Hi GTD Forum,

I've been practicing GTD for over two years. My system is based on my reading GTD and MIAW and listening to some podcasts. I still get hung up on some things, and I have improved my weekly review over this time frame. I would like your opinion on how to handle tasks beween Next Actions and Project, as shown in this example.

Let's consider an example where I have to write a report for a client. First, I start a project in my company's filing and accounting systems. Then I add the project to my GTD Project List called "Dallas - Water System Efficiency Report - due Friday June 25th". Then I start thinking through the possible next actions. Possible Next Action 1 - "I need to write an outline". Before I write an outline, I need to (Possible Next Action 2) "collect water use data" and (Possible Next Action 3) "collect billing records from the City". Also, I need to "get my graphic artist started on the report cover" (Possible Next Action 4). In order to "collect water use data", I need to (Possible Next Action 5) "set a kick-off meeting with my client". In order to start the report cover, I need to (Possible Next Action 6) "draft the text for the cover" and (Possible Next Action 7) "select some photos for the cover". I will have a young engineer working on this project, so I need to (Possible Next Action 8 ) "invite young engineer to kick off" and (Possible Next Action 9), "schedule internal kick-off with young engineer and quality control engineer".

After thinking through these 9 possible next actions, I decide to write (Possible Next Action 5) "call Joe to set a kick-off meeting" on my Calls List, and I write (Possible Next Action 6) "draft the Dallas Report Cover" on my Office List".

So, here is my question. What do I do with the 7 possible next actions that didn't make my next action list? I've already thought through these actions, and I don't want to think of them again. They don't represent a complete plan for the project according to the Natural Planning Method. They don't belong on my next action lists, because they have other actions that must happen before I can get them done.

I hope this example isn't too convoluted. I appreciate all your opinions.

Thank you,
M Shelton