Getting Things Done
Table of Contents
David Allen's capture-clarify-organize loop turns scattered tasks into one trusted inbox with weekly review.
Key Concept
- Open loops belong on paper, not rehearsing in my head at 2am.
- GTD vs PARA splits tasks from notes; Allen owns the task side.
- Tasks and notes live in separate systems - capture and weekly review own the task lane.
- Allen's task-inbox system: Capture everything, clarify next actions, trust the weekly review.
Level 1 - Recognize
Getting Things Done captures open loops on paper, clarifies next actions, organizes, and reviews weekly - trust returns when tasks leave your head.
Level 2 - Explain
Like plumbing for open loops - capture, clarify, organize, review so you stop rehearsing the same worry at 2am.
Level 3 - Use
Capture everything on your mind today, clarify the next action for each item, and schedule weekly review.
Level 4 - Connect
Open loops drain attention - separate tasks from notes when PARA Method owns the reference layer.
Level 5 - Create
Build a trusted task system with one capture path, clear next actions, and a weekly review, then connect reference material to PARA Method without mixing the two lanes.
Examples
- Glad GTD keeps one trusted inbox and a weekly review during tournament week - the brain is not a filing cabinet, so open loops live on paper, not at 2am.
- Commute errands and neighbor requests hit one pocket notebook - each item gets a next action so nothing rots as background worry.
Note Relationships
| Relationship | Wikilink | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| contradicts | Slow Productivity | when the opposite frame fits better |
| extends | GTD vs PARA | Allen owns the task side of the split |
| extends | Take Smart Notes | Allen closes task loops; Ahrens compounds insight beside it |
| extends | The Trusted Inbox | Trusted inbox is the heart of the loop |
