I just applied Getting Things Done (GTD) and how it completely changed the way I work. Getting Things Done is not just an ordinary task management method; it’s a system that helps you get everything out of your head and organize it in a logical way.

Actually, the reason I looked into what GTD is because I was overwhelmed. Hundreds of tasks every day, constantly worried about forgetting something, feeling stressed all the time. Until I understood the core principle of GTD: trying to remember too much reduces your focus and creativity. That’s when I started to realize why a reliable system is necessary.

The GTD process is quite simple but very effective. First is collection — capturing everything in one place, not keeping it in your head. I use Notion as my inbox. Next is clarification — determining whether the task requires action, and what the next step is. There’s a great 2-minute rule: if it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately.

Organization is also very important. I categorize tasks into groups: immediate actions, waiting for, projects, appointments. This helps me always know exactly what to do at any given time. When executing, I choose tasks based on priority, available time, and energy. And most importantly, weekly review — spending 30-45 minutes to check the system and update progress.

I noticed that after applying GTD and understanding how it works, my productivity increased by about 35% in just a few weeks. Not only that, stress significantly decreased because I no longer worry about forgetting things. My focus has also improved a lot.

A few tips when starting out: don’t try to collect everything perfectly, just record everything. Also, don’t skip the step of clarifying the next action — this is key. And remember to do weekly reviews, don’t skip this step. Another common mistake is making the system too complicated — GTD should be simple and flexible.

Tools aren’t that important. I’ve tried Todoist, TickTick, Trello, Evernote, and others. Any of them work as long as you use them consistently. The important thing is the habit, not the tool.

In reality, Getting Things Done is more of a philosophy of life than just a time management method. It helps you master your energy and mind. Just follow the 5 steps correctly, review regularly, and you’ll see significant results after just 2-4 weeks. I’ve tried it, and it really works.