Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

In this chapter, the author describes his methodology’s psychological benefits on individuals and organizations. He suggests that personal and professional relationships improve when others know they can trust you to handle your obligations efficiently. Consequently, self-trust also grows. Allen claims that if everyone in a household or company used his reliable capturing technique, everyone would experience more clarity and focus.

Allen argues that his emphasis on tracking even minor uncompleted tasks differs radically from traditional time management methods. He reiterates that uncaptured open loops take up equal space in the mind, whether big or small. The author suggests that these open loops create stress as they represent “broken agreements” with the self to complete certain actions.

This chapter suggests three ways to ensure agreements with the self are not broken—“Don’t make the agreement,” “Complete the agreement,” or “Renegotiate the agreement” (245).

The first option involves making fewer commitments. Referring to his past experience, Allen admits to accepting too many projects to please others. However, once he realized he was creating unnecessary stress in his life, he became more selective. He suggests that taking on too much is a symptom of having no accurate overview of our obligations.