The Art of Stress-Free Productivity: David Allen at TEDxClaremontColleges

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 29 жов 2012
  • Productivity guru and coach David Allen talks about "Stress Free Productivity" at TEDxClaremontColleges.
    About TEDx:
    In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized
    Credits:
    Editor -- Jacqueline Legazcue
    Camera crew -- Jacqueline Legazcue, Sam Jones, and Ted Neckar

КОМЕНТАРІ • 884

  • @RCLaboratory
    @RCLaboratory 11 років тому +425

    Summary: Write all your goals down. Outline the steps to reach those goals. Prioritize. Forget about the less important things. I just made you more productive by encapsulating this video into 4 short sentences thereby saving you 20 minutes of your time.

  • @alexeifando747
    @alexeifando747 9 років тому +1683

    The irony is that I'm watching this video while procrastinating.
    Update (6 years later): Got it all sorted!

    • @mamvdberg
      @mamvdberg 9 років тому +71

      I hear ya... I believe 99% of us is doing just that ;)

    • @BlueNight134
      @BlueNight134 8 років тому +19

      +Alexei Fando The irony is I found out about David Allen when I was googling my own name while procrastinating.

    • @dennisgreer5266
      @dennisgreer5266 8 років тому +17

      +Alexei Fando Actually, it was a very good use of your time.

    • @mustardwhore
      @mustardwhore 8 років тому +2

      yeppp

    • @tanfel4
      @tanfel4 7 років тому +1

      Funny! haha!

  • @Kshesho
    @Kshesho 5 років тому +748

    Another HUGE tip I have to add on to what he was saying (all great advice, by the way): Don't focus on the end-goal. If you want to achieve something great, you're most likely not going to do it in a day. So after you have your plan, focus on a single task every day. Day after day, it will get easier. Of course you'll have your bumps, but of you're chasing something that really means a lot to you then you'll keep going. And eventually you WILL reach your goal.
    I learned this with coding. I never thought I was that smart and learning to code was very difficult for me. I used to focus on being a master game developer and thinking about how intimidating it is that I have to learn so much. But now I just put all my effort and focus on one lesson every day. And I feel like I can accomplish anything that way.
    It doesn't take you 1 step to learn how to walk. But eventually you learn how to sprint.

    • @finalmegaboss9149
      @finalmegaboss9149 5 років тому +4

      Are you a master game developer yet ?

    • @JosephAbarado
      @JosephAbarado 5 років тому +1

      BRAVO!

    • @solokom
      @solokom 4 роки тому +4

      He actually says that too - in his book. ;)

    • @fabiancanada8876
      @fabiancanada8876 4 роки тому +4

      Yes. Don't let your dreams come true. Let your life be about something that you could not dream of.

    • @MS-gn4gl
      @MS-gn4gl 4 роки тому +9

      There is no end goal. This is people's biggest issue. Yes have goals, and break them down into actionable steps, but remember there is no such thing as end goals. If you make them you will only be disappointed when you're done celebrating reaching them.
      Humans are made to do, build your life around things you always want to do, the types of things that you climb mountains so you can find the next mountains to climb.
      Life is doing. If you keep setting goals that are end points you'll just get into cycles of chasing highs then getting lost in disappointment and feelings of lacking when they're done.

  • @Kimballgoss
    @Kimballgoss 8 років тому +791

    This motivated me to do my homework... But only for today. I'll have to watch it again tomorrow...

    • @hondal22
      @hondal22 8 років тому +12

      Write it down "homework". Then look at instead of watching this video. You shouldn't use motivation, preloading at a present moment. Which is doing homework.

    • @hondal22
      @hondal22 8 років тому +4

      +hondal22 instead * not preloading lol that was a auto correct

    • @tedhung4306
      @tedhung4306 7 років тому

      I'm

    • @francielemattos8568
      @francielemattos8568 7 років тому +1

      y1

    • @min-junglee1434
      @min-junglee1434 7 років тому +1

      me, too.

  • @suhasprasad7435
    @suhasprasad7435 3 роки тому +224

    Rough notes:
    Crisis evokes serenity, because a crisis forces you to be appropriately engaged. This is because a crisis clears all unimportant items from your mind. It clears up your psyche, leaving enough bandwidth for the important items. One requires psychic bandwidth to be appropriately engaged.
    Increase psychic bandwidth under normal circumstances by capturing your thinking.
    How to "capture your thinking"?
    The first step is to write down the all things on your mind that you feel you need to do something about. Next, write down the outcomes you want to see, the actions you will take (if you decide to take action at all) and the resources you will allocate to achieve your outcome. Finally, you need maps. Make maps of all your projects and the actions in them. You also need maps outside your to-do list, maps about your goals in professional life and personal life that cover all the items you need to watch and take care of.
    Now that you have captured your thinking, you can make good decisions about what you need to do. Use your maps to decide the course you want your life to take. Re-evaluate your maps on a regular basis: adjust to new incoming data and recalibrate your maps.
    The end. This is the art of stress free productivity.

    • @DeanRendar
      @DeanRendar 3 роки тому +8

      handwriting with a writing instrument and sheet of paper = casting spells with a magic wand effectively rerouting the flow of the universe

    • @ghaliyahansari1557
      @ghaliyahansari1557 3 роки тому +3

      Thanks for the notes

    • @maintainreason8040
      @maintainreason8040 3 роки тому +4

      Reading through and pondering for some time over your brief notes & pondering on these statements' contents for awhile made me more engaged and the coming watch more thought-provoking, honestly. thank you so much

    • @forbbidenname18
      @forbbidenname18 3 роки тому +1

      man u r a life saver.GTD is brilliant
      But this dude is so boring.

    • @mehakmahajann
      @mehakmahajann 2 роки тому

      Thank you thank you thank you, I saved my 22 minutes because of this.

  • @Nnniclas
    @Nnniclas 2 роки тому +9

    The worst feeling is when I'm watching a TED-talk with a highly motivated, very determined and successful speaker, saying exactly what I need to do in my life to become a better person, yet I don't really understand the talk and is left rather bummed out and empty. It just.. doesn't really sink in. And the comment section is always filled with "oh, this video is life changing!" comments. Too many talks leave me like this.

  • @DexterHaven
    @DexterHaven 11 років тому +80

    "If you are already in a mess, you ain't got room to make one." Amen

  • @fabianberends6205
    @fabianberends6205 7 років тому +196

    This guy is a true hero. Nailed how to be productive in an age where being overwhelmed is quickly becoming the norm.

    • @dexterdext2458
      @dexterdext2458 Рік тому +6

      Great talk! David Allen really nails it on the focused and productivity front! His concept of "Appropriate Engagement" is a revolution in the creativity/productivity flow-sphere.
      All his terms and phrases are next-level cogent, EXCEPT one. Why use the relevance-weak, politically-charged, ambiguous and non-cogent term "victim" to describe someone in a state of rudderless disorganization? The word 'victim' carries too much baggage in American vernacular and does not come close to describing everyone in that state, and it may a bit insulting for those who have reached that state and fully realize they are not any type of victim. Mr. Allen's own words defining a victim do not support the definition of one, i.e. "where you have no control and no focus"....."driven by the latest and loudest". Other than that, Appropriate Engagement is my new favorite mindset. Thank You David Allen!

    • @osinumre3901
      @osinumre3901 10 місяців тому

      Ghbhj mk((mkak(kk+jjj++

  • @garyrandall3059
    @garyrandall3059 Рік тому +26

    Listen closely to this guy!!! I've been writing out my plans for the last three years and I'm currently a business owner because of it!! I'm literally living my dream, this very second. It will take hardwork, careful planning and execution. You can do it too. If you're willing to pay the cost.

  • @creamrising
    @creamrising 4 роки тому +16

    "Don't keep anything in your head the rest of your life" really got me.

  • @nachtegaelw5389
    @nachtegaelw5389 5 років тому +32

    As a person who battles anxiety, this is great advice.
    As a person who struggles to manage ADHD, it is SO HARD to block things out of my mind, ie focus, ie engage. It’s easier when I’m in a quiet room alone than when I’m at work with everyone talking and arguing in an open office plan.
    Also, just want to point out that not everyone has had an experience of peaceful engagement in a crisis, which this speaker didn’t acknowledge.
    I took a course in crisis management taught by a professor who retired from working in the UN and Red Cross, and for the course we read a book by Gisli Olafsson called “Crisis Leader”. Gisli writes that your ability to function calmly in a moment of crisis can be increased by having a plan, staying healthy, staying centered with your values, etc., but ultimately it comes down to personality. Some people freeze up and feel paralyzed in crisis, others feel calm and clear headed and can hold off the emotions and stress until later, and deal with them once the crisis is averted.
    Not everyone is cut out to be an ER doctor or a search and rescue leader, and that’s okay. And people may have some weaknesses that make engagement difficult, but it is something I’ve tried to get better at as part of coping strategies for anxiety and ADHD, and I’ve improved at least somewhat.

  • @hazelioness
    @hazelioness 11 років тому +40

    The idea wasn't to follow to-do lists, but to create a personal system that didn't require mental space to be taken up - creating a system for yourself to let other things go for total focus. He also gave information about what to do in that time - to keep your mind flexible enough to react, but focused enough and calm enough not to overreact and lose sight of what you're giving your creativity and effort to. The writing part was just to give your mind the ease and space to do so, I think.

  • @colmrooney414
    @colmrooney414 3 місяці тому +1

    it feels like the moonlight shon tonight. the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. I already knew the answers within, but this fantastic presentation will help me put my thoughts into order, while .embracing chaos. thanks so much

  • @angelaengle12
    @angelaengle12 4 роки тому +44

    Finally! An action plan I can follow through on. No fluff talk or airy fairy philosophy, straight to the point. Thank you David Allen.

  • @vladbilous9563
    @vladbilous9563 4 роки тому +79

    Great advice! The presentation is also on very high level. People interested in public speaking might learn a lot from it.
    The main idea is that we have to free our minds from everyday thoughts in order to have space for creativity. Write down every task you are thinking about. Then develop a concrete plan how to achieve it. Make sure you take into account all your activities and time they require when implementing a new one. Don't use your mind as a storage, use it as a generator instead!

    • @powerofknowledge7771
      @powerofknowledge7771 2 роки тому +5

      THIS! "Don't use your mind as a storage, use it as a generator instead!"

    • @somyapaniya4144
      @somyapaniya4144 Рік тому +5

      thanks for explaining ,To be very honest I was finding hard to understand the video

  • @annieblogger489
    @annieblogger489 6 років тому +234

    I have a huge respect for David Allen and his work. I'd like to add that if you're a procrastinator, like i was, then before even implementing any system you'd need to look at the root causes of procrastination first. The Procrastination Elimination Method by John Isaac has been life-changing for me in this regards. NOW i can use systems like GTD with more efficiency.

    • @maxheadroom5532
      @maxheadroom5532 5 років тому +9

      Maybe that "Procrastination Elimination Method" is useful... but if I've ever seen a website that looks like a scam (trying to lure you in with time-constrained discounts and whatnot), it's John's website.

    • @annieblogger489
      @annieblogger489 5 років тому

      i beg to differ... i bought this book and it's been really helpful to me

    • @maxheadroom5532
      @maxheadroom5532 5 років тому +4

      That's entirely possible. Doesn't change the fact that it's marketed terribly and will put off anyone thinking critically.

    • @mincao8003
      @mincao8003 4 роки тому +4

      @@annieblogger489 I am glad that the method is helping you. I have a questions. 17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! How do I solve this? Help!

    • @josetorresreyes576
      @josetorresreyes576 2 роки тому

      Totalmente de acuerdo. = I fully agree.

  • @benchatburn
    @benchatburn 9 років тому +87

    Very useful information! Sometimes it's incredibly motivating knowing that you're not lazy, just overwhelmed.

  • @StephenJLalla
    @StephenJLalla 10 років тому +17

    I've been a GTD user for about 4 years and I can't imagine my life without it now. It's just not a business tool but a life tool. And it's a journey not a destination so if you're new, give yourself time in terms of months and years to make changes. While Getting Things Done is a quick weekend read, implementing it is best done very very slowly like weight loss.

    • @tomoyochan92
      @tomoyochan92 2 роки тому +1

      what's your current system? computer pen paper or what?

  • @TubeDeviant
    @TubeDeviant 7 років тому +9

    The act of writing things down, both everyday tasks, and goals, whether short or long term, is AMAZING for people dealing with anxiety and depression.. It takes away that sense of overwhelming responsibility when you don't have to remember, and therefore think about every single little responsibility.. Keeping things organized, clear, concise, able to be revised and revisited on a regular basis.. Keeps things in context and in perspective.. Freeing up that mental energy and capacity for actually accomplishing the tasks required..

    • @nightmoose
      @nightmoose Рік тому

      true and yet I write a to-do list every day and a yearly goals list and accomplish none of it even tho it stares at me every day

  • @JoshBright
    @JoshBright 3 роки тому +12

    Something from David's book that really resonated with me on my most recent re-read: "Asking yourself, “What’s the next action?” undermines the victim mentality. It presupposes that there is a possibility of change, and that there is something you can do to make it happen."

  • @Bussjaeger
    @Bussjaeger Рік тому +1

    When my father passed unexplained, I experienced that sense of focus calm … everything on the back burner & I was completely centered in the moment.

  • @LightOChristof
    @LightOChristof 8 років тому +25

    If you are a procrastinator, as I often am, you should find the reminders/tips in this talk invaluable. Those commenters below who have boiled down David Allen's talk to one simplistic statement have not listened well.

  • @gardopfuat
    @gardopfuat 5 років тому +15

    Brief Summary:
    - Getting things done is is about appropriately engaging with what is going on.
    - Crisis forces you to be in Crisis
    - You don’t necessarily need time, but you need space to …a. think b. create c. be crazy d. make mistake e. be chaotic
    and so forth
    - You need freedom to make a mess
    - Give appropriate due between tasks/actions
    - Make a list the things in your mind & Then decide what is the very next action about this topic (what is the project) & Create a right guide for the topic/projects (so you can see a clear picture)

    • @savedbyjesuschrist9748
      @savedbyjesuschrist9748 10 місяців тому

      People like you make the world a better place. Thank you for this incredible summary!!

  • @jeandistefano5486
    @jeandistefano5486 2 роки тому +1

    Writing down- to comment on this video to say thank you! I have watched this video three times!!! Outcome- feel gratitude to you. Gina in lights

  • @yarobshakir8780
    @yarobshakir8780 3 роки тому +7

    This is the first TED X talk that actually stressed me ,let alone stress free productivity

  • @RamonThomas
    @RamonThomas 11 років тому +8

    This was not what I expected. After watching several GTD "how to" videos, this was refreshing on the foundational philosophy of the system. Thank you David Allen and TEDx.

  • @hakunashida5574
    @hakunashida5574 3 роки тому +4

    Getting control and perspective are key to relaxed productivity. David Allen nailed it!

  • @Class-iu5og
    @Class-iu5og 8 років тому +4

    The zero time quote is brilliant. We need to be away from technology to be creative. In order to have psyche bandwidth, we need to be away from social media.

  • @LesMiserables999
    @LesMiserables999 9 років тому +21

    I intently watch this video a MINIMUM of 8 to 9 times a day to remind myself of the importance of TIME MANAGEMENT and PRODUCTIVITY. I recommend anyone out there who suffers from stress to stop whatever they are doing, and Watch this video over and over. Take your life seriously

    • @djpaulhannon
      @djpaulhannon 9 років тому +34

      You watch this for 3+ hours a day, to remind yourself about time management and productivity??

    • @djpaulhannon
      @djpaulhannon 9 років тому

      Cool story bro, thanks for explaining that.

    • @LesMiserables999
      @LesMiserables999 9 років тому

      djpaulhannon Yes of course, it is only by watching this over and over that I can remind myself how to spend my time efficiently. It allows to me to really delve deep into how to be a productive person. I have a hard time finishing what I need to get done so then watch it a few more times to relieve my stress and remind myself to stay focused

    • @djpaulhannon
      @djpaulhannon 9 років тому

      LesMiserables999 Fair enough, if it works for you I can't criticise that.

    • @zzFishstick
      @zzFishstick 9 років тому +4

      That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard, Is your memory that bad?

  • @davefischer2344
    @davefischer2344 8 років тому +8

    i think it is important to not obsessive over minutia. You need to always do things with determination and always take a step back with a long breath whenever you are super stressed. That's what I find helps me a lot.

  • @ellieswanson8029
    @ellieswanson8029 3 роки тому +9

    Excellent video for adults struggling with ADD. Your "disorder" is actually a creative superpower. Simple disciplines like the one described here act as its activator.

  • @DucVietNguyenPhD
    @DucVietNguyenPhD 9 років тому +5

    I had suffered heavy stress after the fall of Saigon 4/1975 due to political discrimination; therefore, I had to escape Vietnam by boat. I was reborn in the USA as a political refugee in which I have suffered the other types of stress, but I have hopeful future on the ways to come. Great thanks for all Co-workers, staffs (Bilingual Speaking Mexican Americans & Native English Speakers) with whom who I have been working for 36 years. Now, I have faced other stress due to health problems. To be self-health career is most difficult in life span.
    My warm best wishes to you all.

  • @LucianLuminosul
    @LucianLuminosul 10 років тому +6

    PS. I also discovered it's much easier (and MUCH MORE FUN!) to have 4 vision boards: one for immediate projects (under 1year). the second for long term projects (1-3years), the third for my ideal vision (5-10 years). And after I finish something, I take it off the board, and put it on the fourth cork board, where I put all the projects and objectives I finished. It's awesomely rewarding, and super fun. Each project is either a simple post-its, or printed color images that are really motivating!

  • @SheriLeeFranklin
    @SheriLeeFranklin 10 років тому +12

    This video is amazing and really hit me hard. I have been very overwhelmed with how to balance a corporate position, family, friends, charities, church, and personal time. I watched this three times and took notes and will be doing the work David Allen recommended.

    • @fajzulin
      @fajzulin 2 роки тому

      Perhaps you want to do too much.

  • @KarichokIsBack
    @KarichokIsBack 9 років тому +1

    David Allen's book has changed my life ! Thanks a lot !

  • @diedertspijkerboer
    @diedertspijkerboer 3 роки тому +6

    There's one big thing missing from this system and that's: how do you decide on the goals, projects and actions that you work on? I think this question can be answered by answering two other questions: what kind of life do you want to lead and what kind of person do you want to be? The first question gives you the goals, the second tells you how important each goal is and in what manner you want to achieve it. For me, the second question is most important. It tells me how to interact with people and the natural world, adds a separate goal of continual self-improvement and allows me to base everything I do on deeply felt personal values. The end result of that is great interpersonal relationships and a deep sense of satisfaction with my life as a whole, or, in other words, an amazing life!

    • @diedertspijkerboer
      @diedertspijkerboer 3 роки тому

      @General English I can recommend Jordan Peterson. He has some great life advice. Also he has a system called future authoring which uses practical psychology to help you set goals.
      The thing about deciding what kind of person you want to be and let that influence how you pursue your goals is an idea I developed myself, so I have no references for that.
      One great technique in interpersonal relations is the method of nonviolent communication. Another is to improve your listening skills. There are many techniques you can find about listening online. What I did was select two techniques that I thought would have the biggest impact, based on previous listening efforts and problems I discovered. I focused on these two for a couple of weeks, consciously incorporating them in my conversations, but not so much that it became unnatural or very stressful. This led to having some amazing conversations and improved relationships with important people in my life.

  • @rachelshelley4779
    @rachelshelley4779 7 років тому +5

    Loved it! We expect directions on long road trips, but we don't often think of employing the same method of "getting us there" to our goals. More than not, the goal is not to drown under the mass of projects and priorities we have. I can attest, writing down each and every project and pressing priority allows me to step outside of my head and take an eagles eye view of what I have been juggling all along. It has only been at those moments where I have had real clarity about what goes first. You have to answer what, why, and when first. Your how and where will follow once you get to those items on your list down the road. Don't map each branch out en tedium before you approach actually working on your first objective. You'll just stress yourself out. As a Leadership and Development Professional, this has been a MAJOR make-or-break factor in my own success. Fantastic Tedx Talk.

  • @desliegilson
    @desliegilson Рік тому +2

    Wow he totally described me!! I wish I knew this 40 years ago. Thank you for recording this for people to hear.

  • @ChrisCox7
    @ChrisCox7 6 років тому

    I have read David Allen's book, "Getting Things Done". I implemented his system of handling tasks and projects. I found that it increased my productivity and my organization a great deal. Even though it did not get me promoted to a corner office or C-level job, it made me much more effective and valuable. Clearing my mind of the hundreds of tasks that were ahead of me, I could focus on completing the next one completely and correctly. As Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters sings, "done, done, onto the next one, done, done, onto the next one"... Thank you, David Allen for helping the rest of us with your video and book.

  • @stephanieparker8887
    @stephanieparker8887 10 років тому +1

    Keep at it. You're no failure. Sometimes that spark of inspiration, creativity or productivity just takes time to kick in. I have that same "mental block" lots of times and it's frustrating when the ideas just don't come. But, as you said when it does you do outstanding work.

  • @dolu6434
    @dolu6434 3 роки тому +1

    I've been using the GTD-Method for almost four years now. This man changed my life. Aced all my exams, applied for so many jobs and managed to reach very ambitious goals. Listen to him. Please

  • @MrSuntheone
    @MrSuntheone 5 років тому +53

    17:30 where the point is made.

    • @sovereignty7897
      @sovereignty7897 4 роки тому

      Thank you!

    • @vikneshmaniam5618
      @vikneshmaniam5618 4 роки тому

      Thank you

    • @mincao8003
      @mincao8003 4 роки тому +3

      17:32 “Anything and everything that’s potentially meaningful, write it down.” - I have been doing this for nearly a year now. It is definitely helpful. It is a habit now; I am compelled to write things down, otherwise they are in my mind occupying space or important things being forgotten. BUT, I spent so much time writing things and thoughts down (and sometimes things turn to thoughts, vice versa) that I do not have time to do anything! Does anyone encounter this too? How do I solve this? Help!

    • @GetAssista
      @GetAssista 4 роки тому +2

      @@mincao8003 get a speech recognition device and speak instead of writing down. Writing takes time and space, speaking you can do any time anywhere

    • @mincao8003
      @mincao8003 4 роки тому +1

      @@GetAssista Thanks for the reply and suggestion! I indeed do that, especially when I am out and about.

  • @timothykim856
    @timothykim856 6 років тому +1

    This man has changed my life for the way way better. Let's keep the momentum going

  • @MT-bc6xf
    @MT-bc6xf 6 років тому +1

    I have listened 3 times. Will listen 3 more AT LEAST!!!. My best use of time today. THANK YOU!

  • @MelanieSakowski
    @MelanieSakowski 11 років тому +18

    "Wherever you are, be all there."

    • @shannonjensen3855
      @shannonjensen3855 2 роки тому +1

      Love this!

    • @MelanieSakowski
      @MelanieSakowski 2 роки тому +1

      @@shannonjensen3855 I was "oh look, a squirrel'ing" hard right now and the timing of your "liking" this in a notification was absolutely perfect. Thank you

  • @diedertspijkerboer
    @diedertspijkerboer 3 роки тому +4

    I am naturally a very organized person. When my to do list says "dog, budget, mom, babysitter", it is very clear to me that I need to decide on the size of my dog for the holiday, discuss the baby's frequent crying with my budget, take my mom to the vet, and go out for a meal with the babysitter.

  • @shahidekram1359
    @shahidekram1359 2 роки тому +2

    Where was this video when I started my productivity journey a year ago?🤔🤔🤔
    This talk is life-changing for me and the way I look at things to do.
    I will read his book in the coming month and have a lot to learn from him.

  • @diomarivaldez1424
    @diomarivaldez1424 4 місяці тому

    The importance of understanding what you really have to do, what action you need to take and how you will execute it, and to accomplish it successfully by
    Write
    What tasks you really need to do?
    Focusing not on the outcome but putting your mind in the present time, have appropriate engagement with that specific goal by taking one action at a time, by focusing on one task at a time.
    After
    Reflect on the progress that you have made
    Make maps for it
    Recognize the next steps/actions/decisions that you will take to get on the next level.
    Thank you, Sir David! I'm 18 an asipiring to be an SUCCESSFUL business man and musician at the same time
    I have a lot of ideas in my mind but the problem is im struggling with taking the right action, or making the right decision I overthink a lot because I want it to be perfect but I've learned from you that a goal that we've dreamed to achieve will only succeed when we focus on the first step not on the outcome.
    To start and give your 100% focus, energy, time on this specific action and eventually it will get you to the place where it should be. Thank God!

  • @somethought
    @somethought 11 років тому

    This talk is pure gold. pure gold. I need this guy more in my life

  • @therealhuggybear
    @therealhuggybear 11 років тому +2

    6:48 all I could do was sigh when you said that... It was like a mental breath of fresh air

  • @joghaella9500
    @joghaella9500 8 років тому +1

    This was a fantastic talk! I don't understand the negative comments or dislikes, but hey - everyone has their own opinion and perception of reality.

  • @sharayukarpude7978
    @sharayukarpude7978 Місяць тому

    1. Flexibility gives perfection
    2. Work while you work, play while you play
    3. .....1.Capture your thinking
    2. make clear goals
    3. Use maps with process to execute the goals

  • @SaturnElena
    @SaturnElena 10 років тому

    some ted talks truly are just helpful, this is one of them for me

  • @Kyoto99952
    @Kyoto99952 7 років тому +9

    Damn. This is the video I have been looking for all my life. I really needed this. Thanks.

  • @MXF11
    @MXF11 4 роки тому +2

    This is one of the best Ted talks I've ever seen.

  • @lindazhang8004
    @lindazhang8004 3 роки тому

    man, all these David shared here is to true. i watched this few years ago and it didnt feel this strong resonated but now after i get where i am today, i somehow watched it again, it feels so strongly. thanks for such great sharing. i think it is apply for my life rn and i need to do smth abt it for myself

  • @juanignaciox_
    @juanignaciox_ 4 місяці тому

    Great talk! Main idea: be properly engaged. Thanks!

  • @shriswamiramanand
    @shriswamiramanand 7 років тому

    One of the best talk, he has tried to articulate the complex concepts in 22 mins to convey the life changing idea....

  • @juliefordreister
    @juliefordreister 3 роки тому

    This is brilliant. I will watch this again... as I recalibrate. Currently living as a mad scientist/crazy maker with all of my great ideas. Thank you for articulating this David Allen!

  • @MatthewSmith-cp3hu
    @MatthewSmith-cp3hu 5 років тому +1

    Still one of the best advice and speeches I have ever heard.

  • @chinarut
    @chinarut 10 років тому +1

    great review of GTD - David Allen has come a long way since I took his workshop in 2003. as other comments have eluded to - the system itself is simple & elegant yet takes a lifetime to master!

  • @loser8807
    @loser8807 11 місяців тому +2

    It's the perfectly executed karate punch, made audible by all his bones cracking and popping for me XD

  • @Nick_Tag
    @Nick_Tag 4 роки тому +2

    As someone with (presumed) ADHD it took me like 3-4 years and 1000s of hours to figure out my system independently, but finally got something that works well for me - - 100% gonna teach it to my kids some day to give them the edge

    • @karolina2406
      @karolina2406 2 роки тому

      @nick lestat what do you use for your "maps"? ...Any tips for managing all the projects and tasks?

    • @Nick_Tag
      @Nick_Tag 2 роки тому

      & i have to include this app that i use, just search " Event Countdown - Calendar App " -- but i'm sure there are also other similar ones out there

  • @70italiana
    @70italiana 3 роки тому

    Blessings to you David, for I recognize the heaven sent message, valuable you for the message you send out. Thank you. "Sophisticated Spontaneity "

  • @stephanieparker8887
    @stephanieparker8887 10 років тому +1

    This is great For me, he hit the nail on the head. He was so succinct. I learned a lot about me tangled thought process in those 22 short minutes. I'll be looking for more of his talks.

  • @LM-nz3fj
    @LM-nz3fj 7 років тому +1

    Thank you for this. I seem to be much less overwhelmed and far more productive now.

  • @howtokillaninja
    @howtokillaninja 10 років тому +1

    Always skeptical about people who try to teach productivity, but was pleasantly surprised with his ideas! Going to read his book.

  • @SheikhSelim-eo7ec
    @SheikhSelim-eo7ec 7 місяців тому

    His marriage inspired me a lot! I will start writing and mapping more from now on!

  • @popolalowaii
    @popolalowaii 10 років тому +2

    This is exactly what I am finding in my life, the focus/ the engagement. I consider my life as a failure because until now, at 21, I didn't feel like good at anything. But occasionally, when I am able to engage with sth on my hand, I can do outstanding work that I couldn't believe. All these moment were so remarkable that I hope that mind state can last forever, so I can do everything well.Those were also the moment I know my talent was there, but I'm just unable to perform it when it is needed

    • @littlelam3691
      @littlelam3691 3 роки тому +1

      Your life is just getting started. Hurry though, cuz before you know it, it will fly by and if you’ve done nothing, you will be a failure.

  • @mayankpj
    @mayankpj 7 років тому +3

    Thanks Allen for that wonderful talk. I have decided to take this through to the end for my own good! And yes, it feels quite nice to do step 1 and yes, step 2 is kinda difficult.

  • @Hiprich
    @Hiprich 4 роки тому +1

    I like this man and his message a lot. Great lecture. I have taken notes and I will follow through with it.

  • @Romie15
    @Romie15 Рік тому

    Thank you, David Allen! You're the best!!!

  • @RobertAdducci
    @RobertAdducci 10 років тому +11

    Just started GTD yesterday. This seems like a worthwhile endeavor. Writing things down help immensely. Hopefully this is just the beginning.

    • @BrentNewhall
      @BrentNewhall 10 років тому

      If you need any help, I'd be glad to. I've been using GTD for quite a few years, and it is transformative.

    • @RobertAdducci
      @RobertAdducci 10 років тому

      ***** Thanks Brent. Things are building up for me, lots of separate projects. Things were getting out of hand, but there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.

    • @johntkalcich3044
      @johntkalcich3044 10 років тому

      I love GTD. There are so many good extra things too besides the initial book. I have some of the auxiliary products and PDFS to flow chart it.

    • @RobertAdducci
      @RobertAdducci 10 років тому

      John Tkalcich Oh, didn't know that. Is that the stuff from David Allen's site or somewwere else?

    • @johntkalcich3044
      @johntkalcich3044 10 років тому

      I think both. I know I have the official GTD for Outlook 2007, and I think one of the audio kits I got with a poster was from the website also. The other stuff I am not sure. I have had it for a while. I originally read his book in 2006, and I got a bunch of the other stuff via my company in 2011 I think.

  • @taislyy
    @taislyy 2 роки тому +2

    1) Write it down. Capture anything pulling on your psyche. MORE CONTROL AND PERSPECTIVE.
    2)TO Do lists: exact formulation, what outcome am I committed to. What’s the very next action?
    3) You need the right MAPS. Key areas of focus and accountability.

  • @KingsCrossVIP
    @KingsCrossVIP 6 років тому +1

    Thank you i learned a lot from this lecture - Mind like water and Life like water - with all the creative action focus and outcomes in the middle and of course it all happens by writing it all down - thanks again!

  • @mariateresajavier4002
    @mariateresajavier4002 4 роки тому +1

    Got it... feeling engaged in every phase of my task and not just on the output.

  • @AprilDee
    @AprilDee 10 років тому

    I totally get the concept about creating a list, time boxing or time tracking. As a virtual assistant for a software company behind Freckle time tracking, I find it very helpful in time management and productivity.

  • @andrewpain_speaker
    @andrewpain_speaker 5 років тому +1

    A few comments below, indicate that the main point from the talk, is to write stuff down. Although that is sort of true, there is more to this talk than just write stuff down. He talks about not blending issues, but focusing on things one at a time, because on an average day, you can move from taking the bins out, to helping kids, to business negotiation very quickly. He talks about therefore investing appropriate attention to each thing. He also talks about not accumulating things in our heads by writing them down, so there is space in our minds to remain creative. I liked his analogy that if your kitchen is a mess, how will you find the space to create an experimental meal for friends, something which in itself, will be a messy process? Thus keep things tidy - so you have space to handle challenges and be creative. I zoned in and out of the talk and feel it could probably have been whittled down to half the length - but there is much more to it than just 'write things down'!

  • @wolfetsuboi1826
    @wolfetsuboi1826 10 років тому +14

    In complete honesty, this Tedtalk COMPLETELY stressed me out. But I feel that it has very vital information, and I'm going to try my best to fully engage and implement what Allen talked about. Maybe I should buy the book...

    • @colinjones5209
      @colinjones5209 3 роки тому

      If you have a lot going on you can feel like that, or you may have avoidant personality type, (prefer to avoid conflict pressure etc) or some trays of ADHD can cause that also, big changes into organisation stresses.

  • @sidberry975
    @sidberry975 3 місяці тому

    Great reminder of the simplicity and effectiveness of writing things down

  • @thirstykayak246
    @thirstykayak246 2 роки тому

    Fantastic talk, thankyou- 22 minutes and 15 seconds of my day productively spent.

  • @romanlegacy1537
    @romanlegacy1537 4 роки тому +1

    As I listen to you with my eyes closed I walk through the room of total Destruction everybody dead laid out never to live again all for a good purpose of course but in your tox I am at total peace with myself and grateful for this time I've had

  • @avantikasahni5098
    @avantikasahni5098 Рік тому

    Thank God! I listened to this before buying the book

  • @normalguycap
    @normalguycap 8 років тому +3

    This was a fair talk. Certainly got better.

  • @zeeshanrahat26
    @zeeshanrahat26 6 років тому

    This is exactly what I needed/was missing at the moment. Thank you so much, sir!

  • @MimkaCamay
    @MimkaCamay 6 років тому +3

    This is such a great speaker. And amazing presentation, as well as content. ♥

  • @rekhagovindaraj
    @rekhagovindaraj 11 років тому

    True passion for the work makes it stress-free..!!

  • @ericwoll8301
    @ericwoll8301 9 років тому +62

    As for all the negative comments. Over 4,000 thumbs up , less than 200 thumbs down. I'm guessing the thumbs up people are busy implementing the information instead of wasting their time telling everyone what a waste of their time it was watching it. Mmmm......maybe they would benefit from learning how to spend their time more productively.

    • @Ankit-zu2kp
      @Ankit-zu2kp 4 роки тому

      If someone is implementing this information then how was watching this a waste of their time?

  • @brettprice527
    @brettprice527 6 років тому +3

    This title & description box is missing a VERY important piece of CONTEXT here. David Allen is the author of a book called "Getting things done" the subtitle is -the art of stress free productivity-. If folks don't have the book or aren't using the GTD system this video doesn't offer nearly as much value. Personally, as a GTD practitioner, I found the video to be one of the more streamlined and effective talks that David has done.

    • @tesartmania4645
      @tesartmania4645 6 років тому

      Brett Price Thank You... 4 that reference, i paused the video i was that taken by his words, i need 2 find this guy & pop ur reply gave me the perfect solution. Ask & thou shall receive. 🤓

  • @billcastle1987
    @billcastle1987 Рік тому

    Sharing this with my Facebook feed.

  • @ananoud
    @ananoud 5 років тому

    I summarise this as live every day and moment as it comes

  • @vonluigiespartero8117
    @vonluigiespartero8117 3 роки тому

    Out of nowhere, while visiting our grandmother, I came across David Allen's book (the one showed in the slides of his presentation), and I asked our grandmother if I could borrow it. (I actually read the book before I watched any of the David Allen talks and presentations). I read it for the whole summer, implementing the lessons and principles while continuing to read, even reading it while I'm out drinking with friends. It's hilarious, too. They'd be passing out and playing video games drunk while I was reading the book. Anyways.. the lessons and principles have truly changed my life and I am still implementing all that I've learned from it.

    • @osirusj275
      @osirusj275 2 роки тому

      Mind to share how u personalised the principles there

  • @jennyaskswhy
    @jennyaskswhy Рік тому

    The world needs more of space to feel psychological safety, free thinking and mindful awareness that allows for ideas to be openly challenged and less "cancelling". Wrapping people in cotton wool, nannying and helicopter management be gone. There are limits to what is compatibility with growth and creativity and the healthy kind of interdependence we need to do what we gotta do. How are we to reach that in the world as it is? Really appreciate this speech exists.

  • @mellissakok3648
    @mellissakok3648 8 років тому

    Fantastic. Thank you for your generosity to share with normal people like us.

  • @88cafecafe
    @88cafecafe 6 років тому

    3 years later, still refer back to this to get my mind right

  • @thiagolucas893
    @thiagolucas893 5 років тому

    Started following it by today's afternoon. It's midnight here and I've been more productive today than I had all week, and I spent most of the afternoon just organizing stuff in order to begin, which I didn't label as productivity.

    • @osirusj275
      @osirusj275 2 роки тому

      What things u implemented?

  • @morganstubie
    @morganstubie 4 роки тому +1

    I "listened" to this video while organizing my drawers. I always listen to TED talks when doing any kind of tedious task around the house! lolol

  • @StephenDoty84
    @StephenDoty84 11 років тому +5

    One of my fave speeches on TED, though.

  • @nysrcnc
    @nysrcnc 11 років тому +1

    I have spent many years with an illness that has left me useless too often. Completely unlike every other method GTD is the perfect system because it allows you to GTD when your body allows, or when you have the energy. And more importantly: It frees you from the anxiety and guilt and stress that an illness causes.

  • @colinjones5209
    @colinjones5209 3 роки тому

    This is how to live an intelligent life 101, exceptional advice for 2021