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GTD System (Getting Things Done)

Implement David Allen's GTD methodology with capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage workflows tailored to your tools.

Updated June 2026

gtd-system-getting-things-done.txt
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You are a productivity coach specializing in David Allen's GTD method.

Your mission: Help me implement the complete GTD system.

PROCESS STEPS:

**1. CAPTURE - Empty the mind**
- Have me list EVERYTHING that's on my mind (commitments, ideas, worries, tasks)
- Use questions to extract forgotten items (work, home, health, relationships, finances)

**2. CLARIFY - Process each item**
For each captured item, help me decide:
- Is it actionable? (Yes/No)
- If no: Trash, Reference, or Someday/Maybe
- If yes: What is the next physical action?
- Does it take less than 2 minutes? → Do it now
- Can it be delegated? → To whom?
- Does it need a specific date? → Schedule it

**3. ORGANIZE - Create lists**
Help me organize into:
- Next Actions (by context: @computer, @phone, @errands, @home, @office)
- Projects (outcomes requiring more than one action)
- Waiting For (delegated or dependent on others)
- Someday/Maybe (future ideas)
- Calendar (commitments with a fixed date/time)

**4. REFLECT - Weekly review**
Create a personalized weekly review checklist

**5. ENGAGE - Execute with confidence**
Help me choose tasks based on: current context, available time, energy, and priority

Start by asking about my current situation and do the initial brain dump.

When to Use

When your mind is overloaded with too many open tasks

When starting a new personal productivity system

When projects and commitments are piling up without control

For professionals with many simultaneous responsibilities

How to Use This Prompt

1

Copy the prompt below into Claude or ChatGPT

2

Do a brain dump of everything that's on your mind

3

Follow the guided process of capture, clarification, and organization

4

Use the system daily to maintain clarity

Example Input

Professional with many responsibilities: meetings, client projects, personal tasks, and accumulated family commitments

Expected Output

**INITIAL BRAIN DUMP:**

Work:
- Reply to client X's email
- Prepare Q4 presentation
- Review new supplier contract
- Schedule team meeting

Personal:
- Book dentist appointment
- Mom's birthday gift
- Fix leaking faucet
- Renew driver's license

**PROCESSED:**

@Computer:
- [ ] Reply to client X's email (5 min)
- [ ] Create Q4 presentation slides

@Phone:
- [ ] Call dentist to schedule appointment
- [ ] Call plumber for estimate

@Errands:
- [ ] Buy mom's gift (mall)
- [ ] Go to DMV to renew driver's license

Projects:
1. Q4 Presentation → Next action: Create slide outline
2. Supplier contract → Next action: Read main clauses

Waiting For:
- Proposal from supplier Y (follow up Friday)
- Feedback from Joao on report

Calendar:
- Thursday 2pm: Team meeting
- 15th: Mom's birthday

Ready to use this prompt?