ABOUT GTD®

MIND LIKE WATER.®

YOUR MIND IS FOR HAVING IDEAS, NOT HOLDING THEM.®

That’s why David Allen created Getting Things Done®. GTD is the work-life management system that has helped countless individuals and organizations bring order to chaos. GTD enables greater performance, capacity, and innovation. It alleviates the feeling of overwhelm—instilling focus, clarity, and confidence. 

After decades of in-the-field research and practice of his productivity methods, David wrote the international best-seller Getting Things Done. Published in over 28 languages, TIME magazine heralded it as “the defining self-help business book of its time.” In 2015, he released a new edition of the book, with new insights, updates, and discoveries about the GTD methodology and its many personal and professional applications.

David & Kathryn Allen

Today, David Allen is considered the leading authority in the fields of organizational and personal productivity. The David Allen Company, run by David and his wife Kathryn, oversees the certification academy and quality standards for Global Partners offering Getting Things Done courses and coaching around the world.

IMPACT

Getting Things Done has improved the productivity and lives of millions of people across the globe.

“I am a devout, card-carrying GTD true believer. I got hooked 15 years ago… and the entire approach has boosted not only my productivity but also my wider well-being. But what amazes me just as much is how deeply GTD has taken hold around the world. Unlike the short-term, confected virality we often see in the digital age, this is a genuine movement… one that has already improved lives and will continue to improve many more.” 

— Daniel Pink, Author 

 

“Getting Things Done offers help building the new mental skills needed in an age of multitasking and overload.” 

— Sue Shellenbarger, The Wall Street Journal

“The GTD system has opened up doors in my life, both personal and professional, that I did not know were possible. It has shaped my way of living and continues to help me be as innovative and creative as possible. Most importantly, it helps me be strategic and efficient so I have more time to do the things I enjoy—like spending time with my family and coaching/sport development with volleyball, baseball, and snowboarding.”

— Jeff Boliba, Burton Snowboards

 

“GTD allows me to be present and to show up fully in the moment.”

— Louis Kim, Hewlett Packard (HP)

MEET DAVID

“I’m often identified by my description of a relaxed balance of perspective and control, known as ‘mind like water.’ This is not an empty mind; it’s a mind that is operating at a more productive and creative level. GTD® helps you achieve and maintain that optimal condition, by using your mental energies to think about things rather than think of them.”

THE JOURNEY TO TODAY
2019
Summit 2019 in Amsterdam

Global celebration of 35 years of the development and distribution of the Getting Things Done® methodology.

2017
Finalized partnerships with GTD Focus and Crucial Learning

Our exclusive partners delivering GTD Coaching and Courses in the US and Canada.

2015
Second edition of “Getting Things Done” book is published

Completely rewritten and released in 25 languages.

2013
David visits Mark Wallace’s classroom

The first time David saw a group of 23 having fun doing a GTD Weekly Review®—they were between the ages of 8 and 10.

2012
Finalized partnership with SMCOV

Our exclusive partner in sourcing global partners to deliver GTD Courses and Coaching worldwide. Creating partners in 90 countries.

2009
First GTD Summit in San Francisco

A milestone event gathering sophisticated GTD enthusiasts to share best practices and applications.

2008
“Making It All Work” book published

Taking the GTD methodology wider and deeper.

2003
“Ready for Anything” book published

Digestible compilation of David’s best essays.

2001
“Getting Things Done” book published

The first edition.

1996
David Allen Company established

First version of the davidco.com site was created and David started writing weekly essays, which were used in the Ready for Anything book.

1990​
First international course delivered in Prague

A service donated to the East-West Institute.

1985
Rollout to large corporate client in US

Early version of GTD in large training programs in aerospace.

1983
Two-day course developed and delivered

Insight Consulting Group established with Russell Bishop.

1981​
First version of a pre-GTD course was developed and delivered​

Add-on course for Insight Seminars in Personal Productivity.

1981
David Allen Consulting practice established

Best practices being researched and tested in real time.