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October 20, 2005
Yes, it's really about the NEXT action
I think one of the gems of GTD is the practice of capturing the very next action. When I see things getting stale on my lists, or I realize I'm procrastinating, it's often because I haven't captured the very next action versus just a next action.
Even after 14 years practicing this GTD, things still can slip onto my lists and clog my system if I haven't really spent the time clarifying what the very next thing is that I need to do. This week's annoyance was some CDs that I need to send to a friend for her birthday. My list had "send CDs", but really I need to buy wrapping paper before I can even send them. A common one is a phone call on my @Calls list, but I don't have the phone number. This can create what David Allen calls, things on your lists that repel you, not to mention internal stress and frustration.
Is there anything on your next action lists that is repelling you? If so, take a look to see if you have really identified the very next action. Ask yourself, do I have everything I need in order to do this? If the answer is no, back yourself up until you get to the very next action. What do you see yourself doing FIRST?
Posted by Kelly at October 20, 2005 03:32 PM
Comments
Thanks so much for this Kelly- it really resonated with me and I went straight back to my action lists with a greater sense of clarity. After all, some of those items had been on my list for months- and sure enough, I hadn't decided on the VERY next action.
Posted by: Val at November 11, 2005 12:05 PM
