Podcast Summary: Getting Things Done

Episode 347: Career Counseling, Psychology and GTD

Release Date: January 28, 2026
Host: John Forster (B)
Guests: Dr. Paul Englert (D), Raymond Mohammed ("Raiman"/C)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the innovative integration of Getting Things Done® (GTD) methodology into career counseling and psychology, focusing on a large-scale project in Brunei. Dr. Paul Englert and Raymond Mohammed share their journey developing a framework that combines psychological theory (notably, the "Future Selves" model) with GTD for practical application, helping career coaches support individuals through career transitions and personal growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Guest Introductions and Project Genesis

• Raymond Mohammed (“Raiman"): GTD Master Trainer in Brunei/Malaysia, helps individuals and businesses become more productive (01:03).
• Dr. Paul Englert: Consultant & Lecturer in Psychology, specialist in career guidance models during recessionary settings. Developed the "Future Selves" model (01:17).
• How They Met: Their collaboration began when Raymond was invited to mentor coaches in a unique, large-scale career counseling initiative in Brunei (02:00–03:50).

2. The Future Selves Framework

• Framework Essence: Developed by Dr. Englert, helps people visualize and move toward future versions of themselves, particularly during career transitions (04:40).
• Gap Identified: Traditional goal-setting often lacks structured behavioral follow-through—this is where GTD complements the framework (05:00).
• Quote:

  "There’s this missing piece between goals and behavior… I came across the GTD framework… as I was looking for something that was this, this interplay between goals and behaviors…"
  – Dr. Paul Englert (06:00)

3. Integration of GTD into Coaching

• Bridging the Gap: 90% of the Future Selves process is about moving from pre-contemplation to action; GTD was introduced as a bridge from goals to weekly concrete actions (07:29).
• Weekly Brain Dumps: Regular “brain dumps” and reviews provide accountability and behavioral activation (07:50).
• Enhanced Accountability: The GTD framework enables coaches to guide clients from “what’s your plan?” to “what’s your next action?” creating week-on-week momentum and fulfillment (10:08–14:55).

4. Impact on Coaches and Clients

• Behavioral Specificity: GTD’s rigor prevents vague goal-setting and ensures detailed action steps, aiding both clients and coaches (10:44).
• Trained Coaches: Many had no prior counseling background, yet quickly adopted GTD’s structure (25:43).
• Quote:

  “If you don't do any action, nothing will happen in life… that’s the part where we help people move into action.”
  – Raymond Mohammed (24:38)

5. The Psychology Behind GTD’s Effectiveness

• Dopaminergic Reward: Completing tasks (proximal or distal goals) provides dopamine hits, building client confidence and engagement (20:39–21:43).
• Emotional Benefits: Small wins support wellbeing, reduce overwhelm, and build resilience, especially vital during times of unemployment or career change (19:55, 34:53).
• Quote:

  “It's the creation of those goals and then the movement towards those goals… GTD then sets these wins along the way because you're essentially getting a dopamine hit every time you're making a step closer towards it.”
  – Dr. Paul Englert (21:02)

6. Adaptability and Flexibility of GTD

• Customizable Depth: GTD can be scaled—from a simple one-page template for those new to productivity, to deeper, more rigorous implementation for those who desire it (29:15–32:12).
• Personalization: Coaches bring their own style, enhancing buy-in and results (32:14).

7. Wider Implications and Future Directions

• Broader Adoption: The Brunei project serves as a test bed for bringing GTD to psychological counseling globally, not just career guidance (32:44).
• Holistic Life Management: GTD and Future Selves both stress balance across life domains—not just career, but relationships, wellness, and self-development (37:44).
• Quote:

  "GTD closes that loop in so many psychological interventions… it gives the power over to the client to take responsibility, accountability, take ownership."
  – Dr. Paul Englert (34:53)

8. Real-Life Success Stories & Feedback

• Coach Testimonials:
  • Easier weekly accountability (“defining next actions”)
  • Tangible week-on-week progress and satisfaction
  • Reduced overwhelm and burnout
  • Some coaches became GTD advocates after experiencing personal transformation (34:53–36:46).
• Personal Reflection:

  “This is the first time I saw GTD being adopted this way in career counseling… it has changed the way they actually do their own coaching world.”
  – Raymond Mohammed (34:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What is your next action?” — A psychologically powerful GTD mantra for moving from thought to action (16:46).
• “If I say to you I want you to feel a certain way, that's much harder than I want you to act in a certain way.” — Dr. Paul Englert (16:52)
• “No action, no happen.” — The pragmatic theme Raiman uses with clients (24:38).
• “GTD has huge potential… primarily because it fits like a glove to so many methodologies.” — Dr. Paul Englert (18:28)
• “Completing something, they feel happier… that feeling of winning week on week is actually building people's confidence.” — Raymond Mohammed (19:55)
• “Now you've got a plan. If you don't do any action, nothing will happen in life.” — Raymond Mohammed (24:38)

Important Timestamps

• 01:03 – Introductions and origins of the collaboration
• 04:40 – Explanation of the Future Selves Framework
• 06:00 – Discovery of GTD as a behavioral bridge
• 07:50 – Implementing GTD in weekly coaching
• 10:44 – The importance of accountability and actionable steps
• 14:55 – The power of trigger lists and weekly reviews
• 20:39 – The psychology of “winning” and dopamine in goal progress
• 24:38 – The “No action, no happen” theme
• 25:43 – Coach development and adoption of GTD
• 29:15 – Flexibility of GTD for diverse personalities
• 32:44 – Vision for Brunei and beyond
• 34:53 – Closing the psychological loop with GTD
• 36:46 – Real coach feedback and impact stories
• 39:25 – Reflections and ending remarks

Closing Observations

This episode offers a rich, practical look at how GTD can be integrated with psychological practice, especially in career counseling. The success in Brunei demonstrates GTD’s ability to operationalize behavioral change, instill accountability, and contribute to both client and coach wellbeing. The scalable nature of GTD and the synergy with the Future Selves framework opens exciting new avenues for the methodology in the broader field of psychology.

For listeners interested in how productivity systems can truly change lives—personally, professionally, and emotionally—this is an insightful and inspiring listen.