Submitted By: Rehan Ahmed
Profession/Lifestyle: Freelance UX Designer
Book Title: Getting Things Done
Author: David Allen
Before the Book: The Juggling Act of a Creative Mind
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been busy, not in the sense of being productive, but in the sense of constantly juggling a mental to-do list that seemed to have no end.
As a freelance UX designer, I manage multiple projects at once, communicate with clients, and try to find time to be creative. But despite all my efforts, I never felt like I was truly on top of things. I was always chasing deadlines and drowning in tasks, some of which were urgent and others that were quietly sitting in the back of my mind, nagging at me.
The stress of it all kept building. I was awake at night, worrying about work and family. My brain seemed to be on overdrive, trying to manage both personal and professional life, yet never really succeeding in doing either completely.
One afternoon, after another client meeting where I found myself forgetting things I had promised to follow up on, I knew something had to change. My brain just wasn’t cutting it anymore. It was time to find a way to control the chaos, not just survive it.
Discovering the Book That Changed Everything
I came across Getting Things Done in a moment of frustration. I had just finished a podcast episode where the host casually mentioned it as a book that had transformed her work life. I didn’t think much of it at first — it seemed like one of those “productivity hacks” that didn’t really do much for anyone long-term.
But something about it caught my attention, so I decided to give it a shot.
When the book arrived, I honestly wasn’t expecting much. I assumed it would be just another productivity book with a few tips and tricks that I’d probably already heard before. But from the moment I started reading, it felt different. David Allen wasn’t just talking about how to get things done — he was explaining how to get your mind to stop being overwhelmed by all the things that needed to be done.
The key insight that struck me early on was simple but powerful:
“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”
That single line made everything click for me. My brain wasn’t meant to be a storage unit for all the tasks, emails, and ideas I had. It needed a system. And that’s exactly what Allen offered.
After the Book: A New System to Clear the Clutter
I started implementing the Getting Things Done method immediately. The first step was capturing everything — from work tasks to personal goals — and writing it down. No more letting things float around in my head. I created lists in my digital planner, divided by categories like “Next Actions,” “Waiting For,” and “Someday.”
It was a revelation to realize how much of my mental clutter was simply stuff I hadn’t put in the right place.
But the real breakthrough came when I started following the weekly review process. Every Sunday, I sat down with a coffee, went through all my lists, and planned out the upcoming week. This routine became the backbone of my productivity. It wasn’t about being busy — it was about being clear on what needed my attention.
I learned how to trust my system so I could stop worrying about things I hadn’t yet done. The constant stream of “what ifs” in my head started to fade, replaced by clarity and action.
The Transformation: From Overwhelm to Calm Control
The impact on my work and life was immediate. I became more focused during client calls, more organized with my projects, and more confident in managing multiple deadlines. But what really surprised me was how much more creative I became.
By clearing out the mental clutter, I could dedicate more of my energy to actually creating — the very thing I had been struggling with.
There were no more late-night stress sessions wondering if I had forgotten to respond to an email or finish a design revision. Every task had its place, and I knew exactly where it was. I could engage fully in the present moment rather than constantly trying to juggle things in my mind.
Even my personal life became more manageable. I started using GTD to plan family events, organize my finances, and even manage household chores. I felt more in control of everything.
My Favorite Line & How It Helps Me Every Day
One line from Getting Things Done that continues to shape my life is
“You can only feel good about what you’re not doing when you know what you’re not doing.”
This concept is so simple but profound. It taught me that peace of mind isn’t about getting everything done. It’s about knowing what’s not done and why. And by organizing my tasks into actionable lists, I no longer have to worry about what I might have forgotten.
Every time I feel overwhelmed now, I remind myself of this. I go through my system and check my lists, and I know exactly what I need to focus on. And if it’s not on my list yet, I can let it go.
To Anyone Considering This Book
If you’re someone who constantly feels overwhelmed, juggling a thousand tasks and never seeming to catch up, I highly recommend Getting Things Done. It’s not about working harderit’s about working smarter.
The book taught me that the secret to productivity isn’t in doing more; it’s in organizing your life and mind in a way that allows you to be fully present and focused on what matters.
If I, a freelance designer constantly battling mental clutter, can transform the way I work and think, then anyone can. The system doesn’t just help you get more done. It helps you reclaim your life.
This book gave me the clarity I needed to stop spinning and start achieving. It’s not just a productivity system. It’s a way of clearing the mental noise so you can live with intention and control.