Getting Things Done

Notion + GTD = ❤️. David Allen originally implemented the Getting Things Done methodology using just paper pages and file folders. In his book, he mentioned that there would be plenty of software to do the same job better, but he didn't name any specific programs since technology was improving so rapidly.

I'm confident that if Notion had existed back then, it would have been included in the GTD book. It has the same structure as the original methodology: freeform pages that you can organize into folders (databases).

Let's dive into the Notion GTD Template to explore its features and how it works.

The Getting Things Done methodology is based on six horizons of focus. While most methods focus on the first two horizons, this template includes and connects five of them:

Two other essential GTD components are Inbox and References. Let's explore how they work individually and together.

The Inbox is the entry point for all items. Whether it's a startup idea, a book you've heard about, or an urgent task you've overlooked—everything begins here.

There are two ways to input information:

If you prefer jotting down everything and processing it later (as I do), you can simply drag items from the Drop box to their final destinations.

Project management involves three key activities: planning, executing, and reviewing.

To plan a project, navigate to the project database. Use the table view or timeline to organize your Horizon 1 projects efficiently.

To execute, open an individual project to see its progress and determine what should be done next.

When it's time to review a project, use the Review tab to assess its status. Projects are grouped by their Next review date: empty, overdue, and upcoming.

After completing the review, set the date of completion.

Executing actions is the core of Getting Things Done. The strength of this methodology lies in its ability to help you easily find the next action you can perform, given your current context.

To address this, this template features views that allow you to quickly identify actions you can take right now.

Whether you're on a plane, driving a car, or have a few minutes with only your phone, you can find a task to complete in your current situation using the "By context" view.

Whether you're feeling tired or full of energy, you can still be productive. Use the "By energy" tab to find a simple task to complete when you're low on energy, or tackle a big, energy-consuming one when you're feeling invigorated.

When you're waiting for your dinner or stuck in line, select a small task from the "By time" view.

For date-specific actions, the most convenient way to find what needs to be done is through the "Calendar" view of Actions.

It's easy to get consumed by routine and forget what you really should be doing. Your vision is the big picture of what you want to accomplish in life. These are your dreams—write down everything that describes your life as you want to see it. Keep this vision constantly on your main dashboard to remind yourself of what's truly important.

Goals serve as a bridge connecting your vision to your actions. To begin, define precisely what you want to achieve to fulfill your vision.

When possible, include current and target metrics to track your progress effectively.

To move towards your goal, each item has its own page. This allows you to easily identify the next step that will bring you one step closer to achieving it.

Our knowledge base is highly flexible. You can link reference materials with Responsibilities, Goals, Projects, or Actions to quickly locate exactly what you need.

Everyone has several roles: employee, partner, parent, etc. It's challenging to maintain balance among them, but it's absolutely necessary.

To get started, fill in your Responsibilities and link them with other components: Goals, Projects, and Actions.

Once it's done, you have the opportunity to see how you're performing in each area. Are you focusing too much on something, or is something missing?

If you notice an imbalance, open the relevant Responsibility and plan your Projects and Actions to address the gap.

Now that you've seen the power of Getting Things Done in Notion, it's time to take action. This template provides you with all the tools you need to organize your life, boost your productivity, and achieve your goals.

Don't let another day pass by feeling overwhelmed or unproductive. Implement this GTD system in your Notion workspace and experience the transformation in your personal and professional life.

Ready to get started? Download the template now and take the first step towards a more organized, focused, and productive you!