Getting Things Done (GTD) in 2025: A Modern Approach to David Allen's System
Discover how to implement David Allen's Getting Things Done methodology using modern digital tools while maintaining the core principles that make it effective.
GTD: Still Relevant After 20+ Years
David Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology has helped millions of people organize their work and life. While the core principles remain timeless, the tools and implementation have evolved significantly.
The Five Steps of GTD
1. Capture
Get everything out of your head and into a trusted system. This includes tasks, ideas, commitments, and anything else that has your attention.
2. Clarify
Process what you've captured. For each item, ask: "What is it?" and "Is it actionable?" If actionable, determine the next action required.
3. Organize
Put clarified items into appropriate categories: projects, next actions, waiting for, someday/maybe, and reference material.
4. Reflect
Regularly review your system to keep it current and trustworthy. This includes daily and weekly reviews.
5. Engage
Take action with confidence, knowing your system captures everything important.
Modern GTD Implementation
Digital Capture Tools
- Mobile apps: Voice memos, quick note apps
- Email to task: Services that convert emails to tasks
- Browser extensions: Capture web content directly
- Smart speakers: Voice capture for hands-free collection
Organization Systems
Modern GTD can be implemented in various tools:
All-in-One Solutions
- Smarter.day: Natural GTD workflow with projects and contexts
- Notion: Flexible database approach
- Obsidian: Note-linking for complex projects
Specialized Tools
- Todoist: Natural language processing and filters
- Things 3: Clean, Apple-focused implementation
- OmniFocus: Advanced GTD features and automation
The Weekly Review: Your GTD Cornerstone
The weekly review is crucial for GTD success. Schedule 1-2 hours weekly to:
- Process all inboxes to zero
- Review your calendar for the past and upcoming weeks
- Review your project list and next actions
- Update your someday/maybe list
- Clean up your reference system
Common GTD Pitfalls in the Digital Age
Tool Overload
Don't spread your system across too many apps. Choose one primary tool and stick with it for at least 3 months before considering changes.
Over-Engineering
GTD should reduce complexity, not increase it. If your system requires constant maintenance, it's probably too complicated.
Neglecting the Weekly Review
This is the most commonly skipped part of GTD, but it's essential for maintaining trust in your system.
Getting Started with Modern GTD
- Choose your capture tools (phone app, notebook, email)
- Select one primary organization tool
- Do an initial brain dump of everything on your mind
- Process your brain dump using the clarify step
- Schedule your first weekly review
Remember, GTD is a practice, not a destination. Start simple and refine your system over time as you develop the habits and find what works best for your workflow. ```
Now let me create the markdown processing utilities and update the blog system: