Getting Things Done (GTD)
We know—GTD (Getting Things Done) sounds like a cult or a New Age fad. But the difference between GTD and many fly-by-night time management concepts is that GTD’s creator, David Allen, offers a practical way to get organized—something that most of us who live and work in the modern world could use. Dive into the resources in this Web guide to get started with GTD; you’ll be Getting Things Done in no time.
Expand All Guide SectionsGTD Philosophy
Stuff is one of the words that David Allen uses to describe all the clutter that we deal with in our lives. GTD shows you how to collect and handle all that stuff in precise, careful ways. Use this section of the guide to get an introduction to GTD, and learn how to handle, tame and eventually conquer all the stuff in your life.
Dulcinea's Insight
- For even more information on GTD and a useful flowchart that provides a nice overview of the system, check out David Allen’s book, “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.”
- Maybe it’s just your home that feels hopelessly disorganized. Take a look at the findingDulcinea Home Organization Web Guide for resources offering tips and tricks that can get you organized, and keep you organized.
Dulcinea's Picks
For resources from David Allen…
David Allen
’s official site is the home of all things GTD. Visit Tips & Tools to start saving time right off the bat. The site is loaded with free features like a community forum, a newsletter, an RSS feed and podcasts.
The Huffington Post
plays host to David Allen’s blog about organization and productivity. Each post shows how to overcome obstacles to organization. Though the blog hasn’t been updated in awhile, there are plenty of older posts with worthwhile information.
YouTube
offers a video of David Allen speaking on “GTD and the Two Keys to Sustaining a Healthy Life and Workstyle.” Watch as Allen discusses the thinking process behind Getting Things Done.
For resources from other media…
GTD Times
, authorized by David Allen, is a blog that serves as an online curator of GTD information around the Web. Read the highlighted features or browse content by contributor or category, listed on the left sidebar.
Wired Magazine
presents an even-handed article that profiles Allen and describes his seminars, background and philosophy. You’ll also find a condensed version of the GTD instructions, summarized into an axiom and three rules.
For GTD blogs …
Lifehacker
is a technology blog with an emphasis on self-improvement and productivity, offering tips on subjects such as avoiding identity theft and managing personal finances. The best way to navigate through Lifehacker’s wealth of information is to visit the archives (linked at the bottom of the left-hand column) and browse by category. If you know what you’re looking for you could also try using the search function.
Zen Habits
is a self-betterment blog with information on organizing your life, getting things done, being healthy and active, and living as happily as possible. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage to browse posts by category or popularity.
43 Folders
focuses on increasing productivity one trick at a time. The site features small, effective tips on everything from staying motivated at work to fixing iPhone glitches. Information is posted in date order with older posts easy to fish out of site archives. Users seeking information on a specific subject can make use of the site’s efficient search feature, and find whatever shortcut, tip or “life hack” they are looking for.
GTD Tools
A cottage industry has grown from David Allen’s book, built primarily around software tools that help organize your stuff according to GTD principles. As with the GTD philosophy, the Web is a valuable resource for learning about the applications and add-ons available. Let the Web sites below show you how to make the most of your online calendar, e-mail and more using GTD tools.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Simplify your learning curve. Whenever possible, simply add extensions to the software you’re already familiar and comfortable with. That way, you won’t have to master a new stand-alone application.
- If available, use trial versions of software to see if a particular application works for you. If you’re buying and installing software from an online source, be sure to practice safe shopping techniques. See the findingDulcinea Online Shopping Web Guide for tips on how to make sure a site is trustworthy.
Dulcinea's Picks
Getting Things Done Outlook Add-In Support Site
offers help with the GTD Outlook Add-In. The Add-In takes the GTD methodology and applies it to Microsoft Outlook’s calendar, task list and e-mail modules. View how-to videos and download a 30-day free trial version. Quantity pricing is available.
GTDInbox
for Gmail is a Firefox add-on that uses Gmail’s labels to help you organize your e-mail according to GTD guidelines. This is a freeware program that offers perks for donations.
Priacta
, a time management software company, offers a list of more than 100 GTD software applications that Priacta certifies as supporting the GTD approach to time management and task organization. Find a succinct description of features, release date and pricing for each application.
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