Get Things Done by Robert Kelsey Summary

Get Things Done explores why intelligent people struggle with productivity, offering psychological insights and practical strategies to overcome procrastination and disorganization. It combines personal anecdotes with research-backed methods for improving focus, habit formation, and task management in work and personal life, emphasizing motivation and structured planning.

This book targets professionals, entrepreneurs, and anyone battling chronic procrastination or disorganization. It’s ideal for readers seeking actionable advice on time management, habit change, and overcoming self-sabotage, particularly those familiar with Kelsey’s previous work on fear of failure.

Kelsey identifies procrastination as rooted in emotional barriers like fear of failure and perfectionism. He advocates for breaking tasks into milestones, creating urgency through deadlines, and leveraging rewards to build momentum. Techniques include prioritizing single tasks over multitasking and using structured to-do lists.

The book promotes backward planning (setting 10-year goals and working backward), habit stacking (linking new routines to existing behaviors), and the “do it now” principle to combat delay. Kelsey also emphasizes “emotional ergonomics” – aligning tasks with personal motivations to reduce stress.

Unlike Atomic Habits’ focus on incremental behavior change, Get Things Done blends psychological introspection with tactical steps, particularly for those with entrenched disorganization. Kelsey’s approach is more narrative-driven, drawing heavily on his own struggles.

Kelsey provides strategies for emails, meetings, delegation, and career transitions. For managers, he highlights mindful delegation – assigning tasks based on employees’ strengths and avoiding micromanagement. Personal life applications include balancing family responsibilities and side projects.

Some reviewers argue the solutions oversimplify deep-seated habits, and the reliance on personal anecdotes may lack universal applicability. Critics note it’s less prescriptive than David Allen’s Getting Things Done methodology.

As a former financial journalist and self-described “practitioner of failure,” Kelsey’s insights stem from overcoming career setbacks and organizational challenges. His prior books on fear of failure (What’s Stopping You?) inform this work’s focus on psychological barriers.

Yes. The book advises readers to compartmentalize tasks, set boundaries (e.g., designated email hours), and prioritize “deep work” sessions. Kelsey argues that controlled organization in one area (e.g., work) creates mental space for personal priorities.

This appendix satirizes common productivity pitfalls:

• Multitasking
• Vague goal-setting
• Avoiding feedback
• Resisting delegation

It contrasts Stephen Covey’s principles, highlighting how counterproductive behaviors undermine success.

Kelsey stresses “motivation calibration” – aligning habits with core desires rather than arbitrary goals. He recommends starting with small, rewarded actions (e.g., 10-minute focused sessions) and gradually scaling complexity. Tracking progress visually is key.

Yes. Its focus on digital distraction management, remote work challenges, and burnout prevention remains timely. Updated editions could integrate AI tools, but the core principles of intentional planning and habit alignment are evergreen.