Your mind is constantly generating ideas, reminders, and concerns. But these thoughts create mental friction when they have nowhere to go. The first phase of GTD—Capture—is about creating a reliable collection system that clears your mind and builds the foundation for the entire GTD process.
What is Capturing?
Capturing is the process of collecting anything and everything that has your attention:
- Tasks and to-dos
- Ideas and inspirations
- Commitments and promises
- Projects and goals
- Information to review
- Problems to solve
- Concerns and worries
The "Open Loop" Concept
David Allen describes uncaptured items as "open loops" – incomplete thoughts that your brain continually cycles back to, consuming mental energy in the process. By capturing these open loops, you create a "trusted system" that allows your mind to let go.
Why Capture is Essential
Mental Freedom
Your brain is excellent at having ideas but terrible at holding them. When you rely on your memory for tasks and commitments, your mind constantly rehearses them to avoid forgetting. Capturing frees up this mental energy.
Reduced Stress
The nagging feeling that you've forgotten something important creates underlying anxiety. Complete capture eliminates this stress source by ensuring everything is safely stored in your trusted system.
Improved Reliability
When you capture consistently, you build a reputation for reliability—both with yourself and others. No more dropped balls or forgotten commitments.
Enhanced Creativity
A mind free from the burden of remembering tasks is more open to creative thinking and problem-solving. Capture creates space for innovation and insight.
How to Capture Effectively
Capture Tools
The best capture tool is the one you'll actually use. Your tools should be:
In-App Capture
Use the Capture button in this app to quickly add items to your system
Notebook
A physical notebook you always carry with you
Mobile Apps
Note-taking or to-do apps on your smartphone
Voice Memos
Record ideas when you're on the move
5 Principles for Effective Capture
Capture Everything
Don't filter or judge during capture. Big or small, personal or professional—if it has your attention, capture it. Trust your future self to process and evaluate it later.
Minimize Barriers
Reduce friction in your capture process. The easier it is to capture, the more likely you'll do it. Keep tools within easy reach and make capture a habit.
Capture Now, Process Later
Capturing and processing are distinct phases. Don't try to organize or decide what to do with items during capture. Just get them out of your head and into your system.
Use as Few Tools as Necessary
Balance convenience with simplicity. Having too many capture tools creates complexity. Aim for the minimum number that covers all your contexts.
Empty Regularly
Capture points must be processed regularly. If items go in but never get processed, you'll lose trust in your system and start keeping things in your head again.
Using the Capture Feature in This App
This application makes capturing quick and easy with its dedicated Capture feature:
How to Use the Capture Feature
- Click the Capture button in the sidebar navigation or use the quick capture icon in the header
- Enter your thought, idea, or task in the input field
- Hit Save to store it in your Inbox
- Optionally add notes or context if needed
Pro Tip
Don't overthink during capture. Just get it out of your head. You'll have time to clarify and organize later. The goal now is simply to clear your mind.
What Comes Next
Capturing is just the first step in the GTD workflow. Once you've collected all your items, you need to process and organize them:
In the next phase, Clarify, you'll process each captured item to determine:
- What exactly it is
- If it's actionable
- What the next action should be
- Where it belongs in your system