What I Learned from the World’s Most Productive Freedom Junkie

I was recently invited to attend a seminar hosted by David Allen, bestselling author of Getting Things Done and creator of the GTD productivity system. This one day class, called GTD The Roadmap offered such enormous value for me, I wanted to share some of what I learned with all of you.

I have to tell you that the timing for this seminar could not have been better for me. Literally, 24 hours before I learned about it, I commented to a co-worker that I really had to get my task list under control.

"You should actually use GTD, instead of just talking about it!" she said.

Novel concept, I'll admit.

You see, GTD was always a system that I thought involved too much effort. Sure, I like some of the overall concepts presented in the book, and I've definitely implemented a few of the basic tools (like the 2 Minute Rule and the idea of Next Actions). However, implementing the entire "system" as I saw it, would take far too much discipline and time - both of which, I lack.

The seminar was my opportunity to figure out, once and for all, if this whole GTD thing was for me. And the answer, I'm happy to say, is a resounding YES.

Here's what changed:

I learned that GTD is not a big, bad set of rules to live your life by. It's simply a mindset; a way of coordinating your tasks to provide you with more freedom and ultimately, a less stressful life.

I learned that the feeling of overwhelm I get when starting to implement the GTD system is just a reaction to seeing all of my tasks on paper! But really, they're much safer there than swimming around in my head. Getting it all out of my brain and into a central point of collection is the first step towards less stress.

I learned that it doesn't matter if you're a paper person or a technology person. The same basic principles of organization apply. It doesn't matter what tools you use. You don't need a fancy planner or expensive gear. You just need something that works for you.

I learned that GTD is a highly adaptable system. And that's one of the reasons that it's got such a massive cult following. No matter who you are, you can apply these concepts to the way you do your work and you truly will become more productive.

I learned that behind the structure of GTD, there is a powerful "internal organization" process. If you really investigate what's important to you in all of the various ways David Allen suggests, you begin to understand your purpose and you gain a better sense of the real priorities in your life.

Probably the best part of the seminar for me was meeting the people who have been working the GTD system for years and years. These devoted followers have more success stories than I could possibly soak up in 8 short hours. They are living, breathing testimonials. When I asked David Allen how he feels about being the undisputed leader of the club, he grew incredibly humble.

"I'm just a freedom junkie," he said. As a self-proclaimed lazy man, David insists he just found a way to have more free time and get more done with less effort.

Well, that's certainly a winning idea. And it's one I'm ready to try with full force.

If you're looking to get that added boost of motivation, and figure out once and for all the best way to manage your tasks, consider attending a David Allen seminar in the near future. I attended GTD The Roadmap seminar, which is a high level discussion of the system. However, David also highly recommends GTD Mastering the Workflow, which focuses more on practical applications and methodology for using the system. I highly recommend making this investment in your career and life.

Trust me; it's a wise one indeed.

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