Every productive person has a system to get things done.
Without a system, method, process, or any other name you wish to use, you can’t be productive. You have a way to do things. Some people create a system. Some people learn a method. However, everyone has a system.
This article will show you how to get your productivity on point with some of the most effective and popular productivity systems.
1. Getting Things Done (GTD).
David Allen is the creator of Getting Things Done, as he explains in his book, Getting Things Done.
How Getting Things Done works
To get things done, you need to do a huge brain dump. This will help clear your mind of all the possible tasks. Once you have a list of tasks, you can start to get them done.
Many successful people have a common mode of operation: Getting Things Done. Allen covers six areas of focus.
Current actions
Current projects
Responsibilities
1-2 year goals
3-5 Year Goals
Life goals
Once you have outlined all your tasks and organized them into one of these six categories, you can start to complete them.
Things that take less time should be done quickly. “If it takes less that two minutes, do it now.”
Things that take a lot of time, like a major project should be broken down into smaller, faster projects.
Advantages
Getting Things Done gives you the opportunity to take control of your entire existence.
Drawbacks
Some people may find the startup time difficult and implementation can be challenging.

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Francesco Cirillo, a productivity guru, invented the Pomorodo Technique. This productivity system is based on the idea that things can be done in predetermined blocks.
How the Pomodoro Technique works
Pomodoro implementation is easy. A task is broken down into 25-minute sections called Pomodoros. You take a 5-minute break between each Pomodoro. You can take a longer break after 4 Pomodoros.
Some devotees use a cute, tomato-shaped timer that is set at 25 minutes. Seriously. (Pomodoro in the culinary world is tomato sauce.)
Image source: There are 6 objectives to organizing your schedule Pomodoro-style.
Find out how hard an activity takes, divided into Pomodoros (22.5 minutes).
Protect your Pomodoro against all interruptions
Calculate the Pomodoros required for an activity.
Each Pomodoro can be structured into a 3-step process: 1) Review, 2) Work, and 3) Review
A timetable that suits your life and workflow is important.
Concentrate on your personal goals.
The book The Pomodoro Technique explains the ideas behind Pomodoro.
Advantages
The benefits of the Pomodoro Technique can be 4-fold
Do not work against the clock, but with it.
Eliminate burnout.
Manage distractions.
Improve your work-life balance
Drawbacks
Pomodoro is a good way to micromanage your workday but it limits flexibility, interactivity and freedom. Some people find it too structured and difficult to manage the demands of multitasking, high-pressure jobs.
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3. Zen to Done (ZTD).
Leo Babauta’s Zen to Done method was a pioneering concept. His book Zen to Done explains it all. It’s all about the habits and doing, not the system and tools.
Zen to Done vs. Getting Things Done. Key differences
Zen to Done piggybacks upon Getting Things Done but reverses some alleged sho.