Is The Hype Over GTD Still Going Strong?
Rolf made an interesting point in my recent post discussing problems with GTD, saying that in terms of the hype cycle (a graphical representation of the adoption and maturing of technologies) the system appears in be in the trough of disillusionment right now. I have had a couple of days to think over this one and I actually feel now that it is not so much GTD, but rather our current perceptions of what personal productivity is, that’s in the trough.
Granted, GTD has had a big influence on this area of personal development but much of the negatives that have developed from it have been more down to the wrong perceptions and attitudes. For instance, while GTD is all about getting things done it was never about getting everything done all the time. Somewhere along the way that sort of thinking became the norm when judging productivity. Lifehack.org seems to be on a roll right now when it comes to looking at productivity differently.
What my post about things wrong with GTD showed is that it really is a very good system. The intention of the post was to provide an alternative viewpoint; a much needed critique that GTD seems to be lacking. Try googling for criticisms of GTD and you will see an acute lack of relevant results. Perhaps I should have taken that as a sign I would find it harder to discover fault with it than I envisaged. GTD stands up well to criticism.
But where does this put GTD on the hype cycle? Despite the work landscape and our current perception of productivity continuing to evolve, GTD is still strong and a follow-up book is in the works which will be intriguing to say the least. David Allen was even on TV recently to promote his work. That doesn’t sound like a system losing it’s hype to me.
5 Comments
If I’m not mistaken, didn’t Allen say in his book that GTD didn’t offer all of the answers but rather some solutions to common problems?
I’m speaking in a general sense here when I say this – when people criticize GTD for not solving their problems, I think that they’re missing the point. Anybody that says that their productivity system can solve everybody’s problems all the time is an outright liar.
Allen is being very smart by offering his services in a niche area of productivity. I can’t fault the guy. GTD hasn’t solved all of my problems though it has definitely helped me out tremendously. I’ve used the ideas that work and discarded the rest. It’s best if implemented with other ideas/systems.
People need to expand GTD to fit their needs. GTD is very useful but everyone agrees it’s not perfect. I’m trying to put together a GTD 2.0 at my site. Then once that’s settled someone will come up with a GTD 3.0. To be more productive we need to keep refining our systems.
The hype cycle concept matches the public image of a technology. In terms of personal involvement, it is mirrored quite well by the old concept of learning according to Shuhari:
Shu, “learning fundamentals, techniques, heuristics, proverbs” means that you learn the techniques you’ve got to know; maybe you’re mistaken to believe that techniques are already the solution (peak of inflated expectations).
Ha, “finding exceptions to traditional wisdom, reflecting on their truth, finding new ways, techniques, and proverbs” means that you’re struggling with situations where the mere application of techniques obviously doesn’t work (trough of disillusionment).
Ri, “there are no techniques or proverbs, all moves are natural” means that you’ve developed a deeper understanding about what you’ve learned so far (plateau of productivity). I think having a mind like water is a nice alternative wording for this state.
Observing my own learning in various fields, I notice that I need to go through all states, there is no shortcut. Probably, the predominant culture isn’t willing to accept that sowing and harvesting is a much better metaphor for learning than a quick fix is. Which makes a nice link between GTD and Covey’s 7 Habits, by the way.
Thanks for the comments as ever.
Jarod, you are right about Allen offering his services in a niche area. He never (as far as I am aware) claimed GTD was for everybody. It was everybody else who assumed it was.
Summy, I look forward to reading your continuing thoughts on GTD 2.0!
Rolf, as ever you have pointed me to something interesting. Maybe I will have to write about Shuhari too in the near future too…
Reading the Yahoo groups devoted to both GTD and Do It Tomorrow, there are lots of comments about applying GTD – good and bad. What I have noticed is that a lot of people expect GTD to be an out-of-the-box solution, but it doesn’t fit everyone or every situation. I personally use GTD for my work with a perfect, seamless fit; but my personal life is ruled by DIT.