Het eerste boek dat de nagel op mijn klop slaat is Getting Things Done, een bestseller geschreven door David Allen (1,5 miljoen exemplaren, wereldwijd), en ook een fervent karateka.

In 2014 had ik zijn boek gelezen en ik was zo enthousiast dat ik de drang niet kon weerstaan om hem een mail te sturen.

Big surprise, de dag nadien kreeg ik antwoord !

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Hi, Mr. Allen

THANK YOU !!!!!

You’re the first person in the world who confirms that ‘my system’ (which seems to be an almost exact copy of your book Getting Things Done) is an effective one.

For many years a lot of people were (and still are) claiming that my system is not accurate and a complete waste of time.

Since 20 years (in two weeks I will be 60), and after a long and winding road of experimenting and experiencing (I’m a self teacher as you are), I persevered without having the slightest idea of what I was doing was the right thing or not.

I always found myself in the defensive corner, and after a couple of years of infinite discussions, disapprovals and frustration, I kept those people out (even my bosses), telling them that I was a stubborn person, and that they didn’t have to order me what to do, as I did not do that with them.

You can’t imagine what a relief your GTD book is to me. It really struck me as a lightning.

As a senior Microsoft SQL Server Database Administrator my fellow colleagues laugh at me because I’m still using Access (in their eyes a kid’s toy) for the last 20 years.

But the thing works extremely well – for me – for many purposes:
– documents
– URLs
– songs
– budget
– groceries
– movies and TV-programs
– libraries for code and exemples (SQL Server, Access, Powershell, etc.)
– contacts
– multiple agendas

One button click just waiting for less then 30 seconds, I have the following results:
– one central ‘Forum’ web pag containing all the above information
– the automatic synchronisation to my cell phone of my contacts and recurrent agenda

No, I will NOT bring this on the market, as too many people would prefer more fashioned and hi-tech tools (it’s mine, period).

But the start of it all are my 2 main tools:
– a physical notepad (my wife is desperate as I keep one in every room and in our cars)
– a simple MS Notepad where I rewrite my first draft and try to distribute as soon as possible the info into either Outlook or target folders.

I don’t regret many things in my life, but this one is: why didn’t anyone tell me about your book ???

I have followed almost all of your webinars on YouTube and I keep being surprised by the simple but very effective tools in life.

For many years I keep telling myself (and the rest of the world) that most of the solutions can be found by going ‘back to the roots’. 

You can’t imagine how many times people, myself included, have the urge to run, but forget how to walk first. We are so blinded (and spoiled !) by the evidence that everything is granted.

And on top of that: we are overwhelmed by fast changing environments, new tools, gadgets, fashions and obliged behaviours. If you are not a true believer and follower, people look at you as if you were a zombie.

Mr. Allen, even though I never had the opportunity to meet you in person, it’s an honour and a privilege for me to know your existence and your ideas. 

Keep up the good stuff and may God (or anyone else) bless your soul and spirit.

Again: THANK YOU !

Or should I say: kiai !

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Nooit gedacht dat ik nog maar de minste kans had op enige reactie, maar dus wel één dag later:

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Dear Ron

Every so often I get an email like yours that touches me deeply and keeps me inspired to do what I’m doing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to express your experience and senses about GTD.

Of course, as we all know who’ve been involved in this work, the power is directly in relation to someone’s recognition of the validity of the methodology and its implementation.

May I quote you ?

As you might know, it makes a real difference when people hear from a third party of the value of this.

In any case, you have my appreciation for your willingness to share your experience.

Best,

David

ps: my wife Kathryn and I just moved to Amsterdam. If you get up this way, maybe we can share a bottle of wine…

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De fles wijn is er (nog) niet van gekomen.

Maar of hij mij mocht ‘quoten’ ?

Zal wel zijn !

En ik ben dol op zijn uitspraak: ‘Het is zo fijn om de vrijheid te hebben om dom te zijn, niets te hoeven onthouden en toch een hoop coole dingen voor elkaar te krijgen.’