From claude-starter-kit
Implements GTD methodology: capture all commitments, clarify next actions, organize into projects/contexts, reflect weekly, engage effectively. Use when overwhelmed by tasks or needing mental clarity.
npx claudepluginhub sunnypatneedi/claude-starter-kitThis skill uses the workspace's default tool permissions.
Complete framework for implementing David Allen's GTD methodology to achieve stress-free productivity and mental clarity.
Coaches users through GTD for annual goals: generates SOPs, daily tasks, progress tracking, and reviews. Persists state via memory across sessions. Activates on goal/planning queries.
Triages tasks and brain dumps using Eisenhower matrix into DO, SCHEDULE, DELEGATE, ELIMINATE quadrants. Applies rules for prioritization, deadlines, and conversion to actionable items.
Share bugs, ideas, or general feedback.
Complete framework for implementing David Allen's GTD methodology to achieve stress-free productivity and mental clarity.
Mind Like Water:
Workflow Over Lists:
CAPTURE → CLARIFY → ORGANIZE → REFLECT → ENGAGE
Not just todo lists - a complete workflow
Two-Minute Rule:
Capture Rules:
## Capture Commitments
**What to Capture:**
- Tasks and todos
- Ideas and insights
- Appointments and events
- Things people ask you to do
- Things you promise to do
- Random thoughts
- "Someday/Maybe" ideas
**Where to Capture:**
- Inbox (physical)
- Digital capture tool (Todoist, Things, etc.)
- Voice memos for on-the-go
- Email inbox
- Notebook
**Golden Rule:**
ONE capture location per medium (one physical inbox, one digital inbox)
Don't use multiple apps - pick ONE trusted system
Capture Template:
[ ] Thing that came to mind
[ ] Another thing
[ ] Email I need to respond to
[ ] Idea for project
[ ] Thing boss mentioned
The Processing Workflow:
For each item in inbox:
1. WHAT IS IT?
└─> Is it actionable? (Can you DO something?)
2. IF NOT ACTIONABLE:
├─> Trash (delete it)
├─> Reference (file for later)
└─> Someday/Maybe (might do eventually)
3. IF ACTIONABLE:
└─> What's the NEXT ACTION? (physical, visible activity)
4. WILL IT TAKE <2 MINUTES?
├─> YES: DO IT NOW
└─> NO: Continue...
5. AM I THE BEST PERSON?
├─> NO: Delegate (add to "Waiting For" list)
└─> YES: Continue...
6. IS IT A PROJECT? (requires >1 action)
├─> YES: Add to Projects list + define next action
└─> NO: Add to Next Actions list
7. DOES IT HAVE A DEADLINE?
├─> YES: Add to Calendar
└─> NO: Add to Context list (@home, @office, etc.)
Clarifying Examples:
❌ BAD (Vague):
- "Deal with taxes"
- "Website"
- "Mom"
✅ GOOD (Specific next action):
- "Email accountant to schedule tax appointment"
- "Review homepage copy and note 3 improvements"
- "Call mom to discuss Thanksgiving plans"
The GTD Lists:
## 1. Projects List
Any outcome requiring >1 action
**Format:**
- [Project Name] - Desired outcome
- Next Action: [Specific physical action]
**Examples:**
- Redesign website homepage - Have new design live
Next Action: @computer - Review competitor homepages for inspiration
- Plan team offsite - Event scheduled with activities
Next Action: @phone - Call venue to check availability
- Learn React - Build first working app
Next Action: @computer - Complete React tutorial chapters 1-3
---
## 2. Next Actions (by Context)
**@computer** (at computer with internet)
- [ ] Research flight options for NYC trip
- [ ] Send project proposal to client
- [ ] Review pull requests on GitHub
**@home**
- [ ] Replace air filter
- [ ] Water plants
- [ ] File insurance documents
**@office**
- [ ] Print Q4 reports
- [ ] Meet with Sarah about budget
- [ ] Organize desk drawers
**@phone** (calls to make)
- [ ] Call dentist to schedule cleaning
- [ ] Follow up with vendor about order
- [ ] Check in with mentor
**@errands** (when running errands)
- [ ] Pick up dry cleaning
- [ ] Buy birthday gift for colleague
- [ ] Drop off package at post office
**@agenda:[Person]** (things to discuss)
- [ ] @agenda:Boss - Discuss vacation request
- [ ] @agenda:Sarah - Review Q1 goals
- [ ] @agenda:Team - Propose new process
**@anywhere** (can do anywhere)
- [ ] Review weekly goals
- [ ] Read article on leadership
- [ ] Brainstorm blog post ideas
---
## 3. Waiting For List
Things delegated or pending from others
- [ ] WAIT: Report from John (requested 1/15)
- [ ] WAIT: Client approval on design (sent 1/18)
- [ ] WAIT: Reimbursement for expenses (submitted 1/10)
---
## 4. Someday/Maybe
Things you might do, but not now
- Learn Spanish
- Take cooking class
- Visit Japan
- Write a book
- Start a podcast
- Learn piano
---
## 5. Calendar
ONLY hard landscape (specific time/date)
**Use for:**
- ✅ Appointments
- ✅ Deadlines
- ✅ Time-specific actions
**DON'T use for:**
- ❌ Regular tasks (those go in Next Actions)
- ❌ "I hope to do this today" (unreliable)
---
## 6. Reference
Non-actionable information you need
- Tax documents (2020-2025)
- Recipes
- Instruction manuals
- Meeting notes
- Research materials
The Weekly Review - Non-negotiable
## Weekly Review Checklist (60-90 minutes)
**Schedule:** Every Friday 4pm (or consistent time)
### 1. GET CLEAR (30 min)
**Capture:**
- [ ] Empty brain - write down everything on your mind
- [ ] Process physical inbox to zero
- [ ] Process email inbox to zero
- [ ] Process notes from meetings
- [ ] Collect loose papers, receipts
**Process:**
- [ ] Review "Next Actions" - are they still next?
- [ ] Review "Waiting For" - anything stuck?
- [ ] Review calendar (past 2 weeks) - capture loose ends
- [ ] Review calendar (next 2 weeks) - prepare
### 2. GET CURRENT (20 min)
**Projects:**
- [ ] Review project list - still relevant?
- [ ] Ensure each project has next action
- [ ] Add new projects that emerged
- [ ] Move completed projects to "Done" log
**Lists:**
- [ ] Review Next Actions by context
- [ ] Cross off completed items
- [ ] Add new actions that emerged
**Someday/Maybe:**
- [ ] Review list - anything ready to activate?
- [ ] Add new ideas
### 3. GET CREATIVE (10 min)
**Horizons of Focus:**
- [ ] Purpose & Principles: Am I aligned?
- [ ] Vision (3-5 years): Where am I headed?
- [ ] Goals (1-2 years): What milestones?
- [ ] Areas of Focus: Health, family, career, etc.
- [ ] Projects: Supporting my goals?
- [ ] Actions: Moving projects forward?
**Questions:**
- What's working well?
- What's not working?
- What should I start/stop/continue?
- What opportunities am I seeing?
### 4. PLAN NEXT WEEK (10 min)
- [ ] Review big rocks for next week
- [ ] Block time for important projects
- [ ] Identify top 3 priorities
- [ ] Feel confident and ready
The Four-Criteria Model for Choosing Actions:
When deciding what to do next, consider:
1. CONTEXT
Where am I? What tools do I have?
→ Filter to @context lists
2. TIME AVAILABLE
How much time before next meeting?
→ 5 min? Pick quick wins
→ 2 hours? Tackle meaty projects
3. ENERGY AVAILABLE
How alert am I? (1-10)
→ High energy: Creative work, hard problems
→ Medium: Routine tasks, emails
→ Low: Organize, file, simple tasks
4. PRIORITY
Given 1-3, what's most important?
→ Review project outcomes
→ Consider goals and deadlines
→ Trust your intuition
The Six-Level Model (Horizons of Focus):
Level 6: LIFE PURPOSE & PRINCIPLES
↓ Why do I exist? What are my values?
↓
Level 5: VISION (3-5 years)
↓ Where am I going? What's the big picture?
↓
Level 4: GOALS & OBJECTIVES (1-2 years)
↓ What do I want to achieve?
↓
Level 3: AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
↓ What must I maintain? (health, finances, relationships)
↓
Level 2: PROJECTS
↓ What outcomes am I committed to? (>1 action)
↓
Level 1: NEXT ACTIONS
What's the immediate physical step?
Recommended Apps:
Todoist GTD Structure:
Projects:
├── 📬 Inbox
├── 📋 Next Actions
│ ├── @computer
│ ├── @home
│ ├── @office
│ ├── @phone
│ ├── @errands
│ └── @anywhere
├── 📂 Projects
│ ├── Work Projects
│ └── Personal Projects
├── ⏳ Waiting For
├── 🔮 Someday/Maybe
└── 📚 Reference (optional)
Labels:
- 2min (for quick wins)
- High Energy
- Low Energy
## Physical Workspace
**Inbox:**
- Physical inbox tray on desk
- Everything goes here first
**File System:**
- A-Z reference files
- Action support files (per project)
- Archive (completed)
**Supplies:**
- Label maker
- File folders
- Sticky notes
- Timer
| Don't | Do |
|---|---|
| Use calendar for wishes | Calendar = hard landscape only |
| Have multiple inboxes | One physical, one digital max |
| Skip weekly review | Non-negotiable sacred time |
| Keep lists in your head | External system for everything |
| Vague actions ("website") | Specific next action ("draft homepage copy") |
| Process inbox constantly | Batch process 1-3x daily |
| Put projects in next actions | Projects list separate from actions |
| Organize before clarifying | Capture → Clarify → THEN organize |
Daily Workflow:
MORNING (10 min):
- Process inbox to zero
- Review calendar + next actions
- Choose top 3 priorities
DURING DAY:
- Capture everything as it comes
- 2-minute rule for quick items
- Work from context lists
EVENING (5 min):
- Quick inbox sweep
- Prep tomorrow's calendar
Weekly Workflow:
FRIDAY 4PM (90 min):
- Complete Weekly Review checklist
- Get to zero inboxes
- Review all projects
- Plan next week priorities
Monthly Workflow:
LAST FRIDAY (30 min):
- Review goals and vision
- Assess progress on areas of focus
- Archive completed projects
- Someday/Maybe review
Daily Shutdown Routine:
- [ ] Process inbox to zero
- [ ] Review today's calendar - capture loose ends
- [ ] Review next actions - reschedule what didn't happen
- [ ] Capture anything on mind
- [ ] Review tomorrow's calendar
- [ ] Choose tomorrow's top 3
- [ ] Close all open loops
Project Kickoff:
- [ ] Define successful outcome clearly
- [ ] Brainstorm all components
- [ ] Identify next action
- [ ] Add to projects list
- [ ] Schedule planning time if needed
- [ ] Note any waiting-for items
Processing Inbox (Zero):
For each item:
- [ ] What is it?
- [ ] Is it actionable?
- No → Trash / Reference / Someday
- Yes → Next action?
- [ ] <2 min? Do now
- [ ] Delegate? Add to Waiting For
- [ ] Multi-step? Add to Projects
- [ ] Add next action to context list
- [ ] Move item out of inbox
"I'm overwhelmed by my lists" → Do a mini-review: What can you delete, delegate, or defer to someday/maybe?
"Things keep falling through cracks" → Are you doing weekly reviews? That's where you catch everything.
"I never look at my lists" → Lists aren't trusted. Process inbox completely, or you'll revert to your head.
"I have too many projects" → Good! Projects list should capture ALL commitments. Then choose consciously.
"I don't know what to work on" → Use the 4 criteria: Context, Time, Energy, Priority
"Weekly review takes too long" → Do mini-reviews daily. Friday = just tie up loose ends.
Energy-Based Contexts:
@high-energy - Creative work, problem solving
@medium-energy - Routine tasks, emails
@low-energy - Organizing, filing, simple tasks
Time-Based Contexts:
@5min - Quick wins
@30min - Focused tasks
@2hours - Deep work blocks
Area of Focus Review (Monthly):
For each area (Health, Finances, Career, Relationships, etc.):
- What's working?
- What's not working?
- What should I start/stop/continue?
- Any new projects needed?
- Are current projects aligned?
Digital:
Physical:
Resources:
/weekly-review - Structured reflection and planning/daily-review - Daily planning sessions/goal-setting - Define outcomes for projectsLast Updated: 2026-01-22