Book Review: “Zen to Done”

“Zen to Done” is the ebook published by “Zen Habits” blog author Leo Babauta.  Over the years, Babauta has refined a productivity system that combines much of the best advice from systems developed by Steven Covey and David Allen but is essentially it’s own system of doing things.  In this aspect, I think any of us who try to refine our organization methods can relate with Babauta’s work here.  Even in the ebook, Babauta cautions that not all of his system may be of use to you.  He even offers a stripped down version of his method early on in the book to give you an alternative.

Let me first clear up a misconception that many (even myself at first) would have with “ZTD” as it’s known.  This is NOT “Getting Things Done” rehashed.  Those of you who have followed David Allen’s system for years (known as GTD by it’s devotees) will look and see similarities since Babauta willingly admits to modifying some of Allen’s methods.  Collecting tasks and organizing them into lists is nothing new that was just developed by Allen.  Doing it with the method he promotes is a bit unique but Babauta never claims complete creative genius here.  He simply shares what’s worked for him and in doing that, he has put together a system that’s uniquely his while incorporating some of the best of others’ works.  Followers of Covey’s “First Things First” and “Seven Habits” system will recognize the “Big Rocks” and “MIT’s” (most important tasks) in Babauta’s writing but there are other aspects of the book unique to ZTD and there is much here you can benefit from.

I think all of us have modified systems for our own personal use.  Not one system works exactly the same for each person.  I’ve read Allen, Covey, and more recently, Mark & Trapper Woods’ excellent book “Forget the Seven Habits and Break all the Rules” which outlines some interesting methods of time management.  ZTD allows enough flexibility to incorporate methods you’ve gleaned from these other books and use it in Babauta’s system.  Another plus, there are just 10 simple habits to learn and you are encouraged to take them one at a time over the course of the year to improve your productivity.  As a pastor, I’ve utilized much of Babauta’s advice and the ZTD system is one that I think could benefit anyone who’s made a new year’s resolution to get organized.  This is a system that’s flexible, easy to learn, and highly effective if you commit to it.  The book is fairly priced for all that’s in it. ($9.50 through PayPal). You can purchase it here.  Babauta recently released his copyright on the book so you can share it with a friend you think might benefit from his work.  The idea is that if your friend really does benefit from the book, he might feel led to make a donation to Babauta’s “Zen Habits” work that is featured on his blog.  If you read “Zen Habits” often, you’ll find all the nuts and bolts of his system without purchasing anything.  The book simply organizes and puts a nice copy of the entire method in your hands for cheap.  I purchased the ebook after putting it off for a while after I read about Babauta’s release of copyright.  I figured I owed him as much since I’ve benefited from his work.

If you are looking to clear the clutter from your desk this year and feel more alert, energized, and in control, then pick up a copy of ZTD and read it in a night.  You’ll be glad you did.