Original photo by Simon Grossi

Six years ago, David Allen launched Getting Things Done, and convinced a large number of people that what they need to have a better life, was a system to be more productive. Not far from the truth, but not quite there…

There’s something that we need to realise here. Productivity is good, but it’s not actually the end goal. Here’s what I see as the thought process:

• I don’t have the life I want. Why? Because I don’t get enough done, in the time I have.
• I am therefore not productive enough. If I produce more, I will get more done, and things will be better.
• I will then have done more and be happier. At the end of the day, my work will be finished, and all will be good.

Sadly, it’s pretty far from the truth. What actually happens is this:

• I don’t have the life I want. Why? Because I don’t get enough done, in the time I have.
• I am therefore not productive enough. If I produce more, I will get more done, and things will be better.
• I do more and fill my time with more work done. At the end of the day, my work is finished, and the day repeats tomorrow.

The problem is obvious: yes you’re getting things done, but it’s not giving you the life you want. What you clamour for is more free time. More space in your day to do the things you want. So let me outlay what I think should be the pattern…

• I don’t have the life I want. Why? Because I take too long to get things done.
• I am therefore not efficient enough. If I am more efficient, I will have more time, and things will be better.
• I will then have a better life. At the end of the day, my work will be finished, and all will be good.

I don’t think what this world needs is more productive workers. What it needs is more efficient people. Don’t moan about not having enough time. Instead, come up with a process that will make you more efficient. This is where GTD, for me, breaks down. You still end up doing the same amount of work. What we need to do, is look at ways that you can still get the same amount done (or more), and have you work less. Something between Getting Things Done, and Four Hour Work Week.

Over the next few days, I’m going to give you tools, hacks and strategies to revolutionise day to day living. Put these things into practice, and you’ll transform your quality of life to a level you never thought you could have. Tune in same time tomorrow…