GTD Gems

Have you ever captured a project in your system… but it still stays on your mind? 🤔 The difference between horizontal focus and vertical focus may explain why some projects need more thinking before they feel under control. In this episode of GTD Gems, GTD coach Meg Edwards explores how horizontal vs. vertical focus in GTD works, and when it’s time to use the Natural Planning Model to gain clarity and control over your projects. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between ho...

Is checking your inbox the same as actually processing it? In this episode of GTD Gems, GTD Coach Meg Edwards explains the difference between scanning and clarifying, and why emergency scanning your inbox isn’t the same as processing it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 When emergency scanning is helpful 👉 How to move through your inbox one item at a time 👉 The clarifying questions that reduce overwhelm Timestamps: 00:00 Emergency scanning vs. clarifying and organizing 00:37 Meg reads ...

Struggling to keep your GTD system working? In this GTD Gems episode, Coach Meg Edwards explains how ‘hard edges’ in your system keep your lists and folders distinct, reduce overwhelm, and restore clarity. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 What “hard edges” mean in GTD and why they matter 👉 How to clarify and organize your lists for maximum effectiveness 👉 Real client examples of restoring GTD system clarity Timestamps: 00:00 What are “hard edges” in GTD? 01:45 David Alle...

Struggling with what to capture in GTD? In this episode of GTD Gems, GTD Coach Meg Edwards explains why you should capture everything that has your attention, even seemingly small or “unimportant” things, and how separating capturing from clarifying and organizing reduces overwhelm. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 The difference between capturing, clarifying, and organizing 👉 How to stop censoring what you capture Timestamps: 00:00 Why you censor what you capture 00:52 Why...

Struggling to say no without guilt? In this episode of GTD Gems, GTD Coach Meg Edwards explains how a complete, regularly reviewed inventory helps you say no with integrity and say yes to what is most important. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why people say yes when they really want to say no 👉 How GTD helps you align your yeses and nos with your roles and responsibilities Timestamps: 00:00 The GTD insight that changes everything 00:46 Why it’s so hard to say no 01:14 A real example ...

Your Next Actions list should motivate you to take action, not repel you. In this episode, Meg Edwards explores a key insight from Getting Things Done, Chapter 12: when it comes to next actions, there is no neutral territory. Through real coaching conversations, she explains why even experienced GTD practitioners avoid their lists and how clearer next action thinking changes that. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why next actions either attract or repel you 👉 How unclear next actions cr...

Your Areas of Focus and Responsibilities are one of the most overlooked parts of GTD and may be the missing link behind unclear priorities and lingering stress. In this episode, Meg walks through where Horizon 2 appears throughout the Getting Things Done book, how it functions as a trigger list, and why reviewing your roles and responsibilities often reveals which projects deserve your attention, especially after major life transitions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 Why Horizon...

The three-fold nature of work gives you language for what is already happening in your day so you can tell the difference between defined work, unplanned work, and defining work. In this GTD Gems episode, Meg walks through the three types of work and explains why distinguishing between them creates clarity, focus, and space on your calendar for the unexpected. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 👉 What the three-fold nature is and how to use it 👉 The importance of creating space in your cale...

GTD isn’t about rigid rules or doing everything “the right way.” In this episode, GTD coach Meg Edwards explores why your system exists in the first place: to create freedom, clarity, and space for the things that truly matter in your life. Key Takeaways: 👉 The real purpose of lists, Weekly Reviews, and a trusted system 👉 Why flexibility and a “good enough” mindset matter more than perfection Timestamps: 00:00 – Why GTD isn’t “all or nothing” 01:05 – The big secret about lists 02:30 – David...

Meg sets the stage for GTD Gems, a year-long series celebrating and reflecting on David Allen’s Getting Things Done books. Drawing on decades of coaching experience, she shares how she’ll explore chapters from Getting Things Done, Ready for Anything, and Making It All Work—focusing on reflection, relevance, and inspiration rather than implementation. Key Takeaways: 👉 What the GTD Gems series is and who it’s for 👉 Why revisiting the GTD books still matters 👉 How Meg will reflect on and...