Welcome to the fourth episode of the Wisdom for Wellbeing Podcast. On this episode I interview David Allen, productivity guru and developer of the Getting Things Done® methodology. A brilliant system designed to free you from the “ambient angst” associated with not being sure of your tasks and the stress that something will slip through the cracks.
I first read David’s book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress Free Productivity, a number of years ago, and it really captured me! I would not have thought that a productivity book would keep me so interested on an international flight… but it did; and, it transformed how I look at organisation. I am far from perfect (I fall off the wagon, so to speak), but I know that when I implement David’s systems I feel both free and in control.
I just want to remind you that as this is the first week of the Wisdom for Wellbeing Podcast – I’m celebrating by releasing multiple episodes! So subscribe, and keep your eyes open for the next episodes.
We also have some really cool contests happening on social media (January 2020) where you can win some beautiful gifts to support your wellbeing journey, so head to @drkaitlin on Instagram or @wisdomforwellbeingpod on Facebook to connect. You will find links to the brands involved at the bottom of the show notes, as well as the T&Cs.
What is covered in this episode:
>> Why the ‘small stuff’ matters
>> How ‘cleaning up’ allows you to be present and creative
>> A basic introduction to the GTD system and the 5 steps:
- 1) ‘Capture’ the things you need to do outside your mind
- 2) ‘Clarify’ what needs to be done with all your tasks
- 3) ‘Organise’ process all of your tasks in a systematic manner (e.g. calendar, files, delegations, etc.)
- 4) ‘Reflect’ regularly review on your lists
- 5) ‘Engage’ take action on the important things, considering your resources in the moment
Links Discussed
- David Allen’s Getting Things Done® Webpage
- David’s three books: the international bestseller, Getting Things Done: the Art of Stress-Free Productivity (often called GTD®), Ready for Anything, and Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and Business of Life.
Next episode:
In Episode 5, Dr. Meghan Davidson discusses ‘dark night of the soul’ experiences, how she became a #lovewarrior, and the integration of trauma sensitive yoga into her holistic work as a psychologist. Dr. Davidson shares about her own ‘dark night of the soul’ journey and brings light to very raw pain that we, as humans, experience. She also introduces you to ways that self-compassion, connecting with your body, and connecting with your community, can not only guide you through the pain – but can ultimately support your growth!
David Allen
One of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity, David’s 35 years experience as a management consultant and executive coach have earned him the titles of “personal productivity guru” by Fast Company Magazine and one of America’s top 5 executive coaches by Forbes Magazine. The American Management Association has ranked him in the top ten business leaders. His bestselling book, the groundbreaking “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity”, has been published in thirty languages; and the “GTD” methodology it describes has become a global phenomenon, being taught by training companies in sixty countries. David, his company, and his partners are dedicated to teaching people how to stay relaxed and productive in our fast paced world.
