The Effects of GTD

GTD is like driving. You learn it over a long period and gradually find the style that suits you. As the saying goes, "learn the standard form, then forget it": at first you follow it as written, and later you can change it however feels comfortable.

Even when you adapt it to your own style, the principles of GTD remain. To use it for the long term, you need to understand its effects. After all, you can only keep using a methodology if you trust it.

1. The Zeigarnik Effect​ ¹

Work stresses us out more as something we have to do than as something we are actually doing. The capture step of GTD reduces stress by closing out your tasks so you can forget them.

2. A Complete Framework

GTD gets criticized for not suiting creative work, among other things, but GTD is a framework that can be applied to any kind of work.

It covers everything from daily routines to things that must be done at a set time, tasks to handle ASAP, and long-term projects.

The advantage of a complete framework is that you can apply it gradually.

It is not a superficial productivity tip from some YouTube video. Because it is a complete system that can explain everything, you can apply it in part, tailored to yourself, and build up your proficiency.

The most useful part of GTD to apply on its own is the two-minute rule. If a task can be done in two minutes, don't put it off; do it right away. When something comes up, it makes it easy to decide whether to put it off or do it now, which makes it a handy standard.

It also helps you discover management elements you wouldn't have thought of, such as using a calendar or tracking items you've delegated and are waiting on.
​
It is also like having a Map of Contents for all of your work management. Learning GTD isn't likely to cost you any time. All the more so if you pick it up at a young age.