Author: David Allen
Format: Audible
Subject: Productivity
Rating: 2/10
Summary:
I am a big fan of David Allen’s book: Getting Things Done, so I was very excited to listen to Making It All Work. Unfortunately, that excitement quickly disappeared, and then turn to disappointment the more I listened.
I thought this book would serve as either a building block for the GTD system, but it is pretty much a rehashing of the previous book. The core focus of the book seemed to be implementing the GTD system into your personal life. That is all fine and well, because I really like the system. In fact, incorporated GTD into all aspects of my life while reading the first book.
I listened to about two-thirds of Making It All Work before I gave up on it. I am quite certain that I won’t be missing out on any key information that I won’t pick up on somewhere else.
What I liked Most About the Book: The topic of the GTD system.
What I liked Most About the Book: The lack of any new pertinent ideas or techniques. The Horizons discussed in the book are hardly new concepts.
New GTD Concept: Horizons
- Projects: 10,000 Feet – The are the shorter items that take need to be completed in about a year’s time and will take more than one action to complete. Pretty much standard GTD.
- Areas of Focus: 20,000 Feet – This is essentially a list of all the roles you assume or want to assume in life: husband, father, accountant, mentor, manager… So the purpose of this list is to serve as a trigger for your weekly review.
- Goals and Objectives: 30,000 Feet – A list of Projects that will take more than a year to complete. You only need to review once a quarter or so. This list will help trigger projects.
- Vision: 40,000 Feet – Where do you want to be in five years. Are your actions taking you there? What about your projects?
- Purpose: 50,000 Feet – What is your reason for being? to your ancestors, your descendents, or your god?