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All too often I see the myth that GTD (Getting Things Done) by David Allen isn’t suitable for creative people perpetuated. For an example of this see the prelude to Jonathan Mead’s post “7 Productivity Tips for People that Hate GTD” where he says:
I’m sure it must be awesome for some people (that’s why it has all those followers, right?). But for others, it just doesn’t fit. Mostly with creative-minded people.
I know that no methodology is right for everyone, but to compartmentalise GTD to this degree is unfair, so I felt the need to jump to its defence. And no, I have no pecuniary interest in doing so.
GTD is for creative people because:
- It’s a flexible methodology only and is open to creative implementation;
- It has the ability to be implemented very simply;
- Creative people often have non-creative parts of their life or job that need doing;
- Creativity can be stifled by worry about undone things;
- GTD opens up more time to be devoted to creative interests;
- GTD helps you focus on “short bursts” of creative activity;
- GTD helps you formulate a “To Not Do” list; and
- GTD helps you focus on what’s really important to you.
If you’re a creative person, how about adding to this list for me. Give me your thoughts and I’ll put together a more comprehensive post later giving you credit for your input (make sure you give me a link to your site if you have one).
My 2 cents worth is that creative people who think GTD isn’t for them are confusing the methodology of GTD with the various possible implementation and/or tools for implementation. Work out an implementation that suits you and you’ll find your creativity actually increases… a lot!
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18 comments ↓
Great post for setting the record straight. The secret behind the mentality of “creative” people rejecting may be in the first quote you listed: “it has all those followers” Maybe these people are resistant to doing things that others are doing, without realizing it is highly customizable.
Daryl [WhiteHatBlackBox]s last blog post..Are You the Tipping Point?
Reading: “Simply Productive » 8 Reasons GTD is for Creative People Too” (http://twitthis.com/ak9fug)
Shared: 8 Reasons GTD is for Creative People Too: All too often I see the myth that GTD (Getting Things D.. http://tinyurl.com/c34zaa
RT @shroedernz: In response to a myth – 8 reasons GTD is for creative people too http://bit.ly/2GQ5oq #GTD #EPRODUCTIVITY
RT @shroedernz: In response to a myth – 8 reasons GTD is for creative people too http://bit.ly/2GQ5oq #GTD #EPRODUCTIVITY
I hate the myth that gtd is no good for creatives – 8 reasons GTD is for creative people too http://bit.ly/2GQ5oq #GTD #fb
RT @shroedernz I hate the myth that gtd is no good for creatives – 8 reasons GTD is for creative people too http://bit.ly/2GQ5oq #GTD
RT @shroedernz: I hate the myth that gtd is no good for creatives – 8 reasons GTD is for creative people too http://bit.ly/2GQ5oq #GTD #fb
[...] 8 Reasons GTD is for Creative People Too | [...]
[...] and I’ve looked around trying to find where this belief has come from about GTD (any ideas?). Paul Gardner wrote eight reasons why it is a good system for creative people so I won’t repeat his great [...]
James has just posted his thoughts on this too. Go to OrganizeIt to check them out.
He even linked to this post – That guys obviously got class!
8 Reasons #GTD is for Creative People Too http://bit.ly/iPld
[...] 8 Reasons GTD is for Creative People Too | Simply Productive (tags: creativity kreativität gtd tipps how2 ****) [...]
[...] 8 Reasons GTD is for Creative People Too[PaulGardner.info] [...]
8 Reasons #GTD is 4 creative people too (Repost) http://snipr.com/ibmaw
RT: @shroedernz: 8 Reasons #GTD is 4 creative people too (Repost) http://snipr.com/ibmaw
[...] it useful, and yes, I like to think I am fairly creative. I do believe the two mix and they can mix very well. Below are my reasons why I believe [...]
[...] Allen is a system that often isn’t suitable for creative people. My posted response gave 8 reasons that GTD was for creative people also and has been well [...]
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