
#139: Stop The Overwhelm: Veterinary Productivity Secrets from the Getting Things Done Master. With David Allen
Veterinary practice can be unpredictable, exhausting, and full of interruptions - not that conducive to getting things done, right? But what if you could handle it all with mind-like-water calm?
In this episode I pick the brain of productivity legend David Allen, creator of Getting Things Done (GTD), to show you exactly how. This isn’t about squeezing more into your day — it’s about cutting mental clutter, regaining focus, and feeling in control, even when it all hits the fan.You'll learn simple, actionable GTD strategies that busy vets can use today:
Master the 5 GTD steps for veterinary practice:
- Capture: Never lose track of to-dos in a busy clinic again
- Clarify: Break down complex patient tasks into clear next steps
- Organise: Build bulletproof systems your whole team can trust
- Reflect: Create powerful review routines for team rounds and personal clarity
- Engage: Focus on what matters, when it matters
Beat interruptions without losing your mind
- Why task-switching drains your brain — and what to do instead.
- The simple tools that keep you sane and focused.
- How to ‘park’ distractions and re-engage fast.
Transform team rounds and communication
- The secret to closing open loops (and reducing anxiety for everyone)
- How structured reflection makes complex caseloads manageable
- Balancing roles and flexibility for smooth team dynamics
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Topics and Timestamps
03:09 Mind Like Water: The Key to Clarity
05:15 Challenges in Veterinary Productivity
20:33 Practical Tips for Capturing Tasks
28:58 Managing Multiple Projects and Tasks
29:26 The Importance of Knowing the Next Step
30:14 Dealing with Task Shifting and Interruptions
32:25 Organizing Physical and Mental Spaces
35:43 Team Dynamics and Productivity
38:02 Effective Rounds42:20 Balancing Defined Roles and Flexibility
47:35 Book recommendations
48:49 Pass along question
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