David Allen

Overview

David Allen is a productivity consultant who founded the David Allen Co. and created the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, a 5-step system for managing tasks, commitments, and information.

Notable Works

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity - International best-seller introducing the GTD methodology
• Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Getting Things Done
• Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life

GTD Method

The Getting Things Done framework consists of five steps:

1. Capture - Collect tasks, ideas, and commitments into an external system
2. Clarify - Process each item to determine if it is actionable
3. Organize - Sort actionable items into appropriate lists and categories
4. Reflect - Regularly review your system to stay current and focused
5. Engage - Execute tasks based on context, time, energy, and priority

Philosophy

Allen's approach centers on the idea that the mind is for having ideas, not holding them. By externalizing all commitments into a trusted system, individuals can reduce stress and focus on execution rather than remembering what needs to be done.