An interview with David Allen Interview

Posted by on www.lifehacking.nl by Bert Verdonck on February 3, 2009

David All David does not need to be introduced anymore. Everyone knows "Getting Things Done" (GTD) and his latest book "Making It All Work" strengthens his guru status in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Martijn Aslander and I had the privilege of interviewing David recently. Of course we like you share in this too...

David Allen describes himself as a very lazy person. This laziness was the impetus to develop what is now known as "process improvement". David devised a number of "tricks" to more easily succeeded in and develop his career.

Two basic elements of GTD that he quoted during his interview are:

1. Collection of everything you have in our head
2. Determining your next action step

He got the advice that the publication of a (bestselling) book would make a significant strategic step forward for the expansion of his business. It took another 4 years for Getting Things Done to appear on the market.

David had to first learn what it meant to write a book. He had never written a book before nor a had he developed a business plan around that. After learning that, he needed a year to find a publisher and another year to write the first draft of Getting Things Done-The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Then came the second draft and work on the title and graphics.

David did all this in addition to his regular full-time job. But "not recommended" says David Allen!

GTD it is easy to understand and to implement because it starts from our own concrete experiences – that is the reason why GTD is so successful according to David Allen himself.

What unique about GTD, is the fact that it takes the position not of starting from what we think we should be doing, rather how we can simply and effectively improve how we think and do things.

Thanks to GTD, you get immediate control (back) over your thoughts and actions. In this way you can then develop your productivity.

The immediate effect of GTD in David's own life was of relaxation. Thanks to his own techniques, David Allen succeeded in emptying his head ["mind like water"].

David describes himself as a researcher and educator. He had 25 years to acquire to learn to become who he is today. The next 25 years will be focused on the dissemination of this knowledge.

In the accompanying audio track you hear a piece of David Allen's life philosophy, guaranteed a great tip for you. Enjoy!

David Allen will give his public seminar in Amsterdam on February 19: GTD Seminar Making It All Work!

What is your GTD-IQ?

How is your personal productivity level today? What has your attention? Do you know what you are committed to, and why? Test Your GTD-IQ

A very Happy New Year! My resolutions for GTD in 2009

At this time of the year we are all greeting with "Happy New Year!"

A very Happy New Year

How happy are you? And what difference does being happy make to you and your work? Or life with your children for that matter.

GTD helps give me more time for fun. GTD helps me to achieve a balance and meaning in life. GTD is about making the right choices for my life and work. At least that is what I am working towards when I sometimes fall off the wagon.

My resolution is to do more with GTD in 2009. To reach new heights (thanks Oliver) and greater happiness.

Martin Seligma is a positive psychologist who tells us more about what being positive can do for us (see TED talk and The BBC happiness formula).

I recommend taking a closer look at the Authentic Happiness testing center. Measure your overall happiness, your current level happiness and your approach to happiness. Test your own and your kids chracter strengths too—I found this particularly insightful—I am curious and have an interest in the world.

Take a listen to the happiness anthem!

GTD makes me happier person! And wishing you all a very Happy 2009!