Getting Things Done

Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behavior.

—Dee Hock

Anxiety is caused by a lack of control, organization, preparation, and action.

Your ability to generate power is directly proportional to your ability to relax.

THE KEY INGREDIENTS of relaxed control are (1) clearly defined outcomes (projects) and the next actions required to move them toward closure, and (2) reminders placed in a trusted system that is reviewed regularly. This is what I call horizontal focus. Although it may seem simple, the actual application of the process can create profound results.

your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.
—Shunryu Suzuki

We can never really be prepared for that which is wholly new. We have to adjust ourselves, and every radical adjustment is a crisis in self-esteem: we undergo a test, we have to prove ourselves. It needs subordinate self-confidence to face drastic change without inner trembling.

paradox has emerged in this new millennium: people have enhanced quality of life, but at the same time they are adding to their stress levels by taking on more than they have resources to handle. It’s as though their eyes were bigger than their stomachs. And most people are to some degree frustrated and perplexed about how to improve the situation.

The burner I go, the behinder I get.

Avoiding action decisions until the pressure of the last minute creates huge inefficiencies and unnecessary stress.

Teaching you how to be maximally efficient and relaxed, whenever you need or want to be, was my main purpose in writing this book.