Multiple next actions

[olliesaunders]

I have written this letter. I need to set up the printer to print it, put it in an envelope (with some other thing) and then go to Canada Post to send it.

Considering I've identified all these things should I write these all in as next actions.

Trouble is they can't all be done at the same time (going to Canada Post is an errand but I can do the printing and enveloping from my home).

[kewms]

It's actually a project, as is any task with more than one action. Only the first action -- setting up the printer -- is a true GTD-style Next Action, and only the first should go on your NA list. The others would go into project support, although for a project this simple that's probably not necessary.

Then, once you have the letter printed and the envelope stuffed, you can add the @Errand Take letter to Post Office action to your list.

Katherine

[Brent]

Agreed with Katherine.

FYI, for a project with several Next Actions that can all be done in any order, you can put them all on your NA list, if desired. Just be careful when doing so, that you don't overwhelm your list. You only need one action.

[olliesaunders]

Thank you Katherine and Brent you've been very helpful.

Then, once you have the letter printed and the envelope stuffed, you can add the @Errand Take letter to Post Office action to your list.

OK, yes it would be a bad idea to add that beforehand and I have the project trigger to remind me to do this if I forget.

[sarahg]

I agree, 1 project + 1 next action.

When you do that next action, do as many more sequentially as you feel like doing at the time, you don't need to write them ALL down. But the moment you knock off, or are interrupted or can't do the next step right away, that's when you write it down.

The NA list is your "bookmarks" in your projects, to launch you back into doing the project quickly when you're in the right context (because you did the thinking in advance)

The project list is a backstop in case you forget to add a next action, you know you'll go over it once a week & check on everything there to make sure its progressing.

[dschaffner]

OK, yes it would be a bad idea to add that beforehand and I have the project trigger to remind me to do this if I forget.

Plus you have the physical envelope that you have placed in your outbox. Ideally that outbox is placed by the door, so that when you are on your way out to do @errands, you will see it, pick it up and mail it.

- Don