You know, the real challenge isn’t getting things done, it’s feeling good about it. That’s the core of David Allen’s genius. It completely flips the script on traditional productivity.
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Meaning
It’s about shifting your focus from the sheer volume of completed tasks to the psychological satisfaction and clarity you gain from your accomplishments.
Explanation
Look, anyone can be busy. You can check off a hundred items on a to-do list and still feel completely drained, anxious, and like you’re not actually moving the needle. That’s the trap. Allen is saying the real win, the thing that makes a system sustainable, is that feeling of a “mind like water” he always talks about. It’s that calm, confident state you get when you trust that you’ve captured everything, you’re working on the right things, and you can truly relax when you’re not working. The “getting things done” is just the mechanism. The “feeling good” is the entire point.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (4111) |
| Category | Life (381) |
| Topics | achievement (35), balance (98) |
| Literary Style | insightful (47), simple (303) |
| Emotion / Mood | general (80), reflective (416) |
| Overall Quote Score | 80 (269) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from David Allen’s 2001 book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, which really kicked off the modern productivity movement from the United States. It’s a core tenet of his GTD methodology, not just a random motivational saying.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | David Allen (50) |
| Source Type | Book (4593) |
| Source/Book Name | Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (50) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1995) |
| Original Language | English (4111) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4593) |
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 | The challenge is not to get things done, but to feel good about what you get done |
| 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 11: Mind Like Water, Approximate page 234 (2015 edition) |