"Getting Things Done" Versus "Order from Chaos"

[Jennifer]

I'm reading both of these books in an effort to get organized. I think that "Order from Chaos" by Liz Davenport may be faster and a bit easier to put in to place than the Getting Things Done(GTD) system. However, so many people swear by GTD. Have you read both? If so, which do you prefer, and why?

[Amy]

So I am officially taking this off my reading list. Not because I got it done, but because I am giving up on ever getting it done. I have too much to do to read about doing it. I guess I am succumbing to failure. But on a happier note. I have not been to busy to reread Katherine by Anya Seton.

[Eric]

I haven't read "Order From Chaos," but I read GTD and implemented it - or tried, at least. I struggled for over two years before I threw in the towel. GTD didn't work for me, it just put more things on my To-Do list in the name of getting more done.

[Aleksey]

Jennifer, so many people swear by GTD because IT DOES WORK :-) GTD is system made of several PRINCIPLES, and it's up to you HOW you implement these principles (using paper or some software, set of contexts, etc)

[Justin]

I didn't use the whole system, but I did buy a labeler and use alpha order for my files, and I started a Next-Action list. Both of those were really helpful. When I started trying some of the other things, like the tickler file, and the in/out box, I found them to add stress. I would say about GTD or any other system what Bruce Lee always said: take what is useful, discard what is useless, and develop further.

[Josh]

Aleksey wrote: "Jennifer, so many people swear by GTD because IT DOES WORK :-) GTD is system made of several PRINCIPLES, and it's up to you HOW you implement these principles (using paper or some software, set of ..."

I think that's a great point you make. It can be overwhelming to try and use every single piece as described in its entirety -- and not giving one's self the wiggle room to adjust as needed.

[Josh]

Justin wrote: " I would say about GTD or any other system what Bruce Lee always said: take what is useful, discard what is useless, and develop further...."

True, I like to say, personal development is a hands on project, meaning we have to be the biggest part in our own growth. Take parts of what we learn, apply them, use what works, and adjust as necessary.

[James]

Jennifer wrote: "I'm reading both of these books in an effort to get organized. I think that "Order from Chaos" by Liz Davenport may be faster and a bit easier to put in to place than the Getting Things Done(GTD) s..."

I haven't read both I'm afraid. Have you used the free GTD software from IQTELL. It took a while to get used to it, but now I use it all the time and am under the illusion that I am being much more productive.

[Nitin]

I have customized GTD for my work.In my opinion any book can not be implemented fully.We can use only few principles.
GTD principle of next action list is really useful.
Keeping mind empty by writing down everything is useful.