to get into. I also really didn't like the page format with the random quotes and notes on the sides which ended up only being a distraction versus a helpful addition.
This book admittedly has a lot of textbook language aka. corporate terminologies and a lot of filler material without which the book would have been way better and less pretentious. But the system is totally worth considering implementing in our lives. Though its aimed at corporate executives primarily I do agree with David Allen that the system can benefit everybody.
Edit: After multiple re-reads, and implementing the system, I totally take back my initial review. I love what David has to say about personal management system and the system does help keep my life in control and keep up with the constantly changing world. This system is totally worth practicing at least for me and I would definitely re-read this book again. There are several nuances in the book I pick up the more I re-read it.
Edit: After multiple re-reads, and implementing the system, I totally take back my initial review. I love what David has to say about personal management system and the system does help keep my life in control and keep up with the constantly changing world. This system is totally worth practicing at least for me and I would definitely re-read this book again. There are several nuances in the book I pick up the more I re-read it.
Stunning book. Way more "life-giving" than I'd anticipated, in the sense that it was less about squeezing more productivity out of life and more about enjoying it. A pleasant surprise.
In our hyperconnected world, we're constantly bombarded with things to do. How can we get anything done with so much going on at once?
Actionable? → Yes → 1-step → Yes → Next action → <2 minutes? → Do it now.
Actionable? → Yes → 1-step → Yes → Next action → <2 minutes? → Do it now.
informative
inspiring
The book is dense; it’s filled with perhaps-unnecessary jargon and flowery language; and honestly it rambles and repeats itself a lot.
But it’s still the most important productivity book I’ve ever read.
I’ve been aware of GTD for many years, and have read some of this book, and many summaries. I’m glad I finally settled down and read it cover to cover, but it wasn’t easy. The book has a lot of problems, but these are it’s two biggest: it could be half (or less) as long, and it could state things more simply with fewer business jargon words.
But it’s still probably the most important set of techniques for taking control of your life.
I read the new edition, and while it does a better job of talking about modern technology’s role in GTD, it could do more, and make concrete recommendations (such as OmniFocus).
Anyway, read it. Stick with it. And implement the ideas in this book. It’s good stuff, if not presented as well as it could be.
But it’s still the most important productivity book I’ve ever read.
I’ve been aware of GTD for many years, and have read some of this book, and many summaries. I’m glad I finally settled down and read it cover to cover, but it wasn’t easy. The book has a lot of problems, but these are it’s two biggest: it could be half (or less) as long, and it could state things more simply with fewer business jargon words.
But it’s still probably the most important set of techniques for taking control of your life.
I read the new edition, and while it does a better job of talking about modern technology’s role in GTD, it could do more, and make concrete recommendations (such as OmniFocus).
Anyway, read it. Stick with it. And implement the ideas in this book. It’s good stuff, if not presented as well as it could be.
informative
medium-paced
I appreciated that this was concise. A bit outdated— some suggestions on how to use this organization system digitally would have been helpful. I would also love to hear tips on how to make this more neurodivergent friendly.
I’m exploring the Zettelkasten system and will be reading “Building a Second Brain” next.
Here are the notes I took:
-if you’re thinking “I should clean the garage” your brain has no sense that you mean “at some point”. Instead— it thinks you are failing if you are not always cleaning the garage.
I’m exploring the Zettelkasten system and will be reading “Building a Second Brain” next.
Here are the notes I took:
-if you’re thinking “I should clean the garage” your brain has no sense that you mean “at some point”. Instead— it thinks you are failing if you are not always cleaning the garage.
-so, write down all the things you think you “should” do onto a piece of paper (or wherever you’ll look at it again later”. Then, when you look at it— either do it then, or tell yourself “not this week.”
-make sure your list has clear, small action tasks not just stuff/events
-if you imagine taking a bite of a lemon, your mouth will salivate, because your brain can’t clearly tell the difference between imagination and reality. along the same lines— It makes sense that the most creative people will also be the most susceptible to procrastination because they can come up with a vivid sensory picture of how distressing the task will be, especially in terms of the worst case scenario.
-think “what’s my next step” assuming there is always something you can do to reach your goal.
-show yourself you can get things done to start believing you can get things done.
-always, always ask yourself “why am I doing this?” Get clear on that first.
-ask “what will it look like when I successfully complete this?”
This method is actually life-changing, but the book could have been so much shorter without losing content.
Re-read for book club in March 2021.
Re-read for book club in March 2021.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced