Step one in GTD: capture everything, forget nothing

Learning goal

Understand the importance of capture: if it's not captured, it's not managed.
Create a reliable inbox system.
Develop capture habits that become automatic.

Why it matters

Inboxes: All incoming information goes to one place (email, tasks, notes, ideas).
Triggers list: A list that helps you remember what to capture (after meetings, after calls, etc.).
Capture habits: Automatic behavior to ensure all important information is captured.
If it's not captured, it's lost. If it's lost, it can't be managed.

Explanation

Inboxes

Definition: A place where all incoming information collects before you process it. For example: email inbox, physical inbox, note app, task list.

Rule: Empty every inbox at least once daily. Empty inbox = clear mind.

Example: Email inbox, physical mailbox, note app (Notion, Evernote), task list (Todoist, Asana).

Triggers List

Definition: A list that reminds you when and what to capture. For example: "After meeting: capture action items", "After call: capture next steps".

Usage: Keep it handy and use it when something comes to mind that should be captured.

Capture Habits

Definition: Automatic behavior to ensure all important information is captured. For example: "After meeting, I immediately capture action items", "After call, I immediately capture next steps."

Development: Repeat until it becomes automatic. Start simple: one trigger, one inbox.

Practical exercise (20-25 min) — Creating a capture system

Identify inboxes: Write down what inboxes you have (email, physical, note app, etc.).
Create triggers list: Write down 5-10 situations when you need to capture (after meeting, after call, while reading, etc.).
Develop capture habit: Choose one trigger and develop a habit for it. For example: "After meeting, I immediately capture action items in my inbox."
Practice: Practice capturing after every trigger for a week, and document your experiences.

Self-check

✅ You have a reliable inbox system.
✅ You have a triggers list that reminds you when to capture.
✅ You have at least one capture habit that has become automatic.
✅ All important information is captured, nothing is lost.

Optional deepening

David Allen: "Getting Things Done" — about capture and inboxes
Tiago Forte: "Building a Second Brain" — about note systems

Capture: inboxes, triggers list, capture habits