Customer Rating:      Summary: A Fire Burns After a Storm Comment: 1) read Getting THings Done. The knowledge inside this work has been so powerful it has even effected how I sleep; much better. The information here is life changing but like most revivals it can be like thunder a loud exciting burst followed by stillness. Read ahead---->
2) get Ready for Anything 52 Principles.... I read a chapter from this book everymorning, after listening to GTD, and it has helped me through the most difficult part; maintaining enough enthusiam and focus to make it a way of life. The chapters are short to the point and filled with everyday, real life, easy to digest reminders on getting things done.
The fire is still burning well after the storm.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Lame Comment: This book is a waste of money. It is a collection of emails that David sent to his subscribers and repackaged in book form. Just stick with the original book, "Getting Things Done"; you don't need the sequel.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
Customer Rating:      Summary: Shrug - good, not great Comment: Compared to nothing, perhaps this book gets four stars, but you just can't be objective about the writer of the classic book "Getting Things Done." This little book is a very fine accomplishment, easy to read, and packed with great advice. The quotes which also litter this book from other writers, philosophers, etc, are excellent - it's almost worth reading the book just for those quotations.
After finishing the book, I thought, "good, but not great.." so I guess I'm sticking with that initial reaction. One of the best things about this book is it's length. It's short. Right to the point, not a lot of fluff nor repetition of the same ideas. It's easy to read in one sitting, and I think I'll end up reading it several times. I usually wait until the second or third reading to make a complete judgment on a book, so I'm wagering that this one may rise in stature after a couple of more reads. I'll also say it was well worth the price I paid for it - I bought the hardcover at Building #19 for $2.98.
Customer Rating:      Summary: The reiteration of "Getting Things Done" Comment: Both books by David Allen: "Getting Things Done" and "Ready for Anything", are amazing. I recommend starting with the first book and then proceed to the second one. I have reviewed "Getting Things Done" on January 3, 2003, and since that, did not find a better English-writing author on productivity and time management. The only one who is as influential as David Allen is Gleb Arkhangelsky, with his famous book "Time Drive" and other titles.
"Ready for anything" is a shorter reiteration of David Allen's principles first laid out in the "Getting Things Done", but this reiteration has deeper philosophical approach.
The most valuable technique that I have borrowed from David Allen is e-mail management habits. While there are many books devoted to email like "The Hamster Revolution", "Never Check E-Mail In the Morning", "Time Management for System Administrators", for me the framework by David Allen is the most actionable, which I'm using successfully for five years so far.
I can also recommend the audio version of "Ready for anything".
Customer Rating:      Summary: Productivity and Self Discovery Comment: David Allen's "Ready for Everything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work & Life" is excellent! As the companion book following his widely popular "Getting Things Done", it is a great addition to enhance personal productivity. I found myself revisiting the book time and again to get back on track whenever I felt overwhelmed. It inspired me to look with clarity and I discovered that it is entirely possible to make things happen with less stress and more effectiveness.
Another great resource I found that has helped me tremendously are books and podcasts by Ariel and Shya Kane. If you like David's approach, you might enjoy the Kanes' Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment, and Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation. Though not specifically tailored for productivity, the Kanes' books have made a huge impact on my work and life because they have inspired me to look at the root- how I operate in my life and not to judge what I have done or see. It is very freeing to learn to live in the moment. I can be appropriate to what's showing up in my life and this helps me get things completed with satisfaction. I highly recommend them!
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