confused about where to park an item

[chris345]

I have an item which I'm not really sure where to park: I need to go to a place to get some specific documents but this can only happen when I can take a day off from work and am not really sure when that'll happen. But when I do take some time off from work, I need remind myself to go to that place. Where do I park this item?

Thanks.

[mcogilvie]

On your errands lists, generally. Then you will see it every time you run an errand.
Your goal is to not forget to do it when you have a day off, and that's
your best shot. You might find a "Days off" context useful, but try using "errands"
first, because you need to develop the habit of checking all your lists regularly.

[J.D. Iles]

I agree, errands list

But let me also suggest, is there another way to get those documents that is a better use of your time?

Delegate, ask for UPS or mail? are thee documents important enough to stay on the list?

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J.D. Iles
Hyatt's All Things Creative

Equipment and Software / Sales and Training
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[Oogiem]

I have an item which I'm not really sure where to park: I need to go to a place to get some specific documents but this can only happen when I can take a day off from work and am not really sure when that'll happen.

I have 2 errands lists, one for my local town and the town next to us and one for the other towns I may have errands in. Documents like that are typically for me something that is at the county courthouse, not avail anywhere else and requires a half day to drive there to get them. So for me I'd park that action in my @ Delta & GJ list as when I have time to go there that's where I'd look for errands there.

If you don't have many of them or don't have separate contexts by town/location then @errands would be the best option.

[bradenchase]

When I have tasks that I can only do on specific days and/or specific times but the exact time/date/place hasn't been determined I usually make a list for that specific situation. That way when it does arrive, I just pull out the list and go for it.

My suggestion is to make a "Day-Off" or "Errands for Day-Off" list (digital or paper) where you keep your tasks you can only do on your day off. (places you need to go, the corresponding things that need to be done there, etc.). I use this technique often when I have things that I need to talk to my brother or my doctor about, but I'm not sure exactly when I'll see them again.

Then park the entire list somewhere that you'll see in your weekly review. That way you don't forget where you put it and it can also act as a trigger list for other ideas.

Just putting it in my "errands" list isn't enough because there are more factors than just "when I'm out and about" and it forces me to constantly rethink the list and edit what I can actually do.

Hope this helps!
Braden

[Roger]

I have an item which I'm not really sure where to park: I need to go to a place to get some specific documents but this can only happen when I can take a day off from work and am not really sure when that'll happen. But when I do take some time off from work, I need remind myself to go to that place. Where do I park this item?

What's the Next Action?


Cheers,
Roger

[chipjoyce]

Most people know a few days or so when they will have a day off, so probably a weekly tickler would be good. I would calendar it as as an all-day event on a recurring-weekly basis (e.g. "do that errand when I have a day off").

[Minimalist]

Next action list, without doubt, tagged with "errand"

Its in the next list because you need/want to do it at the next available chance you get and since you review your next action list on a daily bases to define whats to be done next it will stick out like a saw thumb at the right time.

[Schaumi]

My proposal: Create a project.

Project name: Getting specific documents
1. check on which days the place is open for your visit = next action
2. ask your boss to get a day off (@work)
3. put that specific day into your calendar, thereby you'll be reminded right on when you'll have to go.

I know, for step three David Allen usually suggests to write on a context list. But in this case I see it as a calendared action which can only be made on a specific date.