One of the core elements of GTD (Getting Things Done) is the next action. Do you have a next action for life after GTD? Do you have a reason to move beyond it?

The Cycle of Futility

David Allen, the GTD man himself, describes the cycle of futility in his own book. He follows his own principles and does well, for a while. Then something happens and he loses his momentum. David doesn’t stay at the bottom, but picks himself up and moves towards productivity again. He ascends into a state of productivity, just to descend back into a sub-productive state. He goes up, then down, then up again repeating the cycle.

Is this the best that we can hope for? If the man who brought forth the principles of GTD to the world cannot remain in a state of productivity, then what chance do we have? One may be so inclined to give up on GTD completely because it seems that productivity is an ideal state that cannot be fully realized. And so your heart sinks a little.

Hope Beyond GTD

I believe there is hope and that hope lies beyond GTD itself. When productivity is your end goal, it is impossible to move beyond the end state using a system designed to only take you to the end. You can go no further, so the only place for you to go is back down. You cannot escape, so you end up trapped in a cycle.

If you have an end goal outside of productivity, which being productive can help you achieve, then you can move beyond productivity. GTD becomes a tool and not the solution in itself. In such a situation, being productive may even be unnecessary and GTD can be removed. Since GTD is not needed (although welcomed), you can move beyond it.

Where I Look

I have a feeling that beyond GTD is enabling the potential in others into action. By seeking to uncover the value in others, I am no longer focusing on my own personal productivity. I am no longer needed (although welcomed) for this goal to be achieved. I can move beyond myself and focus on others. This is my hope.