Getting Things Done

The foundation of Getting Things Done lies in a clear, actionable workflow. First, we Capture everything that has your attention, from big projects to small to-dos, in an "inbox." This could be a physical tray, a digital list, or even a notebook. Getting it out of your head is paramount. Second, we Clarify each item. Ask yourself: "What is it?" and "Is it actionable?" If it's not actionable, you can trash it, incubate it for later, or file it as reference. If it is actionable, you must decide on the Next Action – the very next physical, visible activity required to move it forward. Third, Organize the results of your clarifying. Actionable items belong on lists: Next Actions lists segmented by context (e.g., @computer, @calls), Projects lists for multi-step outcomes, Waiting For lists, and Calendar entries for time-specific actions. Non-actionable items are filed as reference. Fourth, Reflect by reviewing your lists regularly. This includes a daily review of your "Next Actions" and a weekly review of your entire system to ensure it's current and complete. This keeps your system trusted and reliable. Finally, Engage by choosing what to do from your organized lists, based on context, time available, energy level, and priority. This structured approach allows you to move through your day with clarity and purpose, minimizing decision fatigue on what to do next.