Overview
Getting Shit Done (GSD) is a deliberately simplified productivity methodology that strips away GTD's complexity, using just two lists—a master list and a daily list—to ensure actionable items get completed without elaborate organizational overhead.
The Two-List System
Master List
Purpose: Capture everything you want to accomplish ever
Contents:
- Every task, project, goal you can think of
- Big and small items mixed together
- No complex categorization
- Simple running list format
Key Rule: Everything must be actionable
- ❌ "Get in shape" (vague)
- ✓ "Do 20 pushups" (actionable)
- ❌ "Plan vacation" (unclear)
- ✓ "Research beach hotels in Mexico" (specific)
Daily List
Purpose: Today's actual work
Process:
- Review master list
- Select items for today
- Transfer to daily list
- Work only from daily list
- Check off completed items
- Leftover items return to master list
Guideline: 3-7 items maximum for achievable daily completion
Core Principles
Simplicity Over Structure
- Minimal organizational overhead
- No complex categories or contexts
- Two lists, that's it
- Focus on doing, not organizing
Actionable Items Only
- If it's on the list, you must be able to do it immediately
- No vague goals or aspirations
- Everything is a concrete next action
- No "project" items without specific actions
Daily Reset
- Each morning is fresh start
- Pull from master list based on today's priorities
- Yesterday's incomplete items reconsidered, not automatically carried over
- Prevents stale task accumulation
Making Tasks Actionable
Conversion Examples
Vague → Actionable
- "Blog" → "Write 500 words about productivity"
- "Exercise" → "Run 2 miles in neighborhood"
- "Financial planning" → "Review last month's credit card statement"
- "Learn Spanish" → "Complete Duolingo lesson"
- "Website" → "Write homepage copy"
The Action Test
Ask: "Can I do this right now?"
- Yes = Actionable, list it
