Defining what done means is one of the most important things you can do. It sounds simple, but it’s the secret weapon for crushing your to-do list and actually feeling productive instead of just busy.
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Meaning
At its core, this is about creating a clear, physical finish line for every single task you take on. It’s the difference between “work on project” and “draft the first three slides.”
Explanation
Here’s the thing I’ve learned the hard way. Your brain is a terrible office. It’s a brilliant processor, but a cluttered, leaky filing cabinet. When a task is vague—like “do taxes” or “plan vacation”—it creates mental static. It just spins in the background, creating anxiety because you don’t know what the actual *end* looks like. Defining “done” is like giving your brain a set of GPS coordinates. You’re not just “driving north”; you’re “turning left at the next gas station.” It frees up so much mental RAM. Suddenly, you know exactly what the next physical action is, and you can actually make progress instead of just worrying about the mountain of work. It’s the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Career (192) |
| Topics | clarity (95), completion (4), execution (14) |
| Literary Style | clear (348), instructional (42) |
| Emotion / Mood | focused (87), realistic (354) |
| Overall Quote Score | 68 (19) |
Origin & Factcheck
This wisdom comes straight from David Allen’s 2001 book, Getting Things Done, which was first published in the United States. It’s a cornerstone of the entire GTD methodology, and it’s often misapplied to other productivity gurus, but this is pure, unfiltered David Allen.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | David Allen (50) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (50) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
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.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Defining what done means is one of the most important things you can do |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2001; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-0143126560; Last edition: Revised edition published 2015; Number of pages: 352. |
| Where is it? | Chapter 6: Clarifying, Approximate page 118 (2015 edition) |