5 Steps to Stress-Free Productivity

Ready to finally master your personal productivity?

You’re in the right spot. This article will educate you on the framework it takes to truly achieve stress-free productivity. 

First, know that stress-free productivity is possible. And, there is a manual on how to do it. You’ll find it in a book called Getting Things Done®, the Art of Stress-Free Productivity, by David Allen. 

First published in 2001, GTD® has become the gold standard of productivity methodologies, with elements of David’s teachings present in every contemporary productivity practice and principle.

Millions of people worldwide have read the book, and his methodology has developed a cult-like following. David Allen has been elevated to “guru” status by devotees who practice his GTD methodology.

But, not all who read the book succeed with GTD. In fact, even though the book creates optimism and hope that followers can eliminate their productivity woes forever, most struggle to ever effectively practice the methodology. And the promise of the book is never realized.

Why is this? Why does the enthusiasm generated by the book often fizzle?

My own GTD journey has shed light on why people struggle to practice GTD. 

First, I’ve personally experienced the struggle. I’ve been a student of GTD since 2012 and practiced it every day since. I’ve experienced the challenges in setting up and developing my own GTD practice, and it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. But, I’ve persevered, ironed out the kinks, and succeeded. 

In short: GTD works. 

GTD has transformed my productivity. I get things done. But really, it’s the space and freedom I experience in my life thanks to my GTD practice that’s had the most impact on me. No other methodology has had a greater positive impact on the quality of my life. 

As a result, I’m a passionate GTD advocate – even traveling halfway around the world from my home in Austin, TX to meet David Allen when he hosted the GTD Summit in Amsterdam in 2019.

But my journey is just one way I’ve gained insight into the challenges of adopting GTD. Through my EverDone system (the Evernote-centric GTD workflow I developed), I’ve coached hundreds in their path to GTD mastery and helped them to experience the benefit of GTD. Inside the EverDone private community, I get first-hand experience helping people overcome the hurdles they are experiencing in their own GTD journey. And over the years, I’ve seen patterns emerge. I’ve seen what works – and what doesn’t. 

My years of experience with GTD as a student, practitioner, and coach gives me unique insights into exactly how to succeed with GTD. 

And that’s what I’m going to share with you today – exactly what it takes to succeed with GTD.

It’s clearly more than simply reading the book. That’s just one part of the success path. 

There’re 5 success factors required to reach the holy grail of “stress-free productivity” and flourish with GTD. 

They are:

1. Comprehension of GTD

2. The right GTD software tool

3. Expertise in your GTD software tool

4. Proper workflow design

5. GTD habit formation (and often accountability)

Let’s dive into each of them more deeply, starting with the first – you’ve got to have a comprehension of GTD.

Success Factor #1: Comprehension of GTD

It all starts with the GTD methodology. So it’s not surprising that step 1 requires reading and understanding the concepts in the book. 

The book is the manual to the methodology. If you don’t have a grasp on the philosophy, good luck implementing it. Many people (myself included) read the book more than once – each time picking up a different layer of comprehension around the nuanced methodology that's GTD.

And, the top signs that you’re not connected to the GTD methodology? You’re seeking to automate GTD with technology, and you’re guilty of switching GTD apps.

These are clear signs that you haven’t embraced what David teaches in GTD. No app does GTD for you. Just like your trainer can’t lift the weights for you. The app is a tool that supports your GTD practice and acts as your trusted system outside your brain. And, if you're switching apps because you think there’s one that will magically transform you into a GTD’er, you’re wrong. You’ll never find the “perfect” GTD app.

If you’re guilty of either of these, your first step is to re-read the book.

Bottom line – if you’re disconnected from the methodology, you won’t have a successful GTD practice. 

Mastering Success Factor #1:

New to GTD or need a refresher? Read the book.

Want support in reading GTD? Join the Academy which includes an on-demand replay of my virtual GTD Book Club where you’ll study GTD from an Evernote-centric perspective.

When you’re done, you’ll be ready for the next step.

Got a good grasp on the GTD methodology? Congratulations, you’re ready to move on to step #2 for GTD success.