What Is the Get Things Done Method—And Why Does It Work for Students?
The Get Things Done Method (GTD), developed by productivity expert David Allen, is a time management approach designed to help individuals capture, organize, and execute tasks efficiently. While originally intended for professionals, GTD’s principles are highly applicable to students aiming to enhance their time management system.
At its core, GTD involves five key steps:
- Capture: Collect all tasks, ideas, and commitments in a trusted system.
- Clarify: Process what each item means and what action is required.
- Organize: Categorize tasks based on priority and context.
- Reflect: Regularly review tasks and priorities.
- Engage: Take action with confidence and clarity.
For students, implementing the Get Things Done Method can lead to improved organization, reduced procrastination, and enhanced ability to manage academic responsibilities. Research indicates that structured time management systems, like GTD, can positively impact students’ academic performance and self-regulation skills (Cortés Pascual et al., 2019).
Moreover, incorporating techniques such as time blocking—allocating specific time slots for focused work—can further bolster a student’s ability to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently. Studies have shown that time blocking can help reduce distractions and increase productivity among students (Powers, 2020).
By adopting the Get Things Done Method and integrating it with effective time management systems, students can develop stronger executive function skills, leading to greater academic success and personal growth.
Before diving further into how the Get Things Done Method can transform your child’s approach to tasks, take a moment to watch this short video. I’ll explain exactly what we’ll cover below, illustrate how GTD boosts executive function skills in daily life, and briefly highlight the unique methods I use with clients.
Executive Function & the GTD Method Framework: A Perfect Fit
The Get Things Done Method aligns seamlessly with the core components of executive function, making it an effective strategy for students aiming to enhance their cognitive skills and academic performance.
- Task Initiation and Planning – GTD method emphasis on capturing and clarifying tasks aids students in overcoming procrastination by providing a clear starting point and structured plan of action.
- Working Memory and Organization – GTD supports working memory by encouraging the organization of tasks into external systems, freeing up cognitive resources and allowing focus.
- Time Management and Prioritization – GTD method enables students to allocate time efficiently. Techniques like time blocking promote focused work periods and reduce distractions.
- Cognitive Flexibility and Adaptability – GTD’s review phase builds adaptability by teaching students to reevaluate and shift plans as needed.
- Emotional Regulation and Stress Management – GTD method lowers stress through clear roadmaps, empowering students with a sense of control over their workload.
Research supports integrating structured time management systems like GTD to improve executive functioning in students (Cortés Pascual et al., 2019; Powers, 2020).
How the Get Things Done Method Helps Students Stay on Track
For many students, managing school assignments, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities can feel overwhelming. The Get Things Done Method breaks this chaos into clarity by offering a repeatable structure that helps students stay organized, focused, and in control.
Real-world examples include:
- Breaking down long-term projects into manageable next steps
- Using a weekly time blocking calendar to prep for exams or complete papers
- Replacing vague plans with a specific, structured time management system
These routines reduce cognitive overload, improve emotional regulation, and help students trust themselves to follow through. The GTD method helps ADHD and easily distracted students by breaking complex tasks into small, actionable steps they can actually complete.
Signs Your Student Could Benefit from the Get Things Done Method
Could your student use the GTD method? Look for these signs:
- Always “starting too late”
- Homework and materials scattered
- Avoids multi-step tasks
- Constantly overwhelmed
- Difficulty switching tasks or prioritizing
- Frequently cramming instead of using time blocking
- Frustrated by forgetting steps or deadlines
If your child struggles with consistency or follow-through, a structured time management system like GTD could be exactly what they need.
Student-Friendly Tools That Bring the Get Things Done Method to Life
Here are some tools and practices that make the Get Things Done Method concrete for students:
- Task Capture Notebook or App
- Weekly Planning Sessions
- Visual Project Boards (Notion, Trello, or even Post-Its)
- Time Blocking Calendars to support routine and focus
- Next Action Checklists to clarify task steps
- Reset Rituals (e.g. Sunday review)
These tools, when used consistently, help students build independence and ownership of their tasks through personalized time management systems.
A Real-Life Story of Coaching a Student with the Get Things Done Method
Jordan, a 9th grader, felt overwhelmed and disorganized. Assignments were half-finished, deadlines were missed, and stress was constant.
Through coaching, we implemented the Get Things Done Method using simple tools like Google Docs, color-coded lists, and time blocking sessions. We created a weekly planning rhythm that gave Jordan a clear runway for the week ahead.
Within weeks, his confidence improved. By the end of the semester, he wasn’t just turning work in on time—he was initiating tasks on his own and adjusting plans when needed. The GTD method didn’t just change his output. It changed how he saw himself as a student.
Ready to Help Your Student Build Executive Function and Get Things Done?
If your child is constantly overwhelmed, forgetful, or struggling to finish what they start, it might be time for more than just reminders. They may need a structure that supports their growth—and that’s where the Get Things Done Method comes in.
At Executive Functions Coach, we help students develop the planning, organization, and follow-through skills they need to thrive. Using proven tools like time blocking and customized time management systems, we turn frustration into forward momentum.
Join a free consultation session to explore what kind of executive function support makes sense for your family.
References
Cortés Pascual, A., Moyano Muñoz, N., & Quílez Robres, A. (2019). The relationship between executive functions and academic performance in primary education: Review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1582. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01582
Powers, T. (2020). Working from Home for Dummies. John Wiley & Sons.