scottleduc

Establish Your Getting Things Done Trusted System

WHAT

Establish a 5-step GTD method, including the following steps:

  1. Collect tasks, projects, and ideas
  2. Process ideas to set up actions
  3. Organize tasks into measurable action plans
  4. Keep track and adjust
  5. Complete tasks

Fill in the GTD form with your team in class and turn in to Mr. Le Duc

WHY

  • According to James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable tasks helps create momentum by making progress feel achievable and less overwhelming. This approach leverages the power of small wins to build consistent habits and sustained motivation.
  • David Allen, in his book Getting Things Done, emphasizes the importance of having a trusted system to manage all tasks and commitments. By externalizing tasks into a reliable system, students can reduce mental clutter and focus more effectively on completing their work.
  • Cognitive research supports that the human brain is optimized for focused attention on one task at a time. Multitasking divides attention and reduces efficiency, making it more difficult to perform tasks effectively or retain information (e.g., Rubinstein, Meyer, & Evans, 2001). Thus, focusing on smaller, discrete tasks sequentially improves productivity and learning outcomes.

HOW

RESOURCES

GTD Sample Flowchart

GTD Learning Resources

Some GTD Tool Learning Resources

Some More Tools

Le Duc’s 2020 Remote Learning GTD Project Samples

RUBRIC

4 Points – Exemplary

  • All five GTD steps (Collect, Process, Organize, Keep Track & Adjust, Complete) are clearly explained and demonstrated in the system described.
  • The blog post names the specific tool(s) used (e.g., Google Keep, Trello, WorkFlowy) and provides detailed, clear explanations of how each tool supports the GTD workflow, which also includes A SCREENSHOT of your trusted system TOOL
  • The rationale connects explicitly to James Clear’s Atomic Habits concept of breaking larger tasks into smaller ones and David Allen’s emphasis on having a trusted system to reduce mental clutter.
  • The blog post includes a clear reference to research about the brain’s ability to focus on one task at a time and the inefficiency of multitasking (e.g., Rubinstein, Meyer, & Evans, 2001).

3 Points – Proficient

  • Most of the five GTD steps are addressed with some explanation on how they apply to the chosen trusted system.
  • The blog post names the tool(s) and provides a general description of their use within the GTD method.
  • The rationale mentions either James Clear’s or David Allen’s ideas, but does not fully integrate both.
  • There is some reference to cognitive research on multitasking, though it may be brief or general.

2 Points – Developing

  • Only some GTD steps are mentioned, with limited or unclear explanations about how they fit in the system.
  • The blog post names one or more tools but lacks sufficient detail on how they support GTD.
  • The rationale is incomplete or only loosely connected to the GTD method or habit-building concepts.
  • No clear citation or explanation about the brain’s focus limitations and multitasking.

1 Point – Beginning

  • The blog post misses most or all GTD steps or explains them inaccurately.
  • Tools are not named or described, or the description is very vague.
  • The rationale does not mention James Clear, David Allen, or relevant research.
  • The blog post lacks clarity and detail about the system or its benefits.

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