Getting Things Done — A Five-Step Process

In the world of increasing productivity,  David Allen’s book Getting Things Done remains considered a classic. One of the things that the book covers is outlining a five-step process to clear one's mind of cluttered thoughts and create an organized system for managing tasks. Below are the five steps:

1. Capture: Collect all tasks and ideas, whether big or small, in a reliable and consistent way. Basically, put everything you’ll need together in a ‘bucket’.
2. Clarify: Evaluate each item and decide what needs to be done, if anything. Process one item at a time. The focus on one thing forces the attention required to decide on the action steps.
3. Organize: Place all tasks into an organizational system that is personalized for the individual, including calendars, lists, and project plans. Put things where they are supposed to be.
4. Reflect: Regularly review one's task list and goals to stay on track and remain focused.
5. Engage: Take action on the tasks in an efficient and productive manner. Trust and use the system.

Complement this with Principles of Extreme Productivity from Extreme Productivity: Boost Your Results, Reduce Your Hours by Robert C. Pozen.