Getting Things Done (GTD)

Clear your mind by capturing everything, then organizing it into actionable next steps

What Is GTD?

Getting Things Done (GTD) is a productivity methodology created by David Allen in his 2001 book of the same name. The core philosophy: your mind is for having ideas, not holding them. By capturing everything in a trusted system, you free your mental RAM for creative thinking instead of remembering tasks.

GTD is built around five key stages: Capture, Clarify, Organize,Reflect, and Engage. The method reduces stress by ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

The 5 Steps of GTD

📥Capture

Collect everything that has your attention. Tasks, ideas, emails, commitments—get it all out of your head and into your inbox.

Example: Brain dump: 'Call dentist', 'Reply to Sarah', 'Research vacation spots', 'Fix leaky faucet'

🤔Clarify

Process what each item means. Is it actionable? What's the very next physical action required?

Example: 'Call dentist' → Next action: 'Google dentist phone number and schedule appointment'

🗂️Organize

Put items where they belong. Next actions go on task lists, reference materials get filed, and someday/maybe items get parked.

Example: Actionable tasks → Today list. Reference docs → Notes. Big ideas → Someday list

🔍Reflect

Review your system regularly. Weekly review ensures nothing falls through the cracks and your lists stay current.

Example: Every Sunday: Review all lists, check calendar, update priorities, clear inbox to zero

⚡Engage

Do the work! Trust your system and pick the right task based on context, time available, energy level, and priority.

Example: Have 15 minutes? Pick a quick task. High energy? Tackle that important deep work project.

How Boost Implements GTD

Boost's GTD Inbox is your zero-friction capture tool:

⚡

Quick Capture: Brain dump anything instantly with zero friction—no categories required upfront

🏷️

Tag on Entry: Optionally add priority, tags, and urgency as you capture (or process later)

🔗

Unified System: Items captured in GTD Inbox automatically appear in Matrix, Kanban, and all other views

✅

Process Later: Capture first, organize later—true GTD philosophy in action

GTD Best Practices

🧹

Inbox Zero Daily

Process your inbox to zero every day. Everything should either become a task, a note, or be deleted.

📅

Weekly Review

Every week, review all your lists, update priorities, and ensure your system is current and trusted.

⏱️

2-Minute Rule

If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately instead of adding it to your system.

🗑️

Ruthless Deletion

Not everything deserves to be a task. Delete, delegate, or defer without guilt.

Start Capturing Everything

Free your mind with GTD in Boost