Getting Things Done - The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

By David Allen

How to stop thinking about things you have to keep track of

To stop them from taking space in your mind, topics have to be collected somewhere outside -> collection tool.
Else, they are constantly pulling on your mind and distracting your thoughts.
For each topic you're noting down, clarify the exact next step/s aka physical action you have to take.
Find a system for reminders that works for you.
-> You noted down the next task and your reminder system will tell you when it's time.

"Knowledge work" - office work - is about defining a goal or next step, not about doing it.
Thinking about the expected result is a key for that.
There's no perfect answer to most choices, it's about risks and options and decisions
Thinking about the next steps is rarely needed - think about school, work or career.
Things are on our minds because they aren't as they should be
Todo lists should define desired outcome and next steps/, not just topics
-> rule of thumb: add a verb to the points on Todo lists

"Thought is useful when it motivates action and a hindrance when it substitutes for action" - Bill Raeder
-> This is also true for discussions and meetings

-> Tools like Jira & Co are also Todo lists in a way. Tasks in there have to be actionable.