GTD Gems

Capture Every Conversation With One Simple GTD List.

GTD coach Meg Edwards digs into what she considered two of the most valuable lists in your GTD system: Agendas and Waiting For. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between a Next Actions list and an Agenda list 👉 How to organize and close the loop after any conversation 👉 The three-part structure that makes a Waiting For list super useful Timestamps: 00:00:03 – Meg Introduces Agendas & Waiting For 00:01:05 – Why You Need an Agenda List 00:01:50 – Naming Your List & Closing the Loop After Conversations 00:03:06 – The Three-Part Waiting For List 00:04:47 – Real-Life Lessons & GTD Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Have you let your Agendas and Waiting For lists drift? What's one conversation, or one thing you're waiting on right now, that needs to go on the list today? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching

• Transcript

Are You Overcommitted or Just Misaligned?

GTD coach Meg Edwards steps back from the higher horizons to revisit a foundational GTD truth — that stress doesn't come from having too much to do, but from infinite possibilities and misaligned commitments. Meg shares a personal story about recalibrating two major areas of focus and how the weekly review helped her catch it before it became overwhelming. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why stress comes from infinite possibilities, not too much to do 👉 How to recalibrate when your commitments outgrow your available time and energy 👉 Why the weekly review is the best place to catch misalignment before it becomes overwhelm Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Going Back to the Basics 00:46 David Allen on Too Much to Handle 01:44 The Secret: How You Engage, Not What You Do 02:04 Meg's Garden and Family Story 04:58 Wrap-Up & Getting Back in the Driver's Seat ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Are you trying to live two or three lives in one — and when did you last recalibrate? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #WeeklyReview #Overwhelm

• Transcript

The GTD Horizon That Answers "Why Does Any of This Matter?"

GTD coach Meg Edwards explores the highest horizon in the GTD framework — horizon 5, purpose and principles — and shares personal stories about how fleshing out this level changed the way she makes decisions in both her personal and professional life. Featuring readings from Getting Things Done and David Allen's Making It All Work. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 What David Allen means by purpose and principles — and why it's the ultimate job description 👉 Why you often don't know your principles until someone violates them 👉 How to use this horizon as ballast when you face tough choices Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What Is Horizon 5: Purpose and Principles 00:27 David Allen on the Big Picture View 02:59 How to Know When to Revisit Purpose and Principles 04:55 Meg's Personal Purpose and Principles Story 06:29 Wrap-Up & The Full GTD Framework ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp Our Five Horizons Program: https://gtdfocus.com/five-horizons-program/ 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Do you know what your principles are — or would you only recognize them if someone violated them? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #Purpose #Principles

• Transcript

The GTD Level That Changes How You See the Present

GTD coach Meg Edwards explores the vision level of the horizons of focus — horizon 4 — and shares a deeply personal story about what happens when you lose sight of your own vision, and what it takes to get it back. Featuring readings from Getting Things Done and David Allen's "Making It All Work." What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between the goals level and the vision level in GTD 👉 David Allen's "great secret" about goals and vision that many people overlook 👉 Why revisiting your vision level changes how you show up in the present Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What Is the Vision Level 01:05 David Allen on Vision: 3 to 5 Years Out 02:13 The Great Secret About Goals and Vision 02:59 Meg's Personal Vision Story 05:19 Wrap-Up & Working All the Horizons ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp Vision and Refocus Program: https://gtdfocus.com/vision-and-refocus-program/ 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How far into the future can you clearly see yourself right now? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #Vision #HorizonsOfFocus

• Transcript

Why Setting More Goals Might Be the Wrong Move Right Now

GTD coach Meg Edwards explores the goals level of the horizons of focus and makes a case for why setting new goals before you have control of your everyday world can actually work against you. Featuring a reading from chapter 8 of Getting Things Done. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why GTD takes a bottom up approach before tackling goals and vision 👉 What David Allen says about setting goals before you're ready 👉 How getting control of the lower horizons naturally opens up the higher ones Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What Are Goals in GTD 01:00 Why You Need the Lower Horizons First 01:47 David Allen on Goals and the Bigger Picture 04:17 Meg's Personal Story 05:53 Wrap-Up & The Bottom Up Approach ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp Vision and Refocus Program: https://gtdfocus.com/vision-and-refocus-program/ 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Do you need more goals right now — or do you need more comfort with the ones you've already put in motion? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #Goals #HorizonsOfFocus

• Transcript

How to Think About Your Work on Six Different Levels

GTD coach Meg Edwards introduces the Higher Horizons of Focus and shares the fascinating story of how David Allen first discovered the six-level framework — including the Wall Street executive whose schedule problem turned out to be about something much more important. Featuring a reading from David Allen's "Making It All Work," chapter 2. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The origin story behind David Allen's Six Horizons of Focus 👉 Why thinking on all six levels leads to better prioritization 👉 How companies and individuals use the horizons differently, and what often gets missed Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & the Six Horizons of Focus 01:37 How David Allen Discovered the Horizons 03:06 The Wall Street Executive Story 04:56 How the Six Horizons Work Together 06:52 Wrap-Up & Are You Thinking on All Six Levels? ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp Vision & Refocus Program: https://gtdfocus.com/vision-and-refocus-program/ 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Which of the six horizons are you neglecting right now — the higher ones or the lower ones? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching

• Transcript

What Is Your Procrastination Really Trying to Tell You?

GTD coach Meg Edwards tackles one of the most common struggles she sees in coaching — procrastination — and shares David Allen's take on why smart people are actually the most likely to get stuck. Featuring a reading from chapter 12 of Getting Things Done. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why the smartest, most creative people procrastinate the most 👉 How to "befriend" your procrastination instead of fighting it 👉 David Allen's concept of "intelligent dumbing down" and why it works Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Why Bright People Procrastinate the Most 01:18 David Allen on the Nightmare Scenario 02:32 The Professor Story 04:46 Intelligent Dumbing Down 05:24 Wrap-Up & Lean Into It ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What's one thing you've been procrastinating on — and what might be the real reason why? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #Procrastination #NextAction

• Transcript

How Many Times Have You Wished You Had a Checklist?

GTD coach Meg Edwards shines a light on one of the most important steps in the weekly review — the checklists prompt — and why building even a few simple checklists can save you from repeated mistakes and forgotten details. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why checklists keep getting pushed aside during the weekly review 👉 Where to store your checklists and how David Allen defines their purpose Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & The Weekly Review Checklist Prompt 01:03 Why Checklists Keep Getting Away From You 01:19 Real Life Checklist Examples 02:17 Where to Store Your Checklists 02:49 Wrap-Up & Your Invitation ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What's one checklist you've been meaning to create that keeps slipping through the cracks? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #WeeklyReview

• Transcript

The GTD Project List Mistake That Creates More Work

GTD coach Meg Edwards takes a fresh look at the GTD the project list and why ignoring your "secondary" projects might be creating the very fires you're constantly putting out. Featuring a reading from David Allen's "Ready for Anything," chapter 7. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why your B and C priority projects are quietly causing your biggest problems 👉 Why David Allen recommends a complete project list with no priority distinctions 👉 The one clean distinction that matters: projects vs. Someday/Maybe Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & A Fresh Look at Projects 00:54 The Danger of "Not As Important" Projects 02:06 Why a Complete Project List Matters 02:44 What Meg Sees in Coaching 03:38 Wrap-Up & Your Invitation ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How honest are you being with yourself about what's a real project and what's a Someday/Maybe? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #Projects

• Transcript

The GTD Concept That Makes Unplanned Work Easier to Handle

GTD coach Meg Edwards unpacks one of David Allen's most powerful concepts, the threefold nature of work, and why understanding it can completely change how you experience your day. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The three types of work everyone does, and why most people only recognize one 👉 Accepting unplanned work as a part of life 👉 How naming your work in the moment can change your entire relationship with your day David Allen's article on the Three-fold Nature of Work: https://gettingthingsdone.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Threefold.pdf Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & The Threefold Nature of Work 01:16 Annie's Story 01:56 David Allen on "How to Get Real" 03:38 Why Naming Your Work Is a Game Changer 05:17 Wrap-Up & Staying in the Driver's Seat ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How much of your day is full of unplanned work and how does that change the way you think about your lists? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #Prioritization #TimeManagement

• Transcript

The GTD Secret to Freedom With Structure

GTD coach Meg Edwards explores how to have control without feeling constrained. Featuring a reading from David Allen's "Ready for Anything," chapter 3. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why control doesn't have to mean restriction — and how to reframe it 👉 The two moves that give you both freedom and structure: concentration and cooperation 👉 What these two concepts look like in GTD coaching sessions Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & The Freedom vs. Structure Problem 00:52 David Allen: Control Without Being Constrained 01:19 Concentration & Cooperation Explained 03:02 What This Looks Like in Coaching 03:59 Wrap-Up & Reflection ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Where in your work do you need more concentration and where do you need more cooperation? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching

• Transcript

Why Getting Organized Isn't the Same as Getting Things Done

GTD coach Meg Edwards tackles one of the most common traps in productivity, spending so much time getting organized that you never actually get things done. Featuring a reading from David Allen's "Ready for Anything," chapter 41. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between getting organized and actually getting things done 👉 Why micro-organizing everything is a trap, and what to do instead 👉 The one GTD step most people skip that makes all the difference Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & The Organizing Groupie Problem 00:40 David Allen: Are You an Organizing Groupie? 01:43 Why Over-Organizing Misses the Point 02:46 The Fix: Master Clarifying First 03:29 Wrap-Up & Paradigm Shift ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6x9DNZdMbfo&list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Are you spending more time getting organized than actually getting things done? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #Organization #TimeManagement

• Transcript

What's Really Keeping You Up at Night?

GTD coach Meg Edwards introduces one of the most powerful concepts in the Getting Things Done methodology, Open Loops, and why capturing and clarifying them is the key to reducing stress and gaining focus. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 What open loops are and why they pull at your attention 👉 How unmanaged commitments create stress, even when you don't feel stressed 👉 Two powerful questions to help you identify your own open loops Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What Open Loops Are 00:47 David Allen on Open Loops 01:48 The Cost of Unmanaged Commitments 03:12 Questions to Find Your Open Loops 04:29 Wrap-Up & Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What's one open loop that's been pulling at your attention that you haven't captured yet? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #StressManagement

• Transcript

Why Some People Get GTD (And Others Aren't Ready Yet)

GTD coach Meg Edwards takes a step back from the mechanics of Getting Things Done to explore the bigger question: why do some people take to GTD instantly while others never quite get it? Featuring a reading from David Allen's "Ready for Anything," chapter 50. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why GTD attracted Meg when other productivity systems failed her 👉 The one common denominator among people who successfully implement GTD 👉 Why you shouldn't be discouraged if the people around you don't get it Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What GTD Freedom Means to Meg 00:55 Why GTD Fits When Other Systems Don't 02:00 David Allen: Who Really Gets GTD? 03:00 The Common Denominator of GTD Success 06:35 Wrap-Up & Final Reflection ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What is it about GTD that keeps you coming back to it? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #PersonalDevelopment

• Transcript

How Much Snow Is on Your Runway? (GTD Reference Explained)

GTD coach Meg Edwards breaks down the third and final "no side" tool in the GTD clarifying and organizing process — Reference — and why getting it clean and current can change your entire work environment. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why reference has no psychological weight once you've decided it's not actionable 👉 How to think about your reference system as a personal library 👉 The runway analogy that captures what messy reference does to your productivity Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & What Is Reference 00:54 David Allen's Take on Reference 02:00 Meg's Reference System 03:40 The Runway Analogy 04:50 Wrap-Up & Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How much "snow" do you have on your runway right now? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #Organization

• Transcript

Never Forget a Time-Sensitive Task Again

GTD coach Meg Edwards explains what a Tickler file is, how it differs from the Someday/Maybe list, and why it's one of the most underused organizational tools in the GTD system. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The key difference between a Tickler and a Someday/Maybe list 👉 How to set up both a physical and electronic Tickler 👉 Real-life examples of what belongs in a Tickler Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & The "No Side" of GTD 00:53 Tickler vs. Someday Maybe 01:06 The Physical Tickler 02:13 The Electronic Tickler 04:38 Wrap-Up & Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What time-specific item have you been avoiding capturing that could go straight into a Tickler? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #TimeManagement

• Transcript

The GTD Someday/Maybe List Explained

GTD coach Meg Edwards provides an overview of the Someday/Maybe List and how it helps prevent everything you say yes to from becoming an immediate next action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why the Someday/Maybe list is not a “graveyard” for ideas 👉 Ways to organize your Someday/Maybe list 👉 The “infinite possibilities” causes stress Timestamps: 00:00 The Yes Side of Clarifying 00:39 The No Side of Clarifying 01:26 Book Passage 01:36 Breaking Up the Someday/Maybe List 03:39 Where Stress Comes From ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=GTDGems 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What’s something you’ll move to your Someday/Maybe list? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen’s YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #ListManagement

• Transcript

Where to Start With GTD When You Feel Overwhelmed

Feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start with GTD? If your system feels like there’s too much to do, even after years of practice, this simple reset can help you regain clarity quickly. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why starting with your current reality beats starting with priorities 👉 How small, unfinished tasks create mental overwhelm Timestamps: 00:00 Where do you start with GTD? 00:36 Making It All Work Passage 02:34 Client Story 04:10 Reflection ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=GTDGems 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What’s true in your world right now? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen’s YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #Overwhelm

• Transcript

Stop Procrastinating: Use the 2-Minute Rule

The 2-Minute Rule is one of the simplest ways to stop procrastinating, and start building momentum immediately. David Allen says: if something takes less than two minutes, do it now. This simple rule helps you find clarity, stay focused in fast-paced environments, rid yourself of unnecessary overwhelm. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 What the 2-Minute Rule is and how it works 👉 How small tasks create “drag” on your system 👉 Why immediate action beats organizing or delaying Timestamps: 00:00 Meg introduction 00:30 The two minute rule 01:00 Be like Teflon ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=GTDGems 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What’s one 2-minute task you’ve been putting off? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen’s YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #DavidAllen

The Simple Productivity Rule: Create or Complete

David Allen shares a powerful insight: everything you do falls into one of two categories, create or complete. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between “creating” and “completing” 👉 Why finishing tasks often sparks new ideas 👉 A simple mental model to guide your next action Timestamps: 00:00 Meg introduction 00:30 You're here to complete and create 01:49 Best practices for each ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=GTDGems 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💬 Comment below: Are you in “create” mode or “complete” mode right now? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen’s YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #DavidAllen

• Transcript