Founder, TimerHaven
"Your brain is for having ideas, not for holding them." David Allen
The Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, created by David Allen, is perhaps the most world-renowned personal productivity system. Its goal is simple yet profound: to move all your tasks, commitments, and ideas out of your head and into a trusted external system, freeing your brain to actually do the work.
The 5 Pillars of the GTD Workflow
GTD is not about a specific app or tool; it's a 5-step process for managing your mental load.
1. Capture
Collect everything that has your attention into a "trusted bucket." This includes emails, fleeting ideas, errands, and project milestones. If it's on your mind, write it down.
2. Clarify
Process what you've captured. Ask: "Is it actionable?" If no, trash it, file it for reference, or put it on a "Someday/Maybe" list. If yes, decide the very next physical action required to move it forward.
3. Organize
Put the actions where they belong. General categories include: Next Actions (by context), Projects (anything requiring more than one step), and Waiting For (things you needs from others).
4. Reflect
This is the engine of the system. Perform a Weekly Review to clean your lists, update your projects, and ensure you're working on the right things.
5. Engage
Use your trusted system to pick the best task to work on right now based on your context, time available, energy level, and priority.
The 2-Minute Rule
If an actionable task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Processing the task into your system later takes more effort than just finishing it now.
Implementing GTD with TimerHaven
Many people fail at GTD because they spend too much time "organizing" in complex apps. You can implement a high-performance GTD system using our simple tools:
1. Capture everywhere with the Notes Tool
Our Notes tool is designed for the Capture phase. It opens instantly and lets you dump ideas without distractions. At the end of the day, "Clarify" those notes and move them to your main lists.
2. Time-Bound Your Weekly Review
A Weekly Review can easily wander into hours of unproductive fiddling. Use the Task Timer to set a 45-minute limit. This forces you to be decisive and focus on high-level strategy rather than getting lost in the weeds.
3. Protect Your "Next Actions"
When it's time to "Engage," pick a single Next Action and commit to it using the Pomodoro Timer. GTD gets the right task in front of you; Pomodoro ensures you actually finish it.
Stop Stressing. Start Doing.
GTD removes the mental friction of not knowing what to do. Our tools help you execute the plan.
View Productivity SuiteThe Importance of Contexts
In GTD, you don't look at one big to-do list. You look at lists based on Context, where you are or what equipment you have. Common contexts include:
- Computer: Needs a laptop and focused internet time.
- Phone: Quick calls or texts you can do while waiting.
- Office: Requires physical presence at your desk.
- Errands: Things to do when you're out driving.
By filtering your tasks by context, you ensure you're only looking at what you can actually do right now, reducing decision fatigue.