Book excerpt: DON'T GET BURIED IN YOUR TO-DO LISTS. Getting Things Done ...in 30 minutes is the essential guide to quickly understanding how to increase efficiency and stress-free productivity in all areas of life. Understand the key ideas of Getting Things Done in a fraction of the time, using this guide's: Concise synopsis, which examines the principles of Getting Things Done In-depth analysis of key concepts, such as "Next-Action Thinking" and the "Two-Minute Rule" Practical applications for increasing productivity and reducing stress Insightful background on author David Allen and the origins of the book Extensive glossary, recommended reading list, and bibliography In Getting Things Done, author David Allen encapsulates thirty years of lessons learned from his role as a corporate productivity consultant and coach to major corporations, executive clients, and institutions. Offering practical knowledge on increasing individual and institutional productivity, Allen consolidates his strategies into a how-to manual for those looking to accomplish more in their professional and personal lives. Allen describes in detail how to set up a comprehensive system for dealing with all the mental and physical "stuff," as he calls it, that clutters the mind, living spaces, and workplaces. Identifying basic organizational and cognitive techniques essential to improving time-management skills, Getting Things Done lays out methods for uncluttering the mind and gaining control over all your responsibilities. According to Allen, genuine and exhaustive organization of one's communications, paperwork, information, and commitments leads to an expanded capacity for innovation, creativity, and self-confidence. A guide to mastering workflow, Getting Things Done offers a practical method for eliminating anxiety, minimizing stress, and achieving optimal productivity. About the 30 Minute Expert Series The 30 Minute Expert Series is designed for busy individuals interested in exploring a book's ideas, history, application, and critical reception. The series offers detailed analyses, critical presentations of key ideas and their application, extensive reading lists for additional information, and contextual understanding of the work of leading authors. Designed as companions to the original works, the 30 Minute Expert Series enables readers to develop expert knowledge of important works ...in 30 minutes. As with all books in the 30 Minute Expert Series, this book is intended to be purchased alongside the reviewed title, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.