David Allen

David Allen

Name	David Allen
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Productivity consultant, author
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	Getting Things Done
Spouse(s)
Website

David Allen (born December 28, 1945) is an American author and productivity consultant who is best known for creating the time management methodology known as Getting Things Done (GTD). Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Allen has written several books and is a sought-after speaker on topics of productivity and efficiency.

Early life and education

David Allen was born in Shreveport, Louisiana. Details about his early education are not widely publicized. He attended college at the University of California, Berkeley.

Career

David Allen began his career in the 1980s, developing productivity methods and founding his own consulting firm, David Allen Company. The firm provides executive coaching and productivity workshops, focusing on Allen's GTD methodology.

Getting Things Done

Getting Things Done is a time management system developed by Allen, which was first introduced through his book of the same name published in 2001. The GTD method rests on the idea of moving planned tasks and projects out of the mind by recording them externally and then breaking them into actionable work items. This allows one to focus attention on taking action on tasks, instead of recalling them.

The book has been published in over 30 languages and has spawned a dedicated following. Allen's GTD methodology emphasizes staying productive and relaxed by having a clear mind and a detailed system to organize tasks and commitments.

Publications

David Allen has authored several influential books on productivity, including:

• Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity (2001)
• Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Work and Life (2003)
• Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life (2008)

Personal life

Details about Allen's personal life, including his family and hobbies, are not extensively documented. He is known to have a keen interest in martial arts, which he has practiced for many years.

Legacy and influence

David Allen's work has had a significant impact on the field of productivity and personal organization. His GTD methodology is utilized by millions of individuals and professionals worldwide. Allen continues to be an influential figure in the field of productivity, offering workshops, talks, and new insights into effective time management practices.