Tickler File /Nest Actions help

[gnt]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to GTD and have not yet begun to implement the system. There are two methods I don't have clarity on: the tickler file and the next actions list. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Re: the tickler file - where would you put something that doesn't have a particular date attached to it, but that you want to revisit within a certain time frame? For example, planning a summer vacation. First step would be to discuss with family. Do I write "discuss vacation ideas w/family" and put it in a folder for a specific day?

Is the tickler file only for date-specific actions, and the vacation planning actions should be on another list? Like project: Vacation, Next Action: Brainstorm with family?

Do you keep one main next actions list, or one next actions list for each project?

Thank you!

GNT

[kelstarrising]

Hi GNT

Do I write "discuss vacation ideas w/family" and put it in a folder for a specific day?

If you want to use a Tickler for this, you can just pick a day and drop a sheet of paper in there with that item. Otherwise, I would suggest your calendar for this on a particular day, as an untimed event. Calendar and Tickler can both serve as "incubate" options.

Do you keep one main next actions list, or one next actions list for each project?

One Projects list and Next Actions sorted by context. The typical starter set includes Agendas, Anywhere, Calls, Computer, Errands, Home, Office, Waiting For. Customize them as you see fit. That's a key thing to understand with GTD: Next actions are sorted by context, not Project, and only include next actions, not future actions.

When you choose your tool to install your Calendar and Next Action lists, I'd recommend our Setup Guides. They are instructional about what to do and educational about why.

Hope this helps!

[TesTeq]

Do you keep one main next actions list, or one next actions list for each project?

I suggest you to read the GTD = "Getting Things Done" book (or MIAW = "Making It All Work" book). In both books you will find clear definitions of the GTD methodology and its elements.

For example you will learn that you can write down many Actions (steps) for each Project and keep them in your Project reference folders but not all the Actions are the Next Actions which you put on your @context lists.

[kelstarrising]

Agree wholheartedly with TesTeq. I always assume people have read GTD. That of course is THE manual for GTD. Don't skip it.