Old School Productivity: Getting Things Done

May 9, 2025

Dive into the world of old-school productivity with insights that cut through the clutter. Learn the vital first step: deleting unnecessary tasks to boost focus. Discover the power of delegation and find out how postponing non-urgent tasks can clarify your priorities. Explore how meditation can enhance daily efficiency, steering clear of tech distractions. The host shares a no-nonsense approach to getting things done, reminding us that simplicity is key to mastering productivity.

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ADVICE

Avoid Productivity Rabbit Holes

Avoid googling or using chat GPT for productivity tips to prevent getting stuck in unproductive rabbit holes.
Focus instead on simple, actionable systems that help you get actual work done.

INSIGHT

Keep Productivity Systems Simple

Modern productivity apps complicate what David Allen's 2005 'Getting Things Done' system simplifies.
The original system works best when kept simple without overreliance on technology.

ADVICE

Four-Step Productivity Method

Use Scott Smith's Perfect Week Planner to block and protect your time intentionally.
Apply the four steps: delete unnecessary tasks, delegate what others can do, delay non-urgent items, and do tasks you can complete quickly immediately.

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Daily Boost Podcast Show Notes

Old School Productivity: Getting Things Done

May 9, 2025 | Episode 5090

Host: Scott Smith

Episode Description

Ready to escape the rabbit hole of productivity advice? In today’s episode, Scott takes you back to basics with a simple yet powerful system that works. No need to Google or chat with AI about productivity - Scott breaks down an old-school approach that will transform how you get things done.

Featured Story

Scott shares why he avoids going down the “productivity road” in conversations: it's hard to stop once that train leaves the station! Instead, he recommends a popular system for organizations called “Getting Things Done,” which was created by David Allen in 2005. While many modern apps and systems have built upon this foundation, Scott argues they’ve ultimately complicated what works best in its simplest form.

Key Takeaways

Delete what doesn’t need your attention - the first and most powerful step to productivity is deleting tasks.

Someone else could handle delegating tasks that need to be done, but this eliminates another 10% of your workload.

You can delay non-urgent items that you should remember later; this keeps your current focus clear while keeping good ideas.

Memorable Quotes

“Do not Google or Chat GPT productivity. You’re just not going to get any work done at all.”

“We don’t need fancy. We need to get stuff done.”

“You can spend your whole life gaining wisdom, which is what I think the goal of life is to become wise.”

Scott’s Three-Step Approach

You can start with the Perfect Week Planner to block your time effectively and hold space for what matters.

Apply the four-step process: Delete it, Delegate it, Delay it, Do it.

For tasks you can complete in under two minutes, just do them immediately during processing.

Connect With Me

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Email: support@motivationtomove.com

Main Website: https://motivationtomove.com

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