Getting Things Done by David Allen is one of my most prized books. The pages are worn in one paperback copy to the point where it’s easy to find my favorite passages. I’ve had to replace the audio version a couple times from overuse. In short, this is my go-to book for practical, day-to-day tactics on how to, well, get things done.

While I love the paper copies that I own, I actually prefer the audio version. David reads his own material, but it’s not like any other author I’ve ever heard. Honestly, it sounds as if David is just telling you what he thinks, somewhat off the cuff. In fact, the first time I listened to the book, I managed to jumble the track order. It wasn’t until I actually read the paper copy that I realized that I’d listened to the book in a completely random way. Yet I garnered tons of information from this book.

I would love to say that I’ve become a master at his techniques. I would love to lay claim to a clutterless office, desk, schedule, and even mind. But that would be so far from the truth it would be laughable.

What I can say is that I have implemented many of the GTD principles in my everyday existence, and where I have them implemented my life is vastly better. With each passing month I add a little bit more.

I’ve made some modifications to his systems that work for me, but overall most of what he espouses is great as-is.

There are many folks who think the GTD approach is too rigid. Others think it doesn’t cover enough ground. Some hate it, and they have been pretty vocal in their reviews. Others are like disciples to a new religion, believing that GTD can do everything for everyone.

I’m somewhere in the vast cluttered middle, striving to be a little bit better everyday, and straining to get a handle on the huge number of things that I need to manage.

At the end of the day, GTD has made a huge impact on my life for the better.

There are few books that I would recommend to every person I know. Getting Things Done is one of those books. If you haven’t read it yet, get ahold of a copy. Then try just a couple things from the book that pique your interest.

Hectic-Dad’s rating (out of 5)