Biography
David Allen created the GTD methodology and helped millions organize work and life with clear, actionable steps. He began as a management consultant, refined GTD through client engagements, and published Getting Things Done in 2001, followed by Ready for Anything and Making It All Work. He founded the David Allen Company and expanded GTD training globally, later relocating to Amsterdam to support international growth. A sought-after speaker and advisor, he remains a leading voice on clarity, focus, and execution. Explore the David Allen book list for essential reads.
Author Summary
| Language | English (277) |
|---|---|
| Born On | 1945 (2) |
| Genre | nonfiction (88), self-help (89) |
| Category | Personal Development (58) |
| Topics | focus (7), productivity (14), stress (4), time management (10), workflow (1) |
| Audiences | creatives (13), entrepreneurs (87), managers (69), professionals (67), students (198) |
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David Allen Book list
Click book name to see chapterwise and video book summary
David Allen is the American productivity expert behind the GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology, a practical system for stress-free focus and execution. A consultant, speaker, and bestselling author, he founded the David Allen Company and built a global training network that brings GTD to organizations and individuals worldwide. His insights appear in corporate programs, workshops, and media interviews. Explore the David Allen book list to discover core titles like Getting Things Done, Ready for Anything, and Making It All Work that shaped modern productivity.
Interview Questions
How did you develop the GTD methodology?
I refined GTD over years of coaching and consulting, noticing that people needed a trusted system to capture everything, clarify next actions, and review consistently. GTD emerged from what actually worked in the real world.
What is the single most important habit in GTD?
The Weekly Review. It aligns commitments, refreshes priorities, and keeps your system current so you can make confident choices without stress.
Is GTD better on paper or digital tools?
Use whatever you will reliably engage with. The principles are tool-agnostic; the key is having a trusted, always-available system you actually use.
How should a beginner start with GTD?
Start by capturing everything that has your attention, clarify the very next physical actions, organize by context and priority, and schedule a Weekly Review to maintain control and perspective.
How do you define “stress-free productivity”?
It’s the ability to make good choices with a clear mind. When you’ve externalized commitments and trust your system, you reduce mental drag and can focus on what matters in the moment.