Another HUGE tip I have to add on to what he was saying (all great advice, by the way): Don't focus on the end-goal. If you want to achieve something great, you're most likely not going to do it in a day. So after you have your plan, focus on a single task every day. Day after day, it will get easier. Of course you'll have your bumps, but of you're chasing something that really means a lot to you then you'll keep going. And eventually you WILL reach your goal. I learned this with coding. I never thought I was that smart and learning to code was very difficult for me. I used to focus on being a master game developer and thinking about how intimidating it is that I have to learn so much. But now I just put all my effort and focus on one lesson every day. And I feel like I can accomplish anything that way. It doesn't take you 1 step to learn how to walk. But eventually you learn how to sprint.
There is no end goal. This is people's biggest issue. Yes have goals, and break them down into actionable steps, but remember there is no such thing as end goals. If you make them you will only be disappointed when you're done celebrating reaching them. Humans are made to do, build your life around things you always want to do, the types of things that you climb mountains so you can find the next mountains to climb. Life is doing. If you keep setting goals that are end points you'll just get into cycles of chasing highs then getting lost in disappointment and feelings of lacking when they're done.
Write it down "homework". Then look at instead of watching this video. You shouldn't use motivation, preloading at a present moment. Which is doing homework.
Rough notes: Crisis evokes serenity, because a crisis forces you to be appropriately engaged. This is because a crisis clears all unimportant items from your mind. It clears up your psyche, leaving enough bandwidth for the important items. One requires psychic bandwidth to be appropriately engaged. Increase psychic bandwidth under normal circumstances by capturing your thinking. How to "capture your thinking"? The first step is to write down the all things on your mind that you feel you need to do something about. Next, write down the outcomes you want to see, the actions you will take (if you decide to take action at all) and the resources you will allocate to achieve your outcome. Finally, you need maps. Make maps of all your projects and the actions in them. You also need maps outside your to-do list, maps about your goals in professional life and personal life that cover all the items you need to watch and take care of. Now that you have captured your thinking, you can make good decisions about what you need to do. Use your maps to decide the course you want your life to take. Re-evaluate your maps on a regular basis: adjust to new incoming data and recalibrate your maps. The end. This is the art of stress free productivity.
Reading through and pondering for some time over your brief notes & pondering on these statements' contents for awhile made me more engaged and the coming watch more thought-provoking, honestly. thank you so much
Great talk! David Allen really nails it on the focused and productivity front! His concept of "Appropriate Engagement" is a revolution in the creativity/productivity flow-sphere. All his terms and phrases are next-level cogent, EXCEPT one. Why use the relevance-weak, politically-charged, ambiguous and non-cogent term "victim" to describe someone in a state of rudderless disorganization? The word 'victim' carries too much baggage in American vernacular and does not come close to describing everyone in that state, and it may a bit insulting for those who have reached that state and fully realize they are not any type of victim. Mr. Allen's own words defining a victim do not support the definition of one, i.e. "where you have no control and no focus"....."driven by the latest and loudest". Other than that, Appropriate Engagement is my new favorite mindset. Thank You David Allen!
Great advice! The presentation is also on very high level. People interested in public speaking might learn a lot from it. The main idea is that we have to free our minds from everyday thoughts in order to have space for creativity. Write down every task you are thinking about. Then develop a concrete plan how to achieve it. Make sure you take into account all your activities and time they require when implementing a new one. Don't use your mind as a storage, use it as a generator instead!
Summary: Write all your goals down. Outline the steps to reach those goals. Prioritize. Forget about the less important things. I just made you more productive by encapsulating this video into 4 short sentences thereby saving you 20 minutes of your time.
Listen closely to this guy!!! I've been writing out my plans for the last three years and I'm currently a business owner because of it!! I'm literally living my dream, this very second. It will take hardwork, careful planning and execution. You can do it too. If you're willing to pay the cost.
The idea wasn't to follow to-do lists, but to create a personal system that didn't require mental space to be taken up - creating a system for yourself to let other things go for total focus. He also gave information about what to do in that time - to keep your mind flexible enough to react, but focused enough and calm enough not to overreact and lose sight of what you're giving your creativity and effort to. The writing part was just to give your mind the ease and space to do so, I think.
The act of writing things down, both everyday tasks, and goals, whether short or long term, is AMAZING for people dealing with anxiety and depression.. It takes away that sense of overwhelming responsibility when you don't have to remember, and therefore think about every single little responsibility.. Keeping things organized, clear, concise, able to be revised and revisited on a regular basis.. Keeps things in context and in perspective.. Freeing up that mental energy and capacity for actually accomplishing the tasks required..
As a person who battles anxiety, this is great advice. As a person who struggles to manage ADHD, it is SO HARD to block things out of my mind, ie focus, ie engage. It’s easier when I’m in a quiet room alone than when I’m at work with everyone talking and arguing in an open office plan. Also, just want to point out that not everyone has had an experience of peaceful engagement in a crisis, which this speaker didn’t acknowledge. I took a course in crisis management taught by a professor who retired from working in the UN and Red Cross, and for the course we read a book by Gisli Olafsson called “Crisis Leader”. Gisli writes that your ability to function calmly in a moment of crisis can be increased by having a plan, staying healthy, staying centered with your values, etc., but ultimately it comes down to personality. Some people freeze up and feel paralyzed in crisis, others feel calm and clear headed and can hold off the emotions and stress until later, and deal with them once the crisis is averted. Not everyone is cut out to be an ER doctor or a search and rescue leader, and that’s okay. And people may have some weaknesses that make engagement difficult, but it is something I’ve tried to get better at as part of coping strategies for anxiety and ADHD, and I’ve improved at least somewhat.
I've been a GTD user for about 4 years and I can't imagine my life without it now. It's just not a business tool but a life tool. And it's a journey not a destination so if you're new, give yourself time in terms of months and years to make changes. While Getting Things Done is a quick weekend read, implementing it is best done very very slowly like weight loss.
I have a huge respect for David Allen and his work. I'd like to add that if you're a procrastinator, like i was, then before even implementing any system you'd need to look at the root causes of procrastination first. The Procrastination Elimination Method by John Isaac has been life-changing for me in this regards. NOW i can use systems like GTD with more efficiency.
Maybe that "Procrastination Elimination Method" is useful... but if I've ever seen a website that looks like a scam (trying to lure you in with time-constrained discounts and whatnot), it's John's website.
@@annieblogger489 I am glad that the method is helping you. I have a questions. 17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! How do I solve this? Help!
The worst feeling is when I'm watching a TED-talk with a highly motivated, very determined and successful speaker, saying exactly what I need to do in my life to become a better person, yet I don't really understand the talk and is left rather bummed out and empty. It just.. doesn't really sink in. And the comment section is always filled with "oh, this video is life changing!" comments. Too many talks leave me like this.
Hello Nnniclas, Do you still feel like this TedTalk is going over your head? Do you feel like you've become a better person on your own already? Would you like to talk about anything? And would you like another tedtalk about this topic but explained from a different perspective and more actionable guidance.
WOW on that very last sentence (paraphrasing): "....in order to take maximum advantage of all the ADVENTURES coming towards us, may we all find our own ways to be appropriately engaged." I just love the connection point between adventure and preparedness. It creates so much more space for flow and flexibility moment to moment. My most inspiring life experiences have been rooted in this intersection and there's still so much potential for further refining and aligning and optimizing from a structural POV. I love this!
Something from David's book that really resonated with me on my most recent re-read: "Asking yourself, “What’s the next action?” undermines the victim mentality. It presupposes that there is a possibility of change, and that there is something you can do to make it happen."
This video is amazing and really hit me hard. I have been very overwhelmed with how to balance a corporate position, family, friends, charities, church, and personal time. I watched this three times and took notes and will be doing the work David Allen recommended.
I have read David Allen's book, "Getting Things Done". I implemented his system of handling tasks and projects. I found that it increased my productivity and my organization a great deal. Even though it did not get me promoted to a corner office or C-level job, it made me much more effective and valuable. Clearing my mind of the hundreds of tasks that were ahead of me, I could focus on completing the next one completely and correctly. As Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters sings, "done, done, onto the next one, done, done, onto the next one"... Thank you, David Allen for helping the rest of us with your video and book.
Loved it! We expect directions on long road trips, but we don't often think of employing the same method of "getting us there" to our goals. More than not, the goal is not to drown under the mass of projects and priorities we have. I can attest, writing down each and every project and pressing priority allows me to step outside of my head and take an eagles eye view of what I have been juggling all along. It has only been at those moments where I have had real clarity about what goes first. You have to answer what, why, and when first. Your how and where will follow once you get to those items on your list down the road. Don't map each branch out en tedium before you approach actually working on your first objective. You'll just stress yourself out. As a Leadership and Development Professional, this has been a MAJOR make-or-break factor in my own success. Fantastic Tedx Talk.
it feels like the moonlight shon tonight. the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. I already knew the answers within, but this fantastic presentation will help me put my thoughts into order, while .embracing chaos. thanks so much
i think it is important to not obsessive over minutia. You need to always do things with determination and always take a step back with a long breath whenever you are super stressed. That's what I find helps me a lot.
As someone with (presumed) ADHD it took me like 3-4 years and 1000s of hours to figure out my system independently, but finally got something that works well for me - - 100% gonna teach it to my kids some day to give them the edge
I intently watch this video a MINIMUM of 8 to 9 times a day to remind myself of the importance of TIME MANAGEMENT and PRODUCTIVITY. I recommend anyone out there who suffers from stress to stop whatever they are doing, and Watch this video over and over. Take your life seriously
djpaulhannon Yes of course, it is only by watching this over and over that I can remind myself how to spend my time efficiently. It allows to me to really delve deep into how to be a productive person. I have a hard time finishing what I need to get done so then watch it a few more times to relieve my stress and remind myself to stay focused
LesMiserables999 Why do you have to do that? Just spend 3 hours memorizing the video and you wont have to do this daily to remind yourself- it will be engraved in memory.
This was not what I expected. After watching several GTD "how to" videos, this was refreshing on the foundational philosophy of the system. Thank you David Allen and TEDx.
Brief Summary: - Getting things done is is about appropriately engaging with what is going on. - Crisis forces you to be in Crisis - You don’t necessarily need time, but you need space to …a. think b. create c. be crazy d. make mistake e. be chaotic and so forth - You need freedom to make a mess - Give appropriate due between tasks/actions - Make a list the things in your mind & Then decide what is the very next action about this topic (what is the project) & Create a right guide for the topic/projects (so you can see a clear picture)
There's one big thing missing from this system and that's: how do you decide on the goals, projects and actions that you work on? I think this question can be answered by answering two other questions: what kind of life do you want to lead and what kind of person do you want to be? The first question gives you the goals, the second tells you how important each goal is and in what manner you want to achieve it. For me, the second question is most important. It tells me how to interact with people and the natural world, adds a separate goal of continual self-improvement and allows me to base everything I do on deeply felt personal values. The end result of that is great interpersonal relationships and a deep sense of satisfaction with my life as a whole, or, in other words, an amazing life!
@General English I can recommend Jordan Peterson. He has some great life advice. Also he has a system called future authoring which uses practical psychology to help you set goals. The thing about deciding what kind of person you want to be and let that influence how you pursue your goals is an idea I developed myself, so I have no references for that. One great technique in interpersonal relations is the method of nonviolent communication. Another is to improve your listening skills. There are many techniques you can find about listening online. What I did was select two techniques that I thought would have the biggest impact, based on previous listening efforts and problems I discovered. I focused on these two for a couple of weeks, consciously incorporating them in my conversations, but not so much that it became unnatural or very stressful. This led to having some amazing conversations and improved relationships with important people in my life.
Excellent video for adults struggling with ADD. Your "disorder" is actually a creative superpower. Simple disciplines like the one described here act as its activator.
This is exactly what I am finding in my life, the focus/ the engagement. I consider my life as a failure because until now, at 21, I didn't feel like good at anything. But occasionally, when I am able to engage with sth on my hand, I can do outstanding work that I couldn't believe. All these moment were so remarkable that I hope that mind state can last forever, so I can do everything well.Those were also the moment I know my talent was there, but I'm just unable to perform it when it is needed
17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! Does anyone encounter this too? How do I solve this? Help!
I had suffered heavy stress after the fall of Saigon 4/1975 due to political discrimination; therefore, I had to escape Vietnam by boat. I was reborn in the USA as a political refugee in which I have suffered the other types of stress, but I have hopeful future on the ways to come. Great thanks for all Co-workers, staffs (Bilingual Speaking Mexican Americans & Native English Speakers) with whom who I have been working for 36 years. Now, I have faced other stress due to health problems. To be self-health career is most difficult in life span. My warm best wishes to you all.
If you are a procrastinator, as I often am, you should find the reminders/tips in this talk invaluable. Those commenters below who have boiled down David Allen's talk to one simplistic statement have not listened well.
A few comments below, indicate that the main point from the talk, is to write stuff down. Although that is sort of true, there is more to this talk than just write stuff down. He talks about not blending issues, but focusing on things one at a time, because on an average day, you can move from taking the bins out, to helping kids, to business negotiation very quickly. He talks about therefore investing appropriate attention to each thing. He also talks about not accumulating things in our heads by writing them down, so there is space in our minds to remain creative. I liked his analogy that if your kitchen is a mess, how will you find the space to create an experimental meal for friends, something which in itself, will be a messy process? Thus keep things tidy - so you have space to handle challenges and be creative. I zoned in and out of the talk and feel it could probably have been whittled down to half the length - but there is much more to it than just 'write things down'!
The zero time quote is brilliant. We need to be away from technology to be creative. In order to have psyche bandwidth, we need to be away from social media.
***** Thanks Brent. Things are building up for me, lots of separate projects. Things were getting out of hand, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I think both. I know I have the official GTD for Outlook 2007, and I think one of the audio kits I got with a poster was from the website also. The other stuff I am not sure. I have had it for a while. I originally read his book in 2006, and I got a bunch of the other stuff via my company in 2011 I think.
The importance of understanding what you really have to do, what action you need to take and how you will execute it, and to accomplish it successfully by Write What tasks you really need to do? Focusing not on the outcome but putting your mind in the present time, have appropriate engagement with that specific goal by taking one action at a time, by focusing on one task at a time. After Reflect on the progress that you have made Make maps for it Recognize the next steps/actions/decisions that you will take to get on the next level. Thank you, Sir David! I'm 18 an asipiring to be an SUCCESSFUL business man and musician at the same time I have a lot of ideas in my mind but the problem is im struggling with taking the right action, or making the right decision I overthink a lot because I want it to be perfect but I've learned from you that a goal that we've dreamed to achieve will only succeed when we focus on the first step not on the outcome. To start and give your 100% focus, energy, time on this specific action and eventually it will get you to the place where it should be. Thank God!
In complete honesty, this Tedtalk COMPLETELY stressed me out. But I feel that it has very vital information, and I'm going to try my best to fully engage and implement what Allen talked about. Maybe I should buy the book...
If you have a lot going on you can feel like that, or you may have avoidant personality type, (prefer to avoid conflict pressure etc) or some trays of ADHD can cause that also, big changes into organisation stresses.
great review of GTD - David Allen has come a long way since I took his workshop in 2003. as other comments have eluded to - the system itself is simple & elegant yet takes a lifetime to master!
PS. I also discovered it's much easier (and MUCH MORE FUN!) to have 4 vision boards: one for immediate projects (under 1year). the second for long term projects (1-3years), the third for my ideal vision (5-10 years). And after I finish something, I take it off the board, and put it on the fourth cork board, where I put all the projects and objectives I finished. It's awesomely rewarding, and super fun. Each project is either a simple post-its, or printed color images that are really motivating!
Where was this video when I started my productivity journey a year ago?🤔🤔🤔 This talk is life-changing for me and the way I look at things to do. I will read his book in the coming month and have a lot to learn from him.
1) Write it down. Capture anything pulling on your psyche. MORE CONTROL AND PERSPECTIVE. 2)TO Do lists: exact formulation, what outcome am I committed to. What’s the very next action? 3) You need the right MAPS. Key areas of focus and accountability.
As I listen to you with my eyes closed I walk through the room of total Destruction everybody dead laid out never to live again all for a good purpose of course but in your tox I am at total peace with myself and grateful for this time I've had
@@shannonjensen3855 I was "oh look, a squirrel'ing" hard right now and the timing of your "liking" this in a notification was absolutely perfect. Thank you
This kinda reminded me of my Dad. He just didnt explain so much as fast as this Really had to smile through most of this presentation. Hooe to see more like this. Really good to hear and be able to engage finally with people that know way more than me.
I am naturally a very organized person. When my to do list says "dog, budget, mom, babysitter", it is very clear to me that I need to decide on the size of my dog for the holiday, discuss the baby's frequent crying with my budget, take my mom to the vet, and go out for a meal with the babysitter.
Thanks Allen for that wonderful talk. I have decided to take this through to the end for my own good! And yes, it feels quite nice to do step 1 and yes, step 2 is kinda difficult.
man, all these David shared here is to true. i watched this few years ago and it didnt feel this strong resonated but now after i get where i am today, i somehow watched it again, it feels so strongly. thanks for such great sharing. i think it is apply for my life rn and i need to do smth abt it for myself
This title & description box is missing a VERY important piece of CONTEXT here. David Allen is the author of a book called "Getting things done" the subtitle is -the art of stress free productivity-. If folks don't have the book or aren't using the GTD system this video doesn't offer nearly as much value. Personally, as a GTD practitioner, I found the video to be one of the more streamlined and effective talks that David has done.
Brett Price Thank You... 4 that reference, i paused the video i was that taken by his words, i need 2 find this guy & pop ur reply gave me the perfect solution. Ask & thou shall receive. 🤓
minjung lee my previous comment was more than a montg ago. I thought that things will change with me too. I don't mean to put you down but it is not that easy. sorry :(
Keep at it. You're no failure. Sometimes that spark of inspiration, creativity or productivity just takes time to kick in. I have that same "mental block" lots of times and it's frustrating when the ideas just don't come. But, as you said when it does you do outstanding work.
Hi speaking is much like his writing. There is useful information buried in there, but you have to dig through a great deal of metaphor and fortune cookie wisdom to uncover it.
David Allen's work is a saving grace. For sure, a brilliant thinker of the 20th/21st century. But yes, the profundity of his work really doesn't become apparent until you have spent a long while applying it and digging through it. If you go to amazon and search for books on productivity - you'll see all of their most popular books listed across several pages ... I have read every single one of them. All the points and principles that they touch upon, David covers in a single book. All other authors give you a few pieces of the productivity puzzle. David gives you all of the pieces in one place, and shows you how they all connect together. But to truly internalise all of these pieces, so that stress free productivity, becomes habitual and effortless - unfortunately takes a lot of time and introspection. But it is possible. To everyone who is struggling with overwhelm, procrastination and a lack of motivation towards your goals - there is light at the end of the tunnel.
@@jimboats 100% agree. I'm a big advocate for his method, but while I was introduced to him and his work around '06 (through Merlin Mann and his 43 folders site) I did not commit fully until a couple years ago. Unlike pretty much all productivity gurus he does not only give sage advice/fortune cookie wisdom, he provides a concrete system that he expects you to set up and work as he's prescribed. This is not "follow your dreams" or "live your truth" this is "place things in this basket. Put them on this list. OK, things are this, this or this but nothing else." - It can can be dauntingly rigid and my initial impulse was to try to treat GTD like all those other books, "I'll just take the pieces that speak to me" - or "I'll try this tip or trick out" - Next Actions, 2 -minute rule, Someday/Maybe, etc will only provide the kind of focus, clarity and productivity that GTD aspires to if you work the entire system.
@@jimboats Precisely. All you have to do is read David Allen and you've learned 80% of what productivity is about. The other 20% is optimizations that aren't required and stuff that you only find out *when* you're actively being productive.
The world needs more of space to feel psychological safety, free thinking and mindful awareness that allows for ideas to be openly challenged and less "cancelling". Wrapping people in cotton wool, nannying and helicopter management be gone. There are limits to what is compatibility with growth and creativity and the healthy kind of interdependence we need to do what we gotta do. How are we to reach that in the world as it is? Really appreciate this speech exists.
Out of nowhere, while visiting our grandmother, I came across David Allen's book (the one showed in the slides of his presentation), and I asked our grandmother if I could borrow it. (I actually read the book before I watched any of the David Allen talks and presentations). I read it for the whole summer, implementing the lessons and principles while continuing to read, even reading it while I'm out drinking with friends. It's hilarious, too. They'd be passing out and playing video games drunk while I was reading the book. Anyways.. the lessons and principles have truly changed my life and I am still implementing all that I've learned from it.
As for all the negative comments. Over 4,000 thumbs up , less than 200 thumbs down. I'm guessing the thumbs up people are busy implementing the information instead of wasting their time telling everyone what a waste of their time it was watching it. Mmmm......maybe they would benefit from learning how to spend their time more productively.
Let me help those of you looking to become more productive and save 22 minutes of your time watching this video, the only substantive thing he advises in these 22 minutes: "Write stuff down, try a notepad yo"
Take the long route. Be like water. Punch your next to-do list item in the face, like a boulder smashing dispassionately into a creative mess. Once you've mastered the roundhouse kick of capturing your attention in a trusted system, you'll never go back to less psychic bandwidth.
I read this comment and thought "I don't need to watch this whole video." Then, I watched it anyway. Very few TED(x) talks have resonated with my life like this one. While RCLaboratory gives a decent but broad summary, the lecture itself is much more nuanced, eloquent, and brilliant. So, I encourage anyone on the fence: Watch it for yourself! This is the first TED talk after which I've thought: "Damn, I need to watch this again."
Good evening! Sorry to say but this is the BRAIN I LOVE, THE HEART, I ADMIRE YOU! EVEN I DON'T WHERE YOU ARE🥰THANKS FOR THIS INTERESTING LESSON 01-25-22 STILL SEARCHING, STILL INTERESTING ABOUT LEARNING FROM MASTERS. GOD BLESS YOU.
Started following it by today's afternoon. It's midnight here and I've been more productive today than I had all week, and I spent most of the afternoon just organizing stuff in order to begin, which I didn't label as productivity.
This is brilliant. I will watch this again... as I recalibrate. Currently living as a mad scientist/crazy maker with all of my great ideas. Thank you for articulating this David Allen!
at some point of my recent unproductive life style that i built, brushing my teeth was such an achievement in my day that gave me some self esteem and even self worth if i might say ( i'm laughing at myself while writing this tho lol, i'm not proud or anything, but it was still an achievement in that mess lol)
Good: The value of this speech is incredible. The most helpful TED talk I've ever heard. Bad: Presentation was poor. Not adapted to a general audience, poor visual aids, and most importantly, lack of any structure. I'm going to have to watch this 1-2 times more to get everything out of it.
I have spent many years with an illness that has left me useless too often. Completely unlike every other method GTD is the perfect system because it allows you to GTD when your body allows, or when you have the energy. And more importantly: It frees you from the anxiety and guilt and stress that an illness causes.
Swift discussion that it becomes difficult to appreciate the essence of his points. My attention kept blown off along. Then I am self-reminded that these talks are time limited. Thanks anyway speaker.
Notice the classic form of best selling advice, i.e., "it's not about A, it's about B". In this case (David Allen), "it's not about getting things done, it's about being appropriated engaged." You might hear variations on this, such as "It's not about the product, it's about what we stand for." or “Becoming a manager is not about becoming a boss. It’s about becoming a hostage.” and "It's not about perfection; it's about connection.”. One piece of management advice that trumps them all is P. T. Barnum's advice about suckers and the seemingly endless supply being ready to be taken in by the latest huckster. Tell me if you find anything in this video based on scientific studies.
John Anderson Could you post some scientific studies on organisation and time management? It sin't my field of expertise like yours - so please point the rest of us in the right direction when it comes to what science says about such subjects?
You got it man! I have read his book "Getting Things Done" and tried it, as I am into complicated tasks in my work. It is a disaster. Many of the methods suggested there, do not improve things, even have the opposite results. I thought in the beginning that despite the jargon, it MUST have some practical value, but it didn't. I do not say there was no useful tips in there, but as a whole concept, does not worth the time. A lot of jargon like "taking care of things when they show up, not when they blow up", self proven arguments, or conclusions from wrong premises like "writing to do's and thoughts in paper gets them out of your head and creates mental (or WTF) space". So Allen is partially right: "Getting things Done" is definitely not about getting things done.
Great talk! David Allen really nails it on the focused and productivity front! His concept of "Appropriate Engagement" is a revolution in the creativity/productivity flow-sphere. All his terms and phrases are next-level cogent, EXCEPT one. Why use the relevance-weak, politically-charged, ambiguous and non-cogent term "victim" to describe someone in a state of rudderless disorganization? The word 'victim' carries too much baggage in American vernacular and does not come close to describing everyone in that state, and it may a bit insulting for those who have reached that state and fully realize they are not any type of victim. Mr. Allen's own words defining a victim do not support the definition of one, i.e. "where you have no control and no focus"....."driven by the latest and loudest". Other than that, Appropriate Engagement is my new favorite mindset. Thank You David Allen!
I totally get the concept about creating a list, time boxing or time tracking. As a virtual assistant for a software company behind Freckle time tracking, I find it very helpful in time management and productivity.
Another HUGE tip I have to add on to what he was saying (all great advice, by the way): Don't focus on the end-goal. If you want to achieve something great, you're most likely not going to do it in a day. So after you have your plan, focus on a single task every day. Day after day, it will get easier. Of course you'll have your bumps, but of you're chasing something that really means a lot to you then you'll keep going. And eventually you WILL reach your goal.
I learned this with coding. I never thought I was that smart and learning to code was very difficult for me. I used to focus on being a master game developer and thinking about how intimidating it is that I have to learn so much. But now I just put all my effort and focus on one lesson every day. And I feel like I can accomplish anything that way.
It doesn't take you 1 step to learn how to walk. But eventually you learn how to sprint.
Are you a master game developer yet ?
BRAVO!
He actually says that too - in his book. ;)
Yes. Don't let your dreams come true. Let your life be about something that you could not dream of.
There is no end goal. This is people's biggest issue. Yes have goals, and break them down into actionable steps, but remember there is no such thing as end goals. If you make them you will only be disappointed when you're done celebrating reaching them.
Humans are made to do, build your life around things you always want to do, the types of things that you climb mountains so you can find the next mountains to climb.
Life is doing. If you keep setting goals that are end points you'll just get into cycles of chasing highs then getting lost in disappointment and feelings of lacking when they're done.
"If you are already in a mess, you ain't got room to make one." Amen
This motivated me to do my homework... But only for today. I'll have to watch it again tomorrow...
Write it down "homework". Then look at instead of watching this video. You shouldn't use motivation, preloading at a present moment. Which is doing homework.
+hondal22 instead * not preloading lol that was a auto correct
I'm
y1
me, too.
Rough notes:
Crisis evokes serenity, because a crisis forces you to be appropriately engaged. This is because a crisis clears all unimportant items from your mind. It clears up your psyche, leaving enough bandwidth for the important items. One requires psychic bandwidth to be appropriately engaged.
Increase psychic bandwidth under normal circumstances by capturing your thinking.
How to "capture your thinking"?
The first step is to write down the all things on your mind that you feel you need to do something about. Next, write down the outcomes you want to see, the actions you will take (if you decide to take action at all) and the resources you will allocate to achieve your outcome. Finally, you need maps. Make maps of all your projects and the actions in them. You also need maps outside your to-do list, maps about your goals in professional life and personal life that cover all the items you need to watch and take care of.
Now that you have captured your thinking, you can make good decisions about what you need to do. Use your maps to decide the course you want your life to take. Re-evaluate your maps on a regular basis: adjust to new incoming data and recalibrate your maps.
The end. This is the art of stress free productivity.
handwriting with a writing instrument and sheet of paper = casting spells with a magic wand effectively rerouting the flow of the universe
Thanks for the notes
Reading through and pondering for some time over your brief notes & pondering on these statements' contents for awhile made me more engaged and the coming watch more thought-provoking, honestly. thank you so much
man u r a life saver.GTD is brilliant
But this dude is so boring.
Thank you thank you thank you, I saved my 22 minutes because of this.
This guy is a true hero. Nailed how to be productive in an age where being overwhelmed is quickly becoming the norm.
Great talk! David Allen really nails it on the focused and productivity front! His concept of "Appropriate Engagement" is a revolution in the creativity/productivity flow-sphere.
All his terms and phrases are next-level cogent, EXCEPT one. Why use the relevance-weak, politically-charged, ambiguous and non-cogent term "victim" to describe someone in a state of rudderless disorganization? The word 'victim' carries too much baggage in American vernacular and does not come close to describing everyone in that state, and it may a bit insulting for those who have reached that state and fully realize they are not any type of victim. Mr. Allen's own words defining a victim do not support the definition of one, i.e. "where you have no control and no focus"....."driven by the latest and loudest". Other than that, Appropriate Engagement is my new favorite mindset. Thank You David Allen!
Ghbhj mk((mkak(kk+jjj++
Great advice! The presentation is also on very high level. People interested in public speaking might learn a lot from it.
The main idea is that we have to free our minds from everyday thoughts in order to have space for creativity. Write down every task you are thinking about. Then develop a concrete plan how to achieve it. Make sure you take into account all your activities and time they require when implementing a new one. Don't use your mind as a storage, use it as a generator instead!
THIS! "Don't use your mind as a storage, use it as a generator instead!"
thanks for explaining ,To be very honest I was finding hard to understand the video
Summary: Write all your goals down. Outline the steps to reach those goals. Prioritize. Forget about the less important things. I just made you more productive by encapsulating this video into 4 short sentences thereby saving you 20 minutes of your time.
Thank u
Still gonna watch all of it but I appreciate you taking the time
Thank you.
👍🏼
😂legend
Listen closely to this guy!!! I've been writing out my plans for the last three years and I'm currently a business owner because of it!! I'm literally living my dream, this very second. It will take hardwork, careful planning and execution. You can do it too. If you're willing to pay the cost.
Amazing 😊
Finally! An action plan I can follow through on. No fluff talk or airy fairy philosophy, straight to the point. Thank you David Allen.
"Don't keep anything in your head the rest of your life" really got me.
The idea wasn't to follow to-do lists, but to create a personal system that didn't require mental space to be taken up - creating a system for yourself to let other things go for total focus. He also gave information about what to do in that time - to keep your mind flexible enough to react, but focused enough and calm enough not to overreact and lose sight of what you're giving your creativity and effort to. The writing part was just to give your mind the ease and space to do so, I think.
The act of writing things down, both everyday tasks, and goals, whether short or long term, is AMAZING for people dealing with anxiety and depression.. It takes away that sense of overwhelming responsibility when you don't have to remember, and therefore think about every single little responsibility.. Keeping things organized, clear, concise, able to be revised and revisited on a regular basis.. Keeps things in context and in perspective.. Freeing up that mental energy and capacity for actually accomplishing the tasks required..
true and yet I write a to-do list every day and a yearly goals list and accomplish none of it even tho it stares at me every day
As a person who battles anxiety, this is great advice.
As a person who struggles to manage ADHD, it is SO HARD to block things out of my mind, ie focus, ie engage. It’s easier when I’m in a quiet room alone than when I’m at work with everyone talking and arguing in an open office plan.
Also, just want to point out that not everyone has had an experience of peaceful engagement in a crisis, which this speaker didn’t acknowledge.
I took a course in crisis management taught by a professor who retired from working in the UN and Red Cross, and for the course we read a book by Gisli Olafsson called “Crisis Leader”. Gisli writes that your ability to function calmly in a moment of crisis can be increased by having a plan, staying healthy, staying centered with your values, etc., but ultimately it comes down to personality. Some people freeze up and feel paralyzed in crisis, others feel calm and clear headed and can hold off the emotions and stress until later, and deal with them once the crisis is averted.
Not everyone is cut out to be an ER doctor or a search and rescue leader, and that’s okay. And people may have some weaknesses that make engagement difficult, but it is something I’ve tried to get better at as part of coping strategies for anxiety and ADHD, and I’ve improved at least somewhat.
The irony is that I'm watching this video while procrastinating.
Update (6 years later): Got it all sorted!
I hear ya... I believe 99% of us is doing just that ;)
+Alexei Fando The irony is I found out about David Allen when I was googling my own name while procrastinating.
+Alexei Fando Actually, it was a very good use of your time.
yeppp
Funny! haha!
I've been a GTD user for about 4 years and I can't imagine my life without it now. It's just not a business tool but a life tool. And it's a journey not a destination so if you're new, give yourself time in terms of months and years to make changes. While Getting Things Done is a quick weekend read, implementing it is best done very very slowly like weight loss.
what's your current system? computer pen paper or what?
I have a huge respect for David Allen and his work. I'd like to add that if you're a procrastinator, like i was, then before even implementing any system you'd need to look at the root causes of procrastination first. The Procrastination Elimination Method by John Isaac has been life-changing for me in this regards. NOW i can use systems like GTD with more efficiency.
Maybe that "Procrastination Elimination Method" is useful... but if I've ever seen a website that looks like a scam (trying to lure you in with time-constrained discounts and whatnot), it's John's website.
i beg to differ... i bought this book and it's been really helpful to me
That's entirely possible. Doesn't change the fact that it's marketed terribly and will put off anyone thinking critically.
@@annieblogger489 I am glad that the method is helping you. I have a questions. 17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! How do I solve this? Help!
Totalmente de acuerdo. = I fully agree.
The worst feeling is when I'm watching a TED-talk with a highly motivated, very determined and successful speaker, saying exactly what I need to do in my life to become a better person, yet I don't really understand the talk and is left rather bummed out and empty. It just.. doesn't really sink in. And the comment section is always filled with "oh, this video is life changing!" comments. Too many talks leave me like this.
Hello Nnniclas, Do you still feel like this TedTalk is going over your head? Do you feel like you've become a better person on your own already? Would you like to talk about anything? And would you like another tedtalk about this topic but explained from a different perspective and more actionable guidance.
Writing down- to comment on this video to say thank you! I have watched this video three times!!! Outcome- feel gratitude to you. Gina in lights
Very useful information! Sometimes it's incredibly motivating knowing that you're not lazy, just overwhelmed.
WOW on that very last sentence (paraphrasing): "....in order to take maximum advantage of all the ADVENTURES coming towards us, may we all find our own ways to be appropriately engaged."
I just love the connection point between adventure and preparedness. It creates so much more space for flow and flexibility moment to moment. My most inspiring life experiences have been rooted in this intersection and there's still so much potential for further refining and aligning and optimizing from a structural POV. I love this!
Getting control and perspective are key to relaxed productivity. David Allen nailed it!
I have listened 3 times. Will listen 3 more AT LEAST!!!. My best use of time today. THANK YOU!
Something from David's book that really resonated with me on my most recent re-read: "Asking yourself, “What’s the next action?” undermines the victim mentality. It presupposes that there is a possibility of change, and that there is something you can do to make it happen."
Meaning?
When my father passed unexplained, I experienced that sense of focus calm … everything on the back burner & I was completely centered in the moment.
This video is amazing and really hit me hard. I have been very overwhelmed with how to balance a corporate position, family, friends, charities, church, and personal time. I watched this three times and took notes and will be doing the work David Allen recommended.
Perhaps you want to do too much.
I have read David Allen's book, "Getting Things Done". I implemented his system of handling tasks and projects. I found that it increased my productivity and my organization a great deal. Even though it did not get me promoted to a corner office or C-level job, it made me much more effective and valuable. Clearing my mind of the hundreds of tasks that were ahead of me, I could focus on completing the next one completely and correctly. As Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters sings, "done, done, onto the next one, done, done, onto the next one"... Thank you, David Allen for helping the rest of us with your video and book.
Loved it! We expect directions on long road trips, but we don't often think of employing the same method of "getting us there" to our goals. More than not, the goal is not to drown under the mass of projects and priorities we have. I can attest, writing down each and every project and pressing priority allows me to step outside of my head and take an eagles eye view of what I have been juggling all along. It has only been at those moments where I have had real clarity about what goes first. You have to answer what, why, and when first. Your how and where will follow once you get to those items on your list down the road. Don't map each branch out en tedium before you approach actually working on your first objective. You'll just stress yourself out. As a Leadership and Development Professional, this has been a MAJOR make-or-break factor in my own success. Fantastic Tedx Talk.
❤ I really need this guidance TODAY!
it feels like the moonlight shon tonight. the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. I already knew the answers within, but this fantastic presentation will help me put my thoughts into order, while .embracing chaos. thanks so much
Wow he totally described me!! I wish I knew this 40 years ago. Thank you for recording this for people to hear.
i think it is important to not obsessive over minutia. You need to always do things with determination and always take a step back with a long breath whenever you are super stressed. That's what I find helps me a lot.
As someone with (presumed) ADHD it took me like 3-4 years and 1000s of hours to figure out my system independently, but finally got something that works well for me - - 100% gonna teach it to my kids some day to give them the edge
@nick lestat what do you use for your "maps"? ...Any tips for managing all the projects and tasks?
& i have to include this app that i use, just search " Event Countdown - Calendar App " -- but i'm sure there are also other similar ones out there
I intently watch this video a MINIMUM of 8 to 9 times a day to remind myself of the importance of TIME MANAGEMENT and PRODUCTIVITY. I recommend anyone out there who suffers from stress to stop whatever they are doing, and Watch this video over and over. Take your life seriously
You watch this for 3+ hours a day, to remind yourself about time management and productivity??
djpaulhannon Yes of course, it is only by watching this over and over that I can remind myself how to spend my time efficiently. It allows to me to really delve deep into how to be a productive person. I have a hard time finishing what I need to get done so then watch it a few more times to relieve my stress and remind myself to stay focused
That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, Is your memory that bad?
LesMiserables999 Why do you have to do that? Just spend 3 hours memorizing the video and you wont have to do this daily to remind yourself- it will be engraved in memory.
Because repetition is the mother of skill.. ;)
This was not what I expected. After watching several GTD "how to" videos, this was refreshing on the foundational philosophy of the system. Thank you David Allen and TEDx.
Brief Summary:
- Getting things done is is about appropriately engaging with what is going on.
- Crisis forces you to be in Crisis
- You don’t necessarily need time, but you need space to …a. think b. create c. be crazy d. make mistake e. be chaotic
and so forth
- You need freedom to make a mess
- Give appropriate due between tasks/actions
- Make a list the things in your mind & Then decide what is the very next action about this topic (what is the project) & Create a right guide for the topic/projects (so you can see a clear picture)
People like you make the world a better place. Thank you for this incredible summary!!
There's one big thing missing from this system and that's: how do you decide on the goals, projects and actions that you work on? I think this question can be answered by answering two other questions: what kind of life do you want to lead and what kind of person do you want to be? The first question gives you the goals, the second tells you how important each goal is and in what manner you want to achieve it. For me, the second question is most important. It tells me how to interact with people and the natural world, adds a separate goal of continual self-improvement and allows me to base everything I do on deeply felt personal values. The end result of that is great interpersonal relationships and a deep sense of satisfaction with my life as a whole, or, in other words, an amazing life!
@General English I can recommend Jordan Peterson. He has some great life advice. Also he has a system called future authoring which uses practical psychology to help you set goals.
The thing about deciding what kind of person you want to be and let that influence how you pursue your goals is an idea I developed myself, so I have no references for that.
One great technique in interpersonal relations is the method of nonviolent communication. Another is to improve your listening skills. There are many techniques you can find about listening online. What I did was select two techniques that I thought would have the biggest impact, based on previous listening efforts and problems I discovered. I focused on these two for a couple of weeks, consciously incorporating them in my conversations, but not so much that it became unnatural or very stressful. This led to having some amazing conversations and improved relationships with important people in my life.
Damn. This is the video I have been looking for all my life. I really needed this. Thanks.
Excellent video for adults struggling with ADD. Your "disorder" is actually a creative superpower. Simple disciplines like the one described here act as its activator.
This is exactly what I am finding in my life, the focus/ the engagement. I consider my life as a failure because until now, at 21, I didn't feel like good at anything. But occasionally, when I am able to engage with sth on my hand, I can do outstanding work that I couldn't believe. All these moment were so remarkable that I hope that mind state can last forever, so I can do everything well.Those were also the moment I know my talent was there, but I'm just unable to perform it when it is needed
Your life is just getting started. Hurry though, cuz before you know it, it will fly by and if you’ve done nothing, you will be a failure.
17:30 where the point is made.
Thank you!
Thank you
17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! Does anyone encounter this too? How do I solve this? Help!
@@mincao8003 get a speech recognition device and speak instead of writing down. Writing takes time and space, speaking you can do any time anywhere
@@GetAssista Thanks for the reply and suggestion! I indeed do that, especially when I am out and about.
Thank you, David Allen! You're the best!!!
This is the first TED X talk that actually stressed me ,let alone stress free productivity
Blessings to you David, for I recognize the heaven sent message, valuable you for the message you send out. Thank you. "Sophisticated Spontaneity "
I had suffered heavy stress after the fall of Saigon 4/1975 due to political discrimination; therefore, I had to escape Vietnam by boat. I was reborn in the USA as a political refugee in which I have suffered the other types of stress, but I have hopeful future on the ways to come. Great thanks for all Co-workers, staffs (Bilingual Speaking Mexican Americans & Native English Speakers) with whom who I have been working for 36 years. Now, I have faced other stress due to health problems. To be self-health career is most difficult in life span.
My warm best wishes to you all.
David Allen's book has changed my life ! Thanks a lot !
If you are a procrastinator, as I often am, you should find the reminders/tips in this talk invaluable. Those commenters below who have boiled down David Allen's talk to one simplistic statement have not listened well.
If you are a procrastinater I highly recommend ATOMIC HABITS
A few comments below, indicate that the main point from the talk, is to write stuff down. Although that is sort of true, there is more to this talk than just write stuff down. He talks about not blending issues, but focusing on things one at a time, because on an average day, you can move from taking the bins out, to helping kids, to business negotiation very quickly. He talks about therefore investing appropriate attention to each thing. He also talks about not accumulating things in our heads by writing them down, so there is space in our minds to remain creative. I liked his analogy that if your kitchen is a mess, how will you find the space to create an experimental meal for friends, something which in itself, will be a messy process? Thus keep things tidy - so you have space to handle challenges and be creative. I zoned in and out of the talk and feel it could probably have been whittled down to half the length - but there is much more to it than just 'write things down'!
The zero time quote is brilliant. We need to be away from technology to be creative. In order to have psyche bandwidth, we need to be away from social media.
+Class 2016 explain, please
This man has changed my life for the way way better. Let's keep the momentum going
Just started GTD yesterday. This seems like a worthwhile endeavor. Writing things down help immensely. Hopefully this is just the beginning.
If you need any help, I'd be glad to. I've been using GTD for quite a few years, and it is transformative.
***** Thanks Brent. Things are building up for me, lots of separate projects. Things were getting out of hand, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I love GTD. There are so many good extra things too besides the initial book. I have some of the auxiliary products and PDFS to flow chart it.
John Tkalcich Oh, didn't know that. Is that the stuff from David Allen's site or somewwere else?
I think both. I know I have the official GTD for Outlook 2007, and I think one of the audio kits I got with a poster was from the website also. The other stuff I am not sure. I have had it for a while. I originally read his book in 2006, and I got a bunch of the other stuff via my company in 2011 I think.
The importance of understanding what you really have to do, what action you need to take and how you will execute it, and to accomplish it successfully by
Write
What tasks you really need to do?
Focusing not on the outcome but putting your mind in the present time, have appropriate engagement with that specific goal by taking one action at a time, by focusing on one task at a time.
After
Reflect on the progress that you have made
Make maps for it
Recognize the next steps/actions/decisions that you will take to get on the next level.
Thank you, Sir David! I'm 18 an asipiring to be an SUCCESSFUL business man and musician at the same time
I have a lot of ideas in my mind but the problem is im struggling with taking the right action, or making the right decision I overthink a lot because I want it to be perfect but I've learned from you that a goal that we've dreamed to achieve will only succeed when we focus on the first step not on the outcome.
To start and give your 100% focus, energy, time on this specific action and eventually it will get you to the place where it should be. Thank God!
In complete honesty, this Tedtalk COMPLETELY stressed me out. But I feel that it has very vital information, and I'm going to try my best to fully engage and implement what Allen talked about. Maybe I should buy the book...
If you have a lot going on you can feel like that, or you may have avoidant personality type, (prefer to avoid conflict pressure etc) or some trays of ADHD can cause that also, big changes into organisation stresses.
great review of GTD - David Allen has come a long way since I took his workshop in 2003. as other comments have eluded to - the system itself is simple & elegant yet takes a lifetime to master!
PS. I also discovered it's much easier (and MUCH MORE FUN!) to have 4 vision boards: one for immediate projects (under 1year). the second for long term projects (1-3years), the third for my ideal vision (5-10 years). And after I finish something, I take it off the board, and put it on the fourth cork board, where I put all the projects and objectives I finished. It's awesomely rewarding, and super fun. Each project is either a simple post-its, or printed color images that are really motivating!
Where was this video when I started my productivity journey a year ago?🤔🤔🤔
This talk is life-changing for me and the way I look at things to do.
I will read his book in the coming month and have a lot to learn from him.
1) Write it down. Capture anything pulling on your psyche. MORE CONTROL AND PERSPECTIVE.
2)TO Do lists: exact formulation, what outcome am I committed to. What’s the very next action?
3) You need the right MAPS. Key areas of focus and accountability.
As I listen to you with my eyes closed I walk through the room of total Destruction everybody dead laid out never to live again all for a good purpose of course but in your tox I am at total peace with myself and grateful for this time I've had
"Wherever you are, be all there."
Love this!
@@shannonjensen3855 I was "oh look, a squirrel'ing" hard right now and the timing of your "liking" this in a notification was absolutely perfect. Thank you
This kinda reminded me of my Dad. He just didnt explain so much as fast as this Really had to smile through most of this presentation. Hooe to see more like this. Really good to hear and be able to engage finally with people that know way more than me.
I am naturally a very organized person. When my to do list says "dog, budget, mom, babysitter", it is very clear to me that I need to decide on the size of my dog for the holiday, discuss the baby's frequent crying with my budget, take my mom to the vet, and go out for a meal with the babysitter.
This is one of the best Ted talks I've ever seen.
Thanks Allen for that wonderful talk. I have decided to take this through to the end for my own good! And yes, it feels quite nice to do step 1 and yes, step 2 is kinda difficult.
some ted talks truly are just helpful, this is one of them for me
It's the perfectly executed karate punch, made audible by all his bones cracking and popping for me XD
man, all these David shared here is to true. i watched this few years ago and it didnt feel this strong resonated but now after i get where i am today, i somehow watched it again, it feels so strongly. thanks for such great sharing. i think it is apply for my life rn and i need to do smth abt it for myself
This title & description box is missing a VERY important piece of CONTEXT here. David Allen is the author of a book called "Getting things done" the subtitle is -the art of stress free productivity-. If folks don't have the book or aren't using the GTD system this video doesn't offer nearly as much value. Personally, as a GTD practitioner, I found the video to be one of the more streamlined and effective talks that David has done.
Brett Price Thank You... 4 that reference, i paused the video i was that taken by his words, i need 2 find this guy & pop ur reply gave me the perfect solution. Ask & thou shall receive. 🤓
Fantastic talk, thankyou- 22 minutes and 15 seconds of my day productively spent.
couldn't wait till the end to like the video
me, too. he was so inspirational and to the point. I feel that my life will be changing starting today. :)
minjung lee my previous comment was more than a montg ago. I thought that things will change with me too. I don't mean to put you down but it is not that easy.
sorry :(
Cheer up! I would watch it again and pick up where I left off.
Keep at it. You're no failure. Sometimes that spark of inspiration, creativity or productivity just takes time to kick in. I have that same "mental block" lots of times and it's frustrating when the ideas just don't come. But, as you said when it does you do outstanding work.
Hi speaking is much like his writing. There is useful information buried in there, but you have to dig through a great deal of metaphor and fortune cookie wisdom to uncover it.
David Allen's work is a saving grace. For sure, a brilliant thinker of the 20th/21st century. But yes, the profundity of his work really doesn't become apparent until you have spent a long while applying it and digging through it.
If you go to amazon and search for books on productivity - you'll see all of their most popular books listed across several pages ... I have read every single one of them. All the points and principles that they touch upon, David covers in a single book. All other authors give you a few pieces of the productivity puzzle. David gives you all of the pieces in one place, and shows you how they all connect together.
But to truly internalise all of these pieces, so that stress free productivity, becomes habitual and effortless - unfortunately takes a lot of time and introspection. But it is possible. To everyone who is struggling with overwhelm, procrastination and a lack of motivation towards your goals - there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I agree. I found him difficult to listen to.
@@jimboats 100% agree. I'm a big advocate for his method, but while I was introduced to him and his work around '06 (through Merlin Mann and his 43 folders site) I did not commit fully until a couple years ago. Unlike pretty much all productivity gurus he does not only give sage advice/fortune cookie wisdom, he provides a concrete system that he expects you to set up and work as he's prescribed. This is not "follow your dreams" or "live your truth" this is "place things in this basket. Put them on this list. OK, things are this, this or this but nothing else." - It can can be dauntingly rigid and my initial impulse was to try to treat GTD like all those other books, "I'll just take the pieces that speak to me" - or "I'll try this tip or trick out" - Next Actions, 2 -minute rule, Someday/Maybe, etc will only provide the kind of focus, clarity and productivity that GTD aspires to if you work the entire system.
@@jimboats Precisely. All you have to do is read David Allen and you've learned 80% of what productivity is about. The other 20% is optimizations that aren't required and stuff that you only find out *when* you're actively being productive.
The world needs more of space to feel psychological safety, free thinking and mindful awareness that allows for ideas to be openly challenged and less "cancelling". Wrapping people in cotton wool, nannying and helicopter management be gone. There are limits to what is compatibility with growth and creativity and the healthy kind of interdependence we need to do what we gotta do. How are we to reach that in the world as it is? Really appreciate this speech exists.
This is such a great speaker. And amazing presentation, as well as content. ♥
Out of nowhere, while visiting our grandmother, I came across David Allen's book (the one showed in the slides of his presentation), and I asked our grandmother if I could borrow it. (I actually read the book before I watched any of the David Allen talks and presentations). I read it for the whole summer, implementing the lessons and principles while continuing to read, even reading it while I'm out drinking with friends. It's hilarious, too. They'd be passing out and playing video games drunk while I was reading the book. Anyways.. the lessons and principles have truly changed my life and I am still implementing all that I've learned from it.
Mind to share how u personalised the principles there
If you are reading this while watching the video. You are not present !
Go see the video!
And then Come back. Cheers!
One of the the best of Ted talks by far..........
As for all the negative comments. Over 4,000 thumbs up , less than 200 thumbs down. I'm guessing the thumbs up people are busy implementing the information instead of wasting their time telling everyone what a waste of their time it was watching it. Mmmm......maybe they would benefit from learning how to spend their time more productively.
If someone is implementing this information then how was watching this a waste of their time?
This was a fantastic talk! I don't understand the negative comments or dislikes, but hey - everyone has their own opinion and perception of reality.
One of my fave speeches on TED, though.
Always skeptical about people who try to teach productivity, but was pleasantly surprised with his ideas! Going to read his book.
Let me help those of you looking to become more productive and save 22 minutes of your time watching this video, the only substantive thing he advises in these 22 minutes:
"Write stuff down, try a notepad yo"
+killthegoats why
And the karate punch!
Take the long route. Be like water. Punch your next to-do list item in the face, like a boulder smashing dispassionately into a creative mess. Once you've mastered the roundhouse kick of capturing your attention in a trusted system, you'll never go back to less psychic bandwidth.
Doesn't even say how. I have hundreds of things written down rotting away in dozens of corners. Complexity - Organization = Just complicated 👎
Lee Roy you’re not gonna get the HOW from a 20 min TED Talk. Read his book: “Getting Things Done”.
I read this comment and thought "I don't need to watch this whole video." Then, I watched it anyway. Very few TED(x) talks have resonated with my life like this one. While RCLaboratory gives a decent but broad summary, the lecture itself is much more nuanced, eloquent, and brilliant. So, I encourage anyone on the fence: Watch it for yourself! This is the first TED talk after which I've thought: "Damn, I need to watch this again."
But you know what I like more than materialistic things? Knowledge!
Alex Ossipee knaaaaaaaaawwwwwleeeeeedge
Good evening! Sorry to say but this is the BRAIN I LOVE, THE HEART, I ADMIRE YOU! EVEN I DON'T WHERE YOU ARE🥰THANKS FOR THIS INTERESTING LESSON 01-25-22 STILL SEARCHING, STILL INTERESTING ABOUT LEARNING FROM MASTERS. GOD BLESS YOU.
I cant be present because I am in a constant state of worry and anxiety.
Mr. Ding then fix your health, i had chronic candida with these symptoms, research that on google if you wanna fix it
trust me, its health prob
Try to read "the present" google it ,it's available free as a pdf or audio.
+Wihtecity i was on this video strictly to comment directing ppl to the present so i was glad when i saw your comment. brought a smile to my face
Nick Alexander nice to hear that!
+Mr. Ding Maybe, it is because we live in a technopoly. We all experience a bit of worry and anxiety.
Great reminder of the simplicity and effectiveness of writing things down
I've taken more thorough notes on this than I have in my classes all year...
Started following it by today's afternoon. It's midnight here and I've been more productive today than I had all week, and I spent most of the afternoon just organizing stuff in order to begin, which I didn't label as productivity.
What things u implemented?
That opening line people didn't know whether to laugh, ha
+John Miller lmao, I noticed that.
wronx
This is brilliant. I will watch this again... as I recalibrate. Currently living as a mad scientist/crazy maker with all of my great ideas. Thank you for articulating this David Allen!
Yeah, I was inspired too. I brushed all my teeth.
at some point of my recent unproductive life style that i built, brushing my teeth was such an achievement in my day that gave me some self esteem and even self worth if i might say ( i'm laughing at myself while writing this tho lol, i'm not proud or anything, but it was still an achievement in that mess lol)
One of the best talk, he has tried to articulate the complex concepts in 22 mins to convey the life changing idea....
Good: The value of this speech is incredible. The most helpful TED talk I've ever heard.
Bad: Presentation was poor. Not adapted to a general audience, poor visual aids, and most importantly, lack of any structure. I'm going to have to watch this 1-2 times more to get everything out of it.
You didn't understand anything presented on this talk.
I have spent many years with an illness that has left me useless too often. Completely unlike every other method GTD is the perfect system because it allows you to GTD when your body allows, or when you have the energy. And more importantly: It frees you from the anxiety and guilt and stress that an illness causes.
He forgot to add on his to do list to iron jacket :) Great talk!
Yes, indeed, that is a very wrinkled jacket! But if it wasn't for the pesky cameraman behind him, he coulda gotten away with it :)
Brad - DUDE; IT'S LINEN... the nature of the thing, you know? :D
Brad Shifflett he was so productive in his life that his own coat didn’t have a chance to earn its time to be ironed. 🙈
Swift discussion that it becomes difficult to appreciate the essence of his points. My attention kept blown off along. Then I am self-reminded that these talks are time limited. Thanks anyway speaker.
Notice the classic form of best selling advice, i.e., "it's not about A, it's about B". In this case (David Allen), "it's not about getting things done, it's about being appropriated engaged." You might hear variations on this, such as "It's not about the product, it's about what we stand for." or “Becoming a manager is not about becoming a boss. It’s about becoming a hostage.” and "It's not about perfection; it's about connection.”. One piece of management advice that trumps them all is P. T. Barnum's advice about suckers and the seemingly endless supply being ready to be taken in by the latest huckster. Tell me if you find anything in this video based on scientific studies.
John Anderson Could you post some scientific studies on organisation and time management? It sin't my field of expertise like yours - so please point the rest of us in the right direction when it comes to what science says about such subjects?
You got it man! I have read his book "Getting Things Done" and tried it, as I am into complicated tasks in my work. It is a disaster. Many of the methods suggested there, do not improve things, even have the opposite results. I thought in the beginning that despite the jargon, it MUST have some practical value, but it didn't. I do not say there was no useful tips in there, but as a whole concept, does not worth the time. A lot of jargon like "taking care of things when they show up, not when they blow up", self proven arguments, or conclusions from wrong premises like "writing to do's and thoughts in paper gets them out of your head and creates mental (or WTF) space". So Allen is partially right: "Getting things Done" is definitely not about getting things done.
Great talk! David Allen really nails it on the focused and productivity front! His concept of "Appropriate Engagement" is a revolution in the creativity/productivity flow-sphere.
All his terms and phrases are next-level cogent, EXCEPT one. Why use the relevance-weak, politically-charged, ambiguous and non-cogent term "victim" to describe someone in a state of rudderless disorganization? The word 'victim' carries too much baggage in American vernacular and does not come close to describing everyone in that state, and it may a bit insulting for those who have reached that state and fully realize they are not any type of victim. Mr. Allen's own words defining a victim do not support the definition of one, i.e. "where you have no control and no focus"....."driven by the latest and loudest". Other than that, Appropriate Engagement is my new favorite mindset. Thank You David Allen!
I agree, it may not have been the best word choice. Though I've just watched this video, so I'm still unfamiliar with his techniques
We take ourselves seriously for the wrong reasons.
This is how to live an intelligent life 101, exceptional advice for 2021
16:15 - lessons
I totally get the concept about creating a list, time boxing or time tracking. As a virtual assistant for a software company behind Freckle time tracking, I find it very helpful in time management and productivity.