The author begins by highlighting the challenges of the 21st century. As life is fast-paced and ever-changing, many people experience raised stress levels, feeling there is too much to do and insufficient time. Evolving technology and the shift toward knowledge work increases this pressure. Work can lack clear boundaries due to the limitless amount of information available on the internet and the daily deluge of e-mails. Stress derives from an inability to manage all our work and life commitments effectively.

Allen proposes that thinking about uncompleted tasks without taking action wastes energy. Unless these thoughts are stored in a trusted system, our brains continue to dwell over unresolved issues or “open loops”—often at times when we can do nothing about them. Open loops must be transformed into actionable tasks, or the short-term memory becomes clogged with “stuff,” making complete focus impossible.

The author argues that traditional time-management systems can no longer manage commitments at all levels. While “big picture” business models can be valuable, they do not increase productivity on a daily or hourly basis. Calendars and to-do lists are useful but cannot adequately

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