As soloists facing that big blank calendar of 2009, it's time for us to celebrate. Not only for the potential that lies ahead in these coming months, but because David Allen has a new book out. David is the creator of Getting Things Done (often known as GTD), a systematic approach to well, getting things done, in both business and life. His approach is outlined in his bestselling book, and has been adopted by millions around the world in search of a way to wrangle both more productivity and more meaning from their daily tasks.

David's new book, Making It All Work, takes GTD both forward and deeper. He emphasizes that GTD is not a system, but a systematic approach. He's not looking to convert raving fans (although he has many) to structure their days or To-Do lists in a particular way. Instead, he presents a philosophy of task management that anyone can adapt to his or her personal needs. This new book builds on his earlier work by focusing on both the "horizontal" control of project management and the "vertical" perspective of aligning daily work with one's vision, principles, and purpose.

The book is too rich to do justice in a 60-second newsletter, but I've selected three points to share with you this week. Let them whet your appetite for digging deeper into David's writing, whether you're new to GTD or have been following it for years.

1. It's not about getting organized.
Yes, having everything in its place is satisfying, but GTD is about more than colored file folders. David points out that the bigger payoff comes when you can be "thinking about your thinking" so that you're able to take proper action and transform your ideas, plans, dreams, or schemes into reality.

2. Pay attention to what has your attention.
Like a ringing phone, the dozens of thoughts you carry around in your head are demanding attention -- and if not addressed, they sap you of energy and focus. By clearing what David calls your "psychic RAM" and establishing a trusted holding place for what needs to get done (which could be as simple as a list on paper), you're able to capture that diffused energy and turn it into productive output.

3. Perspective is a valuable asset.
Soloists understand that maintaining perspective is a crucial element to success, since how you view the world frames your life and work. David points out that perspective "is a very slippery commodity," one that can be lost in an instant. His new book masterfully integrates the how of the GTD process with the broader perspective that ties it all together in the why of one's larger life purpose. Control and perspective -- a potent combination.

If you're looking for more information on David Allen's work, check out his site and free email newsletter. Here's to a more productive 2009 for soloists -- and to all of us getting things done!

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com