Joel's notes • 6198 notes • About these notes

Ready for Anything

Links to this note
A committee can make a decision that is dumber than any of its members. —DAVID COBLITZ

A committee can make a decision that is dumber than any of its members. —DAVID COBLITZ – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
A core principle in our personal-productivity methodology confronts this issue head-on- Write it all down, think about it all, decide what needs to

A core principle in our personal-productivity methodology confronts this issue head-on: Write it all down, think about it all, dec…
A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. —CHARLES DARWIN

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life. —CHARLES DARWIN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anyth…
A map is not functional until you know where you are on it. Locating yourself in space and time provides a reference for motion- how much is require

A map is not functional until you know where you are on it. Locating yourself in space and time provides a reference for motion: h…
A vision of a desired future allows you to focus immediately on an improved condition. It changes what you perceive and how you perform—now. Its val

A vision of a desired future allows you to focus immediately on an improved condition. It changes what you perceive and how you pe…
AH, THE DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE of not thinking. Athletes in their “zone,” ecstatic worshipers “in the spirit,” moviegoers and novel readers engrossed

AH, THE DELICIOUS EXPERIENCE of not thinking. Athletes in their “zone,” ecstatic worshipers “in the spirit,” moviegoers and novel …
AT ANY MOMENT, giving full attention to the one thing at hand is a hallmark of high performance. This is relatively easy when you’re totally engaged

AT ANY MOMENT, giving full attention to the one thing at hand is a hallmark of high performance. This is relatively easy when you’…
After twenty-plus years, I’ve been able to find only one common denominator among the people and the organizations that have most implemented our pr

After twenty-plus years, I’ve been able to find only one common denominator among the people and the organizations that have most …
Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward w

Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things …
An example of a poorly designed system is a reference filing system that stuffs multiple files into labeled hanging file holders. Volume and speed w

An example of a poorly designed system is a reference filing system that stuffs multiple files into labeled hanging file holders. …
An hour of effective, precise, hard, disciplined, and integrated thinking can be worth a month of hard work. Thinking is the very essence of, and th

An hour of effective, precise, hard, disciplined, and integrated thinking can be worth a month of hard work. Thinking is the very …
An idealist believes the short run doesn’t count. A cynic believes the long run doesn’t matter. A realist believes that what is done or left undone

An idealist believes the short run doesn’t count. A cynic believes the long run doesn’t matter. A realist believes that what is do…
An old Asian proverb says, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.” The military model is not a bad one—in the armed forces, if you

An old Asian proverb says, “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.” The military model is not a bad one—in the ar…
And add to this the more subtle interaction—you uncover order as you expand. You unlock the infinite as you limit with discipline. Ask a good garden

And add to this the more subtle interaction—you uncover order as you expand. You unlock the infinite as you limit with discipline.…
And when I’m in the doldrums, it’s great to pull out my set of personal affirmations and read through them, to lift my focus and energy

And when I’m in the doldrums, it’s great to pull out my set of personal affirmations and read through them, to lift my focus and e…
Another example of a systemic bottleneck is using the computer’s mouse for things that speed keys can handle four times as fast. We often watch soph

Another example of a systemic bottleneck is using the computer’s mouse for things that speed keys can handle four times as fast. W…
Anyone who waits to be struck with a good idea has a long wait coming. If I have a deadline for a column or a television script, I sit down at the t

Anyone who waits to be struck with a good idea has a long wait coming. If I have a deadline for a column or a television script, I…
Are you willing to accept that there may be a bigger reality asserting itself through you and that you need to swallow hard and trust that giving up

Are you willing to accept that there may be a bigger reality asserting itself through you and that you need to swallow hard and tr…
At times, tightening up our systems is what’s needed to release new levels of output and expression

At times, tightening up our systems is what’s needed to release new levels of output and expression. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for …
Be patient. Patience is also preparation. It is the action before the act. —NOAH BEN SHEA

Be patient. Patience is also preparation. It is the action before the act. —NOAH BEN SHEA – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Be steady and well ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work. —GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

Be steady and well ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work. —GUSTAVE FLAUBERT – David Allen in ⚟ …
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in the …
Bring to mind a time when new opportunities showed up for you. What had you been doing in the months previous that prepared you for them

Bring to mind a time when new opportunities showed up for you. What had you been doing in the months previous that prepared you fo…
But how do you get there And once there, how do you keep yourself there It has a lot to do with trusting a bigger game and with your ability to id

But how do you get there? And once there, how do you keep yourself there? It has a lot to do with trusting a bigger game and with …
But if you really pay attention to your mind’s concerns and how to handle them (decide outcomes and take next-action steps, with reminders in a tota

But if you really pay attention to your mind’s concerns and how to handle them (decide outcomes and take next-action steps, with r…
But when I’m in Visionary mode and I start thinking about how I ought to finish up all the stuff I’ve created and how much work I’ve generated for m

But when I’m in Visionary mode and I start thinking about how I ought to finish up all the stuff I’ve created and how much work I’…
Clarity is never found within something unclear. You must loosen your conceptual grip, let go, and lift your sights

Clarity is never found within something unclear. You must loosen your conceptual grip, let go, and lift your sights. – David Allen…
Commitment to the ultimate quality of anything gives access to unique creativity and intelligence. From the smallest activity to the loftiest goal,

Commitment to the ultimate quality of anything gives access to unique creativity and intelligence. From the smallest activity to t…
Concentration is the key to power, in physics and in life, and cooperation is the lubricant for the efficient flow of that energy

Concentration is the key to power, in physics and in life, and cooperation is the lubricant for the efficient flow of that energy.…
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. —AMBROSE REDMOON

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. —AMBROSE REDMOON – Da…
Do you feel in balance with your inner and outer worlds If not, what would bring them more into balance

Do you feel in balance with your inner and outer worlds? If not, what would bring them more into balance? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready…
Doing proactive knowledge work (thinking, deciding, and sorting) and setting up a well-organized personal-management system to handle the results is

Doing proactive knowledge work (thinking, deciding, and sorting) and setting up a well-organized personal-management system to han…
Drive thy business, or it will drive thee. —BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Drive thy business, or it will drive thee. —BENJAMIN FRANKLIN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything Relates to working on vs in th…
Ensure the best intuitive choices by consistent, regular focus on priorities (“What is the value to me of doing X instead of doing Y”). Revisit and

Ensure the best intuitive choices by consistent, regular focus on priorities (“What is the value to me of doing X instead of doing…
Every month or two, you probably need to think through the checklist of all the areas of responsibility of your life and work, to ensure that the ri

Every month or two, you probably need to think through the checklist of all the areas of responsibility of your life and work, to …
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. —ALBERT EINSTEIN

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. —ALBERT EINSTEIN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Expansion and contraction. Creation and completion. Right brain, left brain. Yin and yang. The more we bring these polarities into balance, the more

Expansion and contraction. Creation and completion. Right brain, left brain. Yin and yang. The more we bring these polarities into…
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as…
For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Something to be got throu

For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way. Somethi…
For fast-acting relief, try slowing down. —LILY TOMLIN

For fast-acting relief, try slowing down. —LILY TOMLIN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
For knowledge workers, at least three sets of dynamics come into play about deciding what we do, and somewhat in this order- Context (What can I do

For knowledge workers, at least three sets of dynamics come into play about deciding what we do, and somewhat in this order: Conte…
Games are fun only when you know very specifically what the goal is. The vision of “playing soccer” is realized only with a playing field and a goal

Games are fun only when you know very specifically what the goal is. The vision of “playing soccer” is realized only with a playin…
Get your beingness perfected so that the routine of your life does not distract you or disturb you and so you can maintain a state of loving in ever

Get your beingness perfected so that the routine of your life does not distract you or disturb you and so you can maintain a state…
Given that definition, you probably have between thirty and a hundred projects right now. The problem is not that you have them all but that you pro

Given that definition, you probably have between thirty and a hundred projects right now. The problem is not that you have them al…
Have you made a big enough mistake lately

Have you made a big enough mistake lately? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
He suggested that as long as the reception staff experienced new business as creating more stress (due to clogged systems), they would unconsciously

He suggested that as long as the reception staff experienced new business as creating more stress (due to clogged systems), they w…
How are your job and personal affairs going to be changing in the next year These are the objectives one is committed to fulfill or maintain over t

How are your job and personal affairs going to be changing in the next year? These are the objectives one is committed to fulfill …
How easily can you drop any thoughts you have right now and focus on wild success

How easily can you drop any thoughts you have right now and focus on wild success? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
How fast can you get back to “ready” How easily and rapidly can you relax and refocus when it’s necessary to do so

How fast can you get back to “ready”? How easily and rapidly can you relax and refocus when it’s necessary to do so? – David Allen…
How is your work space at home What could you do to ensure that you have a more functional life-management control room or cockpit

How is your work space at home? What could you do to ensure that you have a more functional life-management control room or cockpi…
How valuable would it be to create a way to have more of those

How valuable would it be to create a way to have more of those? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
I AM CONTINUALLY AMAZED at how often I forget about our astonishing ability to create what we want by what we envision. Outcome thinking and the wil

I AM CONTINUALLY AMAZED at how often I forget about our astonishing ability to create what we want by what we envision. Outcome th…
I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan t

I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes…
I decided that this was going to be my Year of Better Choices—and hoped that every year thereafter would be as well. How often do I choose to exerci

I decided that this was going to be my Year of Better Choices—and hoped that every year thereafter would be as well. How often do …
If I didn’t have the lists I have, and if I hadn’t done a thorough review of them within the last few days, I wouldn’t have been able to trust that

If I didn’t have the lists I have, and if I hadn’t done a thorough review of them within the last few days, I wouldn’t have been a…
If our work environment is easily understood, even by strangers, ... it also makes it easier to collect the wisdom of everyone. —KIO SUZAKI

If our work environment is easily understood, even by strangers, . . . it also makes it easier to collect the wisdom of everyone. …
If you don’t do the weekly review, feeling that you should be thinking about something will constantly bother you. It will drain your time and your

If you don’t do the weekly review, feeling that you should be thinking about something will constantly bother you. It will drain y…
If you don’t know the total current inventory of your work, you won’t be fully aware of what you can’t do

If you don’t know the total current inventory of your work, you won’t be fully aware of what you can’t do. – David Allen in ⚟ Read…
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be-

If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, t…
If you know the point of balance, you can settle the details. If you can settle the details, you can stop running around. Your mind will become calm

If you know the point of balance, you can settle the details. If you can settle the details, you can stop running around. Your min…
If you really focused on the bigger picture for yourself, what new activities might you find engaging

If you really focused on the bigger picture for yourself, what new activities might you find engaging? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready fo…
If you try to make something too simple, it will make everything seem more complex and difficult

If you try to make something too simple, it will make everything seem more complex and difficult. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Any…
If you want different results, a change of focus is required. Once you shift the image held in your mind, different things will automatically start

If you want different results, a change of focus is required. Once you shift the image held in your mind, different things will au…
If you want to express yourself on canvas, and oil paints are your medium, you will organize your paints and brushes. You won’t think about “getting

If you want to express yourself on canvas, and oil paints are your medium, you will organize your paints and brushes. You won’t th…
If your project needs more clarity, raise the level of your focus (e.g., move from actions back to plans, plans back to brainstorming, vision back t

If your project needs more clarity, raise the level of your focus (e.g., move from actions back to plans, plans back to brainstorm…
If your project needs more to be happening, lower the level of your focus (e.g., move from vision to brainstorming, from plans to actions)

If your project needs more to be happening, lower the level of your focus (e.g., move from vision to brainstorming, from plans to …
If you’re having trouble getting into your “zone,” or getting to the “mind like water” state, ask yourself at what level you need to do some focused

If you’re having trouble getting into your “zone,” or getting to the “mind like water” state, ask yourself at what level you need …
If, however, I’m able to move my inner awareness to a more spiritually connected place, more from my heart than my head, it’s a totally different ga

If, however, I’m able to move my inner awareness to a more spiritually connected place, more from my heart than my head, it’s a to…
Imagine something you’d like more of today. Have that thought as many times as you can in the next hour

Imagine something you’d like more of today. Have that thought as many times as you can in the next hour. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready …
Imagine yourself wildly successful, five years from now. How would that feel How would you relate with the world around you Try it today

Imagine yourself wildly successful, five years from now. How would that feel? How would you relate with the world around you? Try …
In golf and tennis, too firm a grip can cause you to “choke” a shot. Hanging on too tightly can limit your ability to deal with things from the most

In golf and tennis, too firm a grip can cause you to “choke” a shot. Hanging on too tightly can limit your ability to deal with th…
In our work, when we happen to coach all members of a group in the workflow process, we teach them to create a response now, so they can stop thinki

In our work, when we happen to coach all members of a group in the workflow process, we teach them to create a response now, so th…
In the end, it is attention to detail that makes all the difference. It’s the center fielder’s extra two steps to the left, the salesman’s memory fo

In the end, it is attention to detail that makes all the difference. It’s the center fielder’s extra two steps to the left, the sa…
In what location and during what kind of activity do you automatically think from a higher altitude

In what location and during what kind of activity do you automatically think from a higher altitude? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for …
It requires a discipline of logistical focus to bracket one to two hours at the end of a workweek, to back out of the daily grind just enough to get

It requires a discipline of logistical focus to bracket one to two hours at the end of a workweek, to back out of the daily grind …
It’s hard to be fully creative without structure and constraint. Try to paint without a canvas

It’s hard to be fully creative without structure and constraint. Try to paint without a canvas. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anyth…
It’s most often the small things, done consistently in strategic places, that make the most difference

It’s most often the small things, done consistently in strategic places, that make the most difference. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready f…
It’s only when you have the hard choices about how to allocate limited resources that the real need for clarity of direction and efficiency emerges

It’s only when you have the hard choices about how to allocate limited resources that the real need for clarity of direction and e…
I’VE REALIZED LATELY that there are two distinctly different hats that I wear internally as I move forward in my life- the Visionary and the Doer. T

I’VE REALIZED LATELY that there are two distinctly different hats that I wear internally as I move forward in my life: the Visiona…
I’ve experienced (more times than I like to admit) avoiding the slightly uncomfortable conversations with others I should have had on the front end

I’ve experienced (more times than I like to admit) avoiding the slightly uncomfortable conversations with others I should have had…
I’ve often spent ten to fifteen hours with a person just identifying his or her work on the two most mundane and operational levels- current actions

I’ve often spent ten to fifteen hours with a person just identifying his or her work on the two most mundane and operational level…
Knowledge must come through action; you can have no test which is not fanciful, save by trial. —SOPHOCLES

Knowledge must come through action; you can have no test which is not fanciful, save by trial. —SOPHOCLES – David Allen in ⚟ Ready…
Life is a series of inspired follies. The difficulty is to find them to do. Never lose a chance. It doesn’t come every day. —GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Life is a series of inspired follies. The difficulty is to find them to do. Never lose a chance. It doesn’t come every day. —GEORG…
Maintaining a complete, current, and reviewable inventory of all the open loops, no matter how big or small they are, is a prerequisite for setting

Maintaining a complete, current, and reviewable inventory of all the open loops, no matter how big or small they are, is a prerequ…
Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably in themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and w

Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably in themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim …
Man is not the creature of circumstances. Circumstances are the creatures of men. —BENJAMIN DISRAELI

Man is not the creature of circumstances. Circumstances are the creatures of men. —BENJAMIN DISRAELI – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for …
Many organizations are exhorting their people to be “customer driven” and to “go the extra mile” to add a competitive edge of extraordinary service

Many organizations are exhorting their people to be “customer driven” and to “go the extra mile” to add a competitive edge of extr…
Many people are trying but can never work hard enough, because working hard is not really what they need. They need to simply bedoing, in a careful

Many people are trying but can never work hard enough, because working hard is not really what they need. They need to simply bedo…
Many people have a vague sense that they want to do or be something in the future—something different. But without a reality-based reference point o

Many people have a vague sense that they want to do or be something in the future—something different. But without a reality-based…
Most people get ready for change a few days before a long vacation, when they divorce and have to sell everything they own and move, or when some ot

Most people get ready for change a few days before a long vacation, when they divorce and have to sell everything they own and mov…
Multiple horizons of commitment- And if you haven’t had the appropriate discussions with your boss, your spouse, or your partner that you know you n

Multiple horizons of commitment: And if you haven’t had the appropriate discussions with your boss, your spouse, or your partner t…
My life and work seem to have that same kind of rhythm, but on a bigger scale. I go through cycles of six to twelve months when I’m coming up with n

My life and work seem to have that same kind of rhythm, but on a bigger scale. I go through cycles of six to twelve months when I’…
My projects and someday-maybe lists. They are trophy cases for the Visionary

My projects and someday/maybe lists. They are trophy cases for the Visionary. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Ninety-nine percent of the time, my answer is the same- “Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail as you need to. If

Ninety-nine percent of the time, my answer is the same: “Once a week, do a thorough review of all your projects in as much detail …
On the other side of the equation are individuals and teams who keep their e-mail and other communications processed and emptied regularly. They’ve

On the other side of the equation are individuals and teams who keep their e-mail and other communications processed and emptied r…
Once a purpose, goal, or standard is clear, the best you can do is get there and maintain it with as little effort as possible. Energy is not wasted

Once a purpose, goal, or standard is clear, the best you can do is get there and maintain it with as little effort as possible. En…
Once people catch on to the power of organization per se, they sometimes go too far and try to microorganize everything- “Let’s create a system so y

Once people catch on to the power of organization per se, they sometimes go too far and try to microorganize everything: “Let’s cr…
Once you taste what it’s like to operate with a clear head (I mean a really clear head), I doubt that you will spend much energy thinking about “hav

Once you taste what it’s like to operate with a clear head (I mean a really clear head), I doubt that you will spend much energy t…
Over many years of research and coaching, we’ve discovered that these phased aspects of workflow management are best done as separate activities

Over many years of research and coaching, we’ve discovered that these phased aspects of workflow management are best done as separ…
Over the years, we have discovered that what we call the “weekly review”—catching up with all your capturing, processing, and organizing—is the most

Over the years, we have discovered that what we call the “weekly review”—catching up with all your capturing, processing, and orga…
People should know what you stand for. They should also know what you won’t stand for. —UNKNOWN

People should know what you stand for. They should also know what you won’t stand for. —UNKNOWN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anyth…
People with the most elevated view of what they are doing perform the most elegant-looking actions. In one sense, the farther away the “there” is th

People with the most elevated view of what they are doing perform the most elegant-looking actions. In one sense, the farther away…
Perhaps the questions really should be these- Where is the balance between my shoulder-to-the-wheel hard work and my inner reflective process that n

Perhaps the questions really should be these: Where is the balance between my shoulder-to-the-wheel hard work and my inner reflect…
Researching and sharpening processes will not always be the most strategic focus for high performers, but they’ll always have their antennae tuned f

Researching and sharpening processes will not always be the most strategic focus for high performers, but they’ll always have thei…
Rules tend to show up because principles are not clear or trusted. When you know that people have bought into standards, you can give them freedom f

Rules tend to show up because principles are not clear or trusted. When you know that people have bought into standards, you can g…
Runway—current actions (daily) 10,000 feet—current projects (weekly) 20,000 feet—current responsibilities (monthly) 30,000 feet—one-to-two-year goal

Runway—current actions (daily) 10,000 feet—current projects (weekly) 20,000 feet—current responsibilities (monthly) 30,000 feet—on…
SOMETIMES I’M NOT AS SMART as I am at other times. And most of the time, I’m not as inspired as I want to be. So if I really want to improve my work

SOMETIMES I’M NOT AS SMART as I am at other times. And most of the time, I’m not as inspired as I want to be. So if I really want …
Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid beh

Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to sim…
So I put reminders in my personal-management system, and I see them in my weekly review. Few people I know really grasp the power of the basic weekl

So I put reminders in my personal-management system, and I see them in my weekly review. Few people I know really grasp the power …
Stress comes from unkept agreements with yourself. You can relieve that stress only by canceling the agreement, keeping the agreement, or renegotiat

Stress comes from unkept agreements with yourself. You can relieve that stress only by canceling the agreement, keeping the agreem…
THE BETTER YOUR SYSTEMS, the more you don’t know you have them. The less attention you pay to them, the more functional they probably are

THE BETTER YOUR SYSTEMS, the more you don’t know you have them. The less attention you pay to them, the more functional they proba…
The Weekly Review. It’s the way I get the Visionary and the Doer together in a regular staff meeting, and they get to work things out with cooperati

The Weekly Review. It’s the way I get the Visionary and the Doer together in a regular staff meeting, and they get to work things …
The angst arises when you let loose the reins and stop directing your own energy. Indeed, we are all at the mercy of things bigger than ourselves, a

The angst arises when you let loose the reins and stop directing your own energy. Indeed, we are all at the mercy of things bigger…
The best players manage their own game no matter what. We’re all alone in this together

The best players manage their own game no matter what. We’re all alone in this together. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
The best way to get a good idea is to get lots of ideas. —LINUS PAULING

The best way to get a good idea is to get lots of ideas. —LINUS PAULING – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
The commander will always have to handle an unmanned post. If no one has been duly charged with ensuring clean toilets, the CEO will ultimately have

The commander will always have to handle an unmanned post. If no one has been duly charged with ensuring clean toilets, the CEO wi…
The development of real knowledge requires intentional activity. If you wait to know something before you do something, likely neither will happen

The development of real knowledge requires intentional activity. If you wait to know something before you do something, likely nei…
The distinction I do recommend is very simple- projects versus someday-maybe. The first list is a complete inventory of all the open loops we’ve cre

The distinction I do recommend is very simple: projects versus someday/maybe. The first list is a complete inventory of all the op…
The form will often trigger the focus that then fuels the intention, which produces creative energy and content. If you want to exercise, put on you

The form will often trigger the focus that then fuels the intention, which produces creative energy and content. If you want to ex…
The inner reflective focus and the outer expression and manifestation are different processes and can be experienced as mutually exclusive. If I nee

The inner reflective focus and the outer expression and manifestation are different processes and can be experienced as mutually e…
The main reason you’ll feel much better when you implement the methods of collecting, processing, organizing, and intuitively managing the total inv

The main reason you’ll feel much better when you implement the methods of collecting, processing, organizing, and intuitively mana…
The mere formulation of a problem is far more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skills. To r

The mere formulation of a problem is far more essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experim…
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. —PLUTARCH

The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. —PLUTARCH – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
The most productive approach is to think as little as you can get by with but as much as you need to. How do you get today off your mind Several ti

The most productive approach is to think as little as you can get by with but as much as you need to. How do you get today off you…
The most “lean and mean” (and creative) companies will be the ones with the greatest gap between their vision and their current reality. The most ef

The most “lean and mean” (and creative) companies will be the ones with the greatest gap between their vision and their current re…
The mundane is not a substitute for the sublime. It’s just a secret passageway to it

The mundane is not a substitute for the sublime. It’s just a secret passageway to it. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking one’s self seriously. The fir

The one important thing I have learned over the years is the difference between taking one’s work seriously and taking one’s self …
The oversimplicity of ABC priorities or daily to-do lists can never really answer that question for any of us. No matter how organized we get, how s

The oversimplicity of ABC priorities or daily to-do lists can never really answer that question for any of us. No matter how organ…
The passion for a certain quality of experience (relaxation, fun, productive in-your-zone-ness) or the desire to have something show up that you rea

The passion for a certain quality of experience (relaxation, fun, productive in-your-zone-ness) or the desire to have something sh…
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. —WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. —WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD – D…
The positive experience goes away if the system and the process that created it fall behind, and that can happen quickly

The positive experience goes away if the system and the process that created it fall behind, and that can happen quickly. – David …
The power of your inner intentions is limitless—whether negative or positive. Are you less than enthusiastically waiting for phone calls or for some

The power of your inner intentions is limitless—whether negative or positive. Are you less than enthusiastically waiting for phone…
The priorities of your current job (and the actions you focus on) may shift if you think about what your job needs to be eighteen months from now. P

The priorities of your current job (and the actions you focus on) may shift if you think about what your job needs to be eighteen …
The “Grand Think” is figuring out your purpose here on the planet. If you really come up with that one, once should be enough, although you’ll proba

The “Grand Think” is figuring out your purpose here on the planet. If you really come up with that one, once should be enough, alt…
The “silly” question is the first intimation of some totally new development. —ALFRED NORTH WHITEHEAD

The “silly” question is the first intimation of some totally new development. —ALFRED NORTH WHITEHEAD – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for…
Things on lists and in stacks and e-mail generally repel instead of attract us to get involved, until we know exactly what our intention is about th

Things on lists and in stacks and e-mail generally repel instead of attract us to get involved, until we know exactly what our int…
This constant, unproductive preoccupation with all the things we have to do is the single largest consumer of time and energy. —KERRY GLEESON

This constant, unproductive preoccupation with all the things we have to do is the single largest consumer of time and energy. —KE…
This is a very big habit for adults to change. The best of the best we have coached, who really “catch” what this methodology is about, still someti

This is a very big habit for adults to change. The best of the best we have coached, who really “catch” what this methodology is a…
Thought is useful when it motivates for action, and a hindrance when it substitutes for action. —BILL RAEDER

Thought is useful when it motivates for action, and a hindrance when it substitutes for action. —BILL RAEDER – David Allen in ⚟ Re…
Thousands of people have talent. I might as well congratulate you for having eyes in your head. The one and only thing that counts is- Do you have s

Thousands of people have talent. I might as well congratulate you for having eyes in your head. The one and only thing that counts…
To be or to do is not the issue. The question is this- “What type of doing most aligns me with my being”

To be or to do is not the issue. The question is this: “What type of doing most aligns me with my being?” – David Allen in ⚟ Ready…
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. —LIEH-TZU

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. —LIEH-TZU – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Trying to do it all, have it all, and be it all will exhaust the human mechanism. “More and better” will always stretch out in front of you, as you

Trying to do it all, have it all, and be it all will exhaust the human mechanism. “More and better” will always stretch out in fro…
Two years after I began writing the essays, I decided to write and distribute a newsletter to those who were becoming familiar with my methods. My h

Two years after I began writing the essays, I decided to write and distribute a newsletter to those who were becoming familiar wit…
Uncaptured, unclarified, and therefore unmanaged things that you have agreed to do own a piece of you and give you no rest. Naming your stuff gives

Uncaptured, unclarified, and therefore unmanaged things that you have agreed to do own a piece of you and give you no rest. Naming…
Use your mind to think about your work, instead of thinking of it

Use your mind to think about your work, instead of thinking of it. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
WHAT’S THE BEST THING to do, right now, at this moment I’m still working on how to get the best answer to that question. Frankly, I think anyone wh

WHAT’S THE BEST THING to do, right now, at this moment? I’m still working on how to get the best answer to that question. Frankly,…
We don’t feel constrained by the limitations that really work for us. We’re grateful for the lines down the middle of the road—they give us the free

We don’t feel constrained by the limitations that really work for us. We’re grateful for the lines down the middle of the road—the…
We never do great good or great evil without bringing about more of the same on the part of others. —FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD

We never do great good or great evil without bringing about more of the same on the part of others. —FRANÇOIS DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD …
What are some of the most creative, fun, and productive things you’ve done that weren’t planned or on any list

What are some of the most creative, fun, and productive things you’ve done that weren’t planned or on any list? – David Allen in ⚟…
What are your current areas of responsibility Most people have ten to fifteen, including the main areas of a job (staff development, asset manageme

What are your current areas of responsibility? Most people have ten to fifteen, including the main areas of a job (staff developme…
What are your current projects These are the outcomes you have agreed with yourself to achieve, requiring more than one action to complete them, su

What are your current projects? These are the outcomes you have agreed with yourself to achieve, requiring more than one action to…
What are your current tasks These are the physical actions you need to take right now about all your commitments and responsibilities- phone calls,

What are your current tasks? These are the physical actions you need to take right now about all your commitments and responsibili…
What conversations, at what horizon, are due or overdue for you

What conversations, at what horizon, are due or overdue for you? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
What could you put in front of your mind more regularly that would serve you Where would you put it

What could you put in front of your mind more regularly that would serve you? Where would you put it? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for…
What else would you like to stop thinking about

What else would you like to stop thinking about? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
What parts of your systems do you have to keep thinking about What could you do to get them more on “automatic”

What parts of your systems do you have to keep thinking about? What could you do to get them more on “automatic”? – David Allen in…
What project do you know you need to do more thinking about What’s the next action to get that to happen

What project do you know you need to do more thinking about? What’s the next action to get that to happen? – David Allen in ⚟ Read…
What system may be clogged, personally or organizationally, that may be preventing new business

What system may be clogged, personally or organizationally, that may be preventing new business? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anyt…
What wheels seem to be spinning in your life and work that could use a rest

What wheels seem to be spinning in your life and work that could use a rest? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
What would you really like to be free of What discipline is needed where, to accomplish that

What would you really like to be free of? What discipline is needed where, to accomplish that? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anythi…
Whatever we’ve let into our inner or outer environment that doesn’t belong where it is the way it is needs to have something done about it. What has

Whatever we’ve let into our inner or outer environment that doesn’t belong where it is the way it is needs to have something done …
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in the last few days What could you do to get something like it to happen again

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in the last few days? What could you do to get something like it to happen again? – D…
What’s the longest-term project or goal you’ve actually committed to Is there an action step determined

What’s the longest-term project or goal you’ve actually committed to? Is there an action step determined? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready…
What’s true for you right now Would it be useful to bring others in your life and work up to date with any of that right now

What’s true for you right now? Would it be useful to bring others in your life and work up to date with any of that right now? – D…
When I sincerely ask myself, “What is the absolute best thing for me to be doing right now” and when I’m willing to hear the answer and move on it,

When I sincerely ask myself, “What is the absolute best thing for me to be doing right now?” and when I’m willing to hear the answ…
When I’m doing errands or surfing the Web, it’s good to be reminded of what I wanted to get for someone when I was more thoughtful

When I’m doing errands or surfing the Web, it’s good to be reminded of what I wanted to get for someone when I was more thoughtful…
When I’m driving in the car and think about a really creative and loving thing to do for somebody, I need to note it right away on a pad or a tape

When I’m driving in the car and think about a really creative and loving thing to do for somebody, I need to note it right away on…
When I’m in a state of consciousness more sublime than usual, I need to express it by writing out an affirmation or inspired thought

When I’m in a state of consciousness more sublime than usual, I need to express it by writing out an affirmation or inspired thoug…
When did you last experience being “in the zone” Do you know how you got there

When did you last experience being “in the zone”? Do you know how you got there? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When do you feel most in your “zone” How do you get there

When do you feel most in your “zone”? How do you get there? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When hungry, eat your rice; when tired, close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean. —LIN-CHI

When hungry, eat your rice; when tired, close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean. —LIN-CHI – Dav…
When people gain a method of achieving that kind of balance in their day-to-day endeavors, no matter what’s going on, they have easier access to mor

When people gain a method of achieving that kind of balance in their day-to-day endeavors, no matter what’s going on, they have ea…
When people know they have a process in place to handle any situation, they are more relaxed. When they’re relaxed, everything improves. More gets d

When people know they have a process in place to handle any situation, they are more relaxed. When they’re relaxed, everything imp…
When something pushes your button, rings your bell, grabs your attention, bothers, upsets, engrosses, or excites you, what is your lag time to unhoo

When something pushes your button, rings your bell, grabs your attention, bothers, upsets, engrosses, or excites you, what is your…
When these forms reach a certain level of ossification, we will begin to feel a pressure internally, procrastinating about doing things that we used

When these forms reach a certain level of ossification, we will begin to feel a pressure internally, procrastinating about doing t…
When you don’t know what to do, what are some really good things to do

When you don’t know what to do, what are some really good things to do? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When you have to focus on your system, you are detouring energy that could be used to create and produce with your system. The objective of system i

When you have to focus on your system, you are detouring energy that could be used to create and produce with your system. The obj…
When you know that you are consistently doing some version of the “weekly review,” you afford yourself the luxury of not having to think about all t

When you know that you are consistently doing some version of the “weekly review,” you afford yourself the luxury of not having to…
When you least feel like slowing down may be the most critical time to do it

When you least feel like slowing down may be the most critical time to do it. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When you plan that your plans may be interrupted or disturbed, you gain steadiness. Denial of the reality of constant change produces resistance and

When you plan that your plans may be interrupted or disturbed, you gain steadiness. Denial of the reality of constant change produ…
When you stay attuned to where the real action is, you’ll probably have to give up what used to work for something new that you’re still not sure wi

When you stay attuned to where the real action is, you’ll probably have to give up what used to work for something new that you’re…
When you’re in a certain context, to be the most efficient, you need to see all the things that could be done in that context

When you’re in a certain context, to be the most efficient, you need to see all the things that could be done in that context. – D…
When you’re in an earthquake on a unicycle, juggling chain saws, the only way to survive is to tack down everything you can tack down, so you can de

When you’re in an earthquake on a unicycle, juggling chain saws, the only way to survive is to tack down everything you can tack d…
Whenever I am rested and feeling good, I can’t help feeling frivolous. —MARK TWAIN

Whenever I am rested and feeling good, I can’t help feeling frivolous. —MARK TWAIN – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Whenever thinking is murky, ambiguous, or off purpose, you must let go of the level you’re focusing on and shift the horizon to another plane

Whenever thinking is murky, ambiguous, or off purpose, you must let go of the level you’re focusing on and shift the horizon to an…
When’s the last time you did absolutely nothing

When’s the last time you did absolutely nothing? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When’s the last time you did something really unusual for you Time to do another

When’s the last time you did something really unusual for you? Time to do another? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
When’s the last time you updated your projects list (those things that take more than one action to complete) and brought it current, with next acti

When’s the last time you updated your projects list (those things that take more than one action to complete) and brought it curre…
Where could you use more looseness Where could you use more structure

Where could you use more looseness? Where could you use more structure? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Which part of you is dominant, the Visionary or the Doer What could you do to support the weaker part

Which part of you is dominant, the Visionary or the Doer? What could you do to support the weaker part? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready f…
Who’s driving you up the wall Why What standard do you hold that that person’s behavior violates

Who’s driving you up the wall? Why? What standard do you hold that that person’s behavior violates? – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for A…
With anything you consider a problem at the moment, what’s the actual data that causes you to think it’s a problem Can you see the information anot

With anything you consider a problem at the moment, what’s the actual data that causes you to think it’s a problem? Can you see th…
Without my lists, I would probably still have pruned my pine tree this morning—but for all the wrong reasons

Without my lists, I would probably still have pruned my pine tree this morning—but for all the wrong reasons. – David Allen in ⚟ R…
You can actually finish that exercise and quiet that nagging part of your mind. But it takes about one to two hours weekly—for the rest of your life

You can actually finish that exercise and quiet that nagging part of your mind. But it takes about one to two hours weekly—for the…
You can’t fool your mind. It’s an expert on your current personal management system, and it knows whether you can be trusted to look at what you nee

You can’t fool your mind. It’s an expert on your current personal management system, and it knows whether you can be trusted to lo…
You don’t make the lists of actions and projects just to get them all done and then do nothing else in your life. You process the things you have at

You don’t make the lists of actions and projects just to get them all done and then do nothing else in your life. You process the …
You exist on many levels. If you’re avoiding any of them, you may be short-sheeting all of them. To the degree you accept the responsibility for man

You exist on many levels. If you’re avoiding any of them, you may be short-sheeting all of them. To the degree you accept the resp…
You get things done by defining “done” and deciding what “doing” would look like

You get things done by defining “done” and deciding what “doing” would look like. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discove

You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you’ll discover will be wonderful. W…
You won’t see how to do it until you see yourself doing it

You won’t see how to do it until you see yourself doing it. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
Your automatic creative mechanism is teleological. That is, it operates in terms of goals and end results. Once you give it a definite goal to achie

Your automatic creative mechanism is teleological. That is, it operates in terms of goals and end results. Once you give it a defi…
Your brain’s pattern-recognition mechanism is triggered by the images you identify with and the focus you hold. You see the outcome first, and then

Your brain’s pattern-recognition mechanism is triggered by the images you identify with and the focus you hold. You see the outcom…
Your integrity will lead you into an infinite amount of new to-dos. When you consciously track all your commitments, that same integrity will force

Your integrity will lead you into an infinite amount of new to-dos. When you consciously track all your commitments, that same int…
Your system has to be better than your mind for your mind to let go

Your system has to be better than your mind for your mind to let go. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
You’d better be relaxed. Find out what’s stressing you, and deal with it—now—if you want to be truly effective on all levels at once. Being relaxed

You’d better be relaxed. Find out what’s stressing you, and deal with it—now—if you want to be truly effective on all levels at on…
You’ve got to get back to squeaky-clean again, in terms of what you’re doing and what you’re not doing. Your mind must stay engaged with the system

You’ve got to get back to squeaky-clean again, in terms of what you’re doing and what you’re not doing. Your mind must stay engage…
You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction. —ALVIN TOFFLER

You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction. —ALVI…
renegotiate implicit and explicit agreements with themselves and others,

renegotiate implicit and explicit agreements with themselves and others, – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…
to get to the place where truly the only thing on their mind, aside from whatever they’re doing in the moment, may be the last couple of unprocessed

to get to the place where truly the only thing on their mind, aside from whatever they’re doing in the moment, may be the last cou…
“Long term” just means that “as soon as possible” will take more next actions

“Long term” just means that “as soon as possible” will take more next actions. – David Allen in ⚟ Ready for Anything…