A GTD’er in the U.K. wrote to David Allen recently to share his success–personally and professionally–in implementing GTD. We thought you’d appreciate hearing what he learned in the process.
Dear David,
Just wanted to drop an email of appreciation. Guess you get these all the time.
In 2006, a freelance website designer friend recommend your book to me. I bought it and read the first few pages before putting it down and involving myself in other books I was focusing on at that time. In 2007, I was at a low point in my work and was feeling stressed about a lot of small things and generally not getting things done! Its a little ironic don’t you think that I never got round to finishing the book called Getting Things Done!
A year ago, at this low point, I decided I really had to get organised. I picked your book back up and read it solidly for 2 days taking everything in that I had to do to set up the system. The following weekend I went in for only 1 day (!) and managed to implement the system. The following few weeks I was mindful of the rules of the system and implemented everything. Outside of work as well I put everything down on paper and had it in my system. An amazing thing happened! My energy levels increased 1000%. I was filled with immense confidence. I spent more time solving problems than I did worrying about them. Ideas just flowed from me especially out of work. I realised that, within reason, I could do any type of knowledge work with a bit of learning…I actually started to trust myself. I started to say no to things and actually deliver on my promises. You can imagine how this changed how I was perceived in my work.
A year later I have a new job with more responsibility. I still make mistakes but I still deliver and nothing slips through the cracks. I have more time to build relationships. My boss is hugely impressed with my work and I know what I’m doing. I can actually say with confidence that I am good at my job.
His latest update:
I wanted to update you on my progress as I received huge success recently.
In my end of year appraisal I received the top mark. What I didn’t realise is at the time that this puts me in the top 0.5% of the company (less than 10 people out of 2000 staff got the top mark). According to the board of directors and my 2 bosses my work has been outstanding. I also get a nice little bonus – GTD pays for itself!
Part of my feedback has been how organised I am. There are other reasons of course including making good choices on where to focus my time and energy but having GTD in play makes it easy to be flexible.
Thanks again David! Hope you’re well.