Insights from ‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen

Question 1

What is the first step in the Getting Things Done (GTD) system?

Answer 1

Capture

Question 2

Why is it important to capture every thought or task in a ‘trusted system’?

Answer 2

To prevent repeatedly thinking about the same item, reducing mental burden and freeing up focus.

Question 3

True or False: The tool you use for capturing ideas and tasks in GTD must be digital.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

What is the key question to ask when processing items in the GTD system?

Answer 4

Is this useful and do I want to act on this soon?

Question 5

In the GTD system, what should you do if an item is not useful or actionable immediately?

Answer 5

Move it to a someday/maybe list, a reference folder, or delete it if useless.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: ‘The calendar is sacred space in the GTD system, and only _____ items should be placed there.’

Answer 6

time-specific

Question 7

What is the purpose of reviewing the GTD system weekly?

Answer 7

To keep the system clean, clear, current, and complete.

Question 8

Where should non-time-specific tasks be placed in the GTD system?

Answer 8

In the Next Action list.

Question 9

True or False: In GTD, a follow-up item should be placed on the calendar to ensure it is reviewed.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

What is the maximum time you should spend on processing any one item in GTD?

Answer 10

2 minutes

Question 11

How often does David Allen recommend reviewing the project and action lists in GTD?

Answer 11

Weekly

Question 12

Fill in the blank: ‘The GTD process step where you determine the outcome and next actions for each item is called _____.’

Answer 12

Process

Question 13

What is the thought process behind items added to the ‘Someday/Maybe’ list in GTD?

Answer 13

These are things I might want to do but not now, and I’d like to be reminded of them periodically.

Question 14

Why is it important to separate lists by context (e.g., @home, @office) in GTD?

Answer 14

It allows for efficient task management based on location or situation.

Question 15

What should you do if a captured item requires multiple actions to complete?

Answer 15

Add it to the project list and break it down into next actions.

Question 16

In GTD, what action is suggested for items that require follow-up?

Answer 16

Use a follow-up tool, like FollowUpThen or Boomerang, to remind yourself.

Question 17

True or False: Weekly reviews in GTD should include prioritizing the top 10 next actions.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Fill in the blank: ‘The GTD system encourages capturing ideas and tasks in their _____ form.’

Answer 18

rawest

Question 19

Describe a scenario where an item would be placed in the ‘Reference List’ in GTD.

Answer 19

When an item might be useful one day but is not actionable now, like a document or a research link.

Question 20

Which tool does David Allen use to capture items in his GTD system?

Answer 20

Evernote