GTD Gems

GTD Focus
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Getting Things Done, this weekly series features Meg Edwards, a Certified GTD Coach Master Trainer with over 26 years of experience, reflecting on the enduring ideas from David Allen’s work. Drawing from Getting Things Done, Ready for Anything, and Making It All Work, each episode explores timeless GTD “gems” that invite reflection, insight, and renewed perspective.

  1. 3 days ago

    Is AI Creating More Work Than It Removes?

    GTD Gems is entering a new chapter. GTD coach Meg Edwards is joined by Kerry Gallivan, who leads GTD Focus's GTD and AI programs, to introduce four new coaching programs and share one gem for the AI beginner and one for the agent power user.  Their shared message: AI can quietly create more work than it removes, and GTD is what keeps you grounded. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why AI can add more to your plate than it takes off, and how to notice it early 👉 Why clarifying, organizing, and human judgment matter even more when you use AI 👉 The four GTD + AI coaching programs, from the AI curious to people managing agents all day 🤖 Explore our new GTD + AI coaching programs: 👉 New to AI? Start here: https://gtdfocus.com/gtd-and-ai-tools-integration-program/ 👉 Already using AI, leading a team, or managing agents: https://gtdfocus.com/gtd-and-ai-operating-system-program/ Timestamps: 00:00:03 GTD Gems Turns to AI 00:02:05 Four GTD + AI Programs 00:05:22 When AI Creates More Work 00:07:24 Knowing When Enough Is Enough 00:08:44 Wrap-Up and Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: When you use AI, are you leaving yourself enough time to clarify and organize what it generates? 🌐 Learn more about GTD coaching: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #AIProductivity #ArtificialIntelligence

  2. 5 Oct

    GTD Gems: Back to Basics for the AI Age.

    In this final solo episode of GTD Gems, GTD coach Meg Edwards announces a new direction for the series: exploring GTD in the age of AI alongside coach Kerry Gallivan, who leads GTD Focus's GTD and AI programs. To mark the shift, Meg reads from the Conclusion of David Allen's Getting Things Done, published 25 years ago. She also explains why a solid GTD practice is the foundation for adding anything new, including AI. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  👉 Why David Allen built GTD on core principles that don't change with trends  👉 Why a solid GTD practice should come before any new tool, program, or AI workflow  👉 What's ahead for GTD Gems as Meg and Kerry explore GTD and AI together Timestamps:  00:00:03 A New Direction for GTD Gems  00:00:57 Celebrating 25 Years and AI  00:01:38 Jumping to the Book's Conclusion  00:02:01 David Allen on Timeless Principles  00:02:47 Build Your Foundation First  00:03:45 What's Next with Kerry ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Is your GTD practice solid enough that you could add anything on top of it, including AI? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com  📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social:  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/  💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/  🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #GTDandAI #GTDGems

  3. 29 Sept

    Why Sharing a Workspace Quietly Adds to Your Stress

    In this GTD Gem, GTD coach Meg Edwards shares a passage from Chapter 4 of David Allen's Getting Things Done, "Getting Started: Setting Up Your Time, Space, and Tools." She explores why having your own dedicated workspace matters and why sharing one can create underlying stress. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  👉 Why you need a system you use, instead of one you keep rebuilding  👉 How separate workspaces can ease tension between people sharing a home  👉 Why an in-tray is one of the simplest gifts you can give yourself Timestamps:  00:00:03 Meg on GTD Chapter Four  00:00:21 A Workspace That's Truly Yours  00:00:55 Why You Shouldn't Share Space  00:01:49 The Spare-Bedroom Office  00:02:23 Your Cockpit and In-Tray  00:03:13 Revisit Chapter Four ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: If you share a workspace with someone, what might you need to do to separate it? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com  📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social:  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching #HomeOffice #Workspace

  4. 21 Sept

    Is There A Decision You're Avoiding?

    Meg Edwards tackles a next action that shows up on almost every client's list: "decide" or "think about," sitting there untouched. Drawing from Getting Things Done, chapter 7 (page 181), Meg walks through David Allen's guidance on decision catalysts, and how a calendar reminder or tickler file can turn a stalled decision into something you can trust yourself to revisit. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why "decide" or "think about" items quietly stall on a next actions list 👉 David Allen's concept of "decide not to decide," and when it's okay 👉 How a calendar reminder or tickler file becomes a safety net you can trust Timestamps: 00:00 Meet Meg: The Decision Gem 00:20 Why "Decide" Stalls On Your List 00:52 David Allen's Decide-Not-Decide Rule 02:51 Tickler Files and Calendar Triggers 03:25 Anchor Your Decision, Revisit Your Lists ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Is there any major decision for which I should create a future trigger? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #DecisionMaking

  5. 14 Sept

    Is This Really All There Is? David Allen's Honest Answer.

    Meg Edwards shares a GTD gem straight from a conversation with David Allen: why so many people still don't fully capture everything out of their heads, even after understanding the concept for years. Drawing from Chapter 10 of Ready for Anything, Meg unpacks the deeper, more uncomfortable reason behind the resistance, and the surprising relief that comes from facing it. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  👉 Why your mind functions as a poor storage system, and what it's actually built for  👉 The hidden fear that keeps people from writing everything down  👉 How the "all factor" creates relief instead of overwhelm Timestamps:  00:00 Meet Meg & David Allen's GTD Gem  00:20 Your Mind Is a Crappy Office  00:45 Ready For Anything, Chapter 10  01:34 The Fear Behind "Is This All There Is?"  02:34 The All Factor: Write It All Down  03:20 Wrap Up & GTD Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How are you doing at getting everything out of your head, not just the easy stuff? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com  📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social:  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #MentalClarity

  6. 8 Sept

    3 Ways to Stop Breaking Promises to Yourself

    GTD coach Meg Edwards unpacks one of David Allen's most powerful ideas: your stress and feelings of guilt isn't coming from having too much to do, it's coming from broken agreements with yourself. Drawing from Chapter 11 of Getting Things Done, page 244, Meg breaks down why this distinction matters and what to do about it. What You'll Learn in This Episode:  👉 Why "too much to do" is never the source of your anxiety  👉 The three ways to resolve any agreement: don't make it, complete it, or renegotiate it  👉 How your weekly review can rebuild trust with yourself Timestamps:  00:00:03 Meg's Intro: The Gem of Agreements  00:00:19 David Allen on Broken Agreements (Ch. 11, p. 244)  00:01:16 Why Broken Agreements Cause Anxiety  00:02:21 Three Ways to Resolve a Broken Agreement  00:03:23 Weekly Review: Getting Current, Wrap-Up & Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: How are you doing with agreements with yourself that involve other people? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com  📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social:  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #Agreements

  7. 31 Aug

    What's Got Your Attention Right Now?

    GTD coach Meg Edwards reads from chapter 1 of David Allen's Ready for Anything, unpacking the "mind like water" concept he borrowed from years of studying karate. She traces how that idea shaped her own path into GTD, and how the Weekly Review still brings her back to that steady state today. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why David Allen says people don't need more discipline, they need a disciplined approach 👉 What "mind like water" means, and why overreacting to the incoming is a sign worth acting on 👉 How a weekly mind sweep helps you get current and pivot faster, personally and professionally Timestamps: 00:00:00 – David Allen On Mind Like Water 00:02:03 – Waiting To Overreact 00:03:02 – Ready For Anything: Learning To Pivot 00:04:07 – The Weekly Review Mind Sweep ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: What's got your attention today? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #MindLikeWater #WeeklyReview

  8. 24 Aug

    Capture Every Conversation With One Simple GTD List.

    GTD coach Meg Edwards digs into what she considered two of the most valuable lists in your GTD system: Agendas and Waiting For.  What You'll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between a Next Actions list and an Agenda list 👉 How to organize and close the loop after any conversation 👉 The three-part structure that makes a Waiting For list super useful Timestamps: 00:00:03 – Meg Introduces Agendas & Waiting For 00:01:05 – Why You Need an Agenda List 00:01:50 – Naming Your List & Closing the Loop After Conversations 00:03:06 – The Three-Part Waiting For List 00:04:47 – Real-Life Lessons & GTD Resources ▶️ Watch the full GTD Gems playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRH9fEmS3ZFu5YBGGEdIg6ZKJtvhR2STp 🔔 Subscribe and hit the notification bell to catch every episode. 💭 Reflection question: Have you let your Agendas and Waiting For lists drift? What's one conversation, or one thing you're waiting on right now, that needs to go on the list today? 🌐 Explore GTD coaching programs and resources: gtdfocus.com 📩 Email us at info@gtdfocus.com Follow Us on Social: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gtdfocus/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtdfocus/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/gtdfocus GTD Focus is the exclusive provider of GTD® one-to-one coaching in the U.S. and Canada. Our coaches have logged tens of thousands of hours helping leaders, creatives, and professionals bring clarity and control to their commitments. For more GTD resources, visit gettingthingsdone.com or subscribe to David Allen's YouTube channel. #GettingThingsDone #Productivity #GTDCoaching

See All (40)

About

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Getting Things Done, this weekly series features Meg Edwards, a Certified GTD Coach Master Trainer with over 26 years of experience, reflecting on the enduring ideas from David Allen’s work. Drawing from Getting Things Done, Ready for Anything, and Making It All Work, each episode explores timeless GTD “gems” that invite reflection, insight, and renewed perspective.

Information

  • Creator
    GTD Focus
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2026 GTD Focus
  • Show Website
    GTD Gems

You Might Also Like