David Allen (author) quotes

David Allen is an American productivity consultant and author, best known for creating the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology. His work has inspired millions to improve time management and personal organization. He continues to share his insights through books, workshops, and public speaking. Here are 121 of his quotes:

First of all, if it's on your mind, your mind isn't clear. Anything you consider unfinished in any way must be captured in a trusted system outside your mind, or what I call a collection bucket, that you know you'll come back to regularly and sort through. (David Allen (author))
Most often, the reason something is "on your mind" is that you want it to be different than it currently is, and yet: you haven't clarified exactly what the intended outcomes is; you haven't decided what the very next physical action step is; and/or you haven't put reminders of the outcome and the action required in a system you trust. That's why it's on your mind. View quote
David Allen (author)
The balance you have between drive and patience may be your master key to success. View quote
David Allen (author)
Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax. View quote
David Allen (author)
Your mind is for having ideas, not for holding them. View quote
David Allen (author)
I suggest that you use your mind to think about things, rather than to think of them. You want to be adding value... not simply reminding yourself they exist. View quote
David Allen (author)
It's hard to say no when you're not aware of everything you've said yes to. View quote
David Allen (author)
GTD supplies the reset button for all parts of life & work. View quote
David Allen (author)
What would you do w/more space, if you had it? Without a good answer, you'll not have the juice to really do #GTD. View quote
David Allen (author)
Things hold your attention hostage until you give them the appropriate attention. View quote
David Allen (author)
Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they've started. (David Allen (author))
You can fool everyone else, but you can't fool your own mind. View quote
David Allen (author)
Here's how I define "stuff": anything you have allowed into your psychological or physical world that doesn't belong where it is, but for which you haven't yet determined the desired outcome and the next action step. View quote
David Allen (author)
Being in control isn't forceful manipulation but rather highly cooperative engagement w/ what's really going on. View quote
David Allen (author)
There is never enough time to do what you really don't want to do. Time managemet is really value management. View quote
David Allen (author)
When you "have to get organized," you're probably not appropriately invested yet in what you need to get organized for. View quote
David Allen (author)
When you know you'll get email to zero, you're free to deal with the ones you choose, when you choose. Most productive. View quote
David Allen (author)
If you're appropriately engaged w/your life, you don't need more time. If you're not, more time won't help. View quote
David Allen (author)
Eternal #GTD paradox: when you get the principle, the tool doesn't matter. But simultaneosly it matters so much more. View quote
David Allen (author)
If you're already in a mess, you're not free to make one. View quote
David Allen (author)
Does something have your attention because you want it to, or because you're avoiding it? (David Allen (author))
Productivity requires expansiveness & spontaneity as much as structure & control. View quote
David Allen (author)
If u magically had 0 emails, in 10 days you'd be back to what you had. Issue is not volume, but tolerance of backlog. View quote
David Allen (author)
Your ability to deal w/surprise is in inverse relation to the amount of your backlog of "stuff". View quote
David Allen (author)
If you figured out why making a list reduces overwhelm & confusion, you'd keep nothing in your head the rest of your life. View quote
David Allen (author)

David Allen (author)

David Allen (author) - Image
Photo: Vera de Kok, CC BY-SA 4.0
Occupation: American Consultant
Born: December 28, 1945
Quotes count: 121
Wikipedia: David Allen (author)

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