David Allen GTD Inbox Triage

Clear accumulated physical paperwork using David Allen's GTD inbox triage method. Process your physical inbox item by item without leaving anything behind.

5 time blocks, 35 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Physical In-Basket Sweep: 5 min
Collect every loose note, piece of mail, and document into one inbox
First-Item Clarification: 3 min
Take the top item and decide if it requires any physical action
Two-Minute Action Blitz: 10 min
Complete quick tasks immediately if they take under two minutes
Defer and Delegate Routing: 10 min
Add longer tasks to calendar or action lists and assign delegates
Filing and Waste Disposal: 7 min
File reference papers into quick storage and shred remaining trash

About this routine

David Allen introduced Getting Things Done as a concrete system for stress-free productivity. Central to his approach is physical inbox processing, where paper items are handled one by one rather than skimmed or rearranged. David Allen's GTD inbox triage requires you to empty your in-basket completely by making an immediate decision on every piece of paper.

The triage rule is strict and effective. You pick up the top document, ask what the next action is, and never put it back in the pile. If a task takes under two minutes, you do it immediately. If it takes longer, you calendar it, delegate it, or add it to a next actions list. Reference material gets filed, and clutter gets discarded.

Why this routine works

Prevents paperwork piles from accumulating on your desk
Eliminates decision fatigue by processing items strictly one by one
Ensures actionable items end up on proper lists or calendars
Keeps reference files organized and easily accessible

FAQ

What is David Allen's GTD inbox triage?

It is a systematic method from Getting Things Done to process physical paperwork item by item until your in-basket is completely empty.

What is the two-minute rule in GTD inbox processing?

If a paper requires an action that takes less than two minutes, you complete it immediately during triage instead of deferring it.

How often should you perform GTD inbox triage?

David Allen recommends processing your physical inbox to empty at least once or twice a week, or whenever paperwork accumulates.

Sources

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, David Allen