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Why use lists?

First of all, a list is a set of tasks/items.
'Movies to watch' can be the title of a list. 'The Godfather', 'The Matrix' and 'Fight Club' are all items that can go in that list.
'Eddy's birthday organization' can be the title of another list. 'Call his girlfriend and find out his favourite color', 'Find the best deal for a netbook on the Internet', 'Go to Vitty's and buy a nice card (with some jokes about programmers)' are all items that can go in that list.

For sure you have already done something like that. You must have written a shopping list, at least.
Then, you have to recall the sense of control and confidence you felt. You knew that everything would have gone the right way because you wouldn't have forgotten anything. So, why not to use lists for (almost) everything?

There are three main benefits of using lists:

• we all have tens or hundreds of things to do. It is very easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of them. It is impossible to remember everything...without the right tool. Writing those things down and organize them is the way to free your mind, to stop thinking about what you have to do because, at that point, you won't need to remember them anymore
• having everything you need to do at a glance is a great way to make the best choice about what to do next
• it is a great way to stay motivated. Breaking a goal into steps/tasks makes everything easier, more reachable. And you'll gain confidence crossing those items off your list!

What is GTD?

GTD (Getting Things Done) is a method developed by David Allen and presented in his book Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.
Probably this is the best-known methodology about time management and productivity.

It presents a very effective workflow to deal with all the open-loops in your life. An open-loop is anything that takes some of your attention. Following this method, you will stop feeling stressed and will be always in control.
Lists are the main tool to implement this method in your life. Tools aside, you need a workflow and a change in your habits. That is what you will learn in the book.

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