Question about Dave Allens GTD system

[grl]

I have a question about how to use the next actions list and planning for a project.

If I plan out a project lets say and end up with 15 actions to do to complete it. Do these go on the next action list? or do they stay on a plan somewhere, with one action on the list and then when that is done put then next action from the plan on the list. Obviously with a plan of actions there will always be other actions that have not been forseen in the original plan. Basically do the actions from a plan go onto the next actions list and so the plan is then in the next actions list?

[Acting Like Godot]

I haven't read GTD in a long time, but I think that only the very next action (for that project) goes on the next action list.

The next action list is really for the very next thing, or the very next few things, you're going to do next.

[grl]

Thank you for your reply. So where do the rest of the actions that have been planned out for a project go?

[Chris_1977]

Every project has a piece of paper, so it would make sense to write those next steps there.

I think you can have more then one step of a project on next action lists. But only if they do not depend on each other. I.e., it should be possible to do either of those things before doing anything else. Having more than one action of a project on next action lists could lead to faster completion, so it makes sense for projects that are more in a hurry than most other projects.

Actually, quite often I do not really make a list of all actions for a project, but just think of the next one and put it on the next action list. After that action has been done, I think of what I could do next and immediately put that on the appropriate list. Creating too much bureaucracy is not that useful, so I keep it simple for simple projects.

[grl]

Thanks for your reply very useful

[grl]

Where do you store your project plans? In a word document. In a paper folder?

[Acting Like Godot]

You could try using Microsoft Works or OneNote - there's a section which is meant for projects.

[shinyjourney]

Hi, i would like to know more about GTD, could you explain me your experience with it?

Virginie

[grl]

So if for example I was fixing my outhouse door

Measure frame and door with tape on desk - would go on next actions list
Go to hardware store to get wood - project support list as can't be done until measuring
Get hinges at hardware store project support list as can't be done until measuring
Get screws from dad - next action list
Build door and hang it -project support list as can't be done yet
Fx lock - project support list as can't be done yet
Paint one coat with paint in shed - project support list as can't be done yet
Paint second coat

The going to get wood and hinges would move from project support to next action ( with @shops context) after I have done measuring as that would then be the next action

Is that right?

So it is ok to have more than one action for a single project on your next actions list, either in more than one @context or not? Providing that they are actions that can be done next without having to do anything else first? How many is it ok to have or is it just as many as there happens to be

Looking at my example of my door

At one time I would have measure door in the @home context and the get screws from dad in the @parents house context.

On a bigger project there may be many more next actions that can be done at the same time independently of others presumably it is ok to have them all on the next actions list?

[prototype]

Just one little thing about GTD:

It's a great system, but I'm quite certain that most people who use it long-term have changed a few things to make it suit their own lifestyle and personality. So, don't feel that you have to do GTD the correct way. Experiment and do it your own way!

[Chris_1977]

Originally Posted by grl

Where do you store your project plans? In a word document. In a paper folder?

I have most of my GTD stuff in one single ringbinder. That includes all next action lists, someday/maybe-lists, and a page for each project. The 43 folders for deferring projects till a later date are in there to. I use these things (I don't know the English word for them) for them: PS Printer Supplies - Kantoorartikelen - Ordner en ringband toebehoren - Showtassen - Kangaro Showtas A4 2/4-rings PP

[grl]

Originally Posted by prototype

Just one little thing about GTD:

It's a great system, but I'm quite certain that most people who use it long-term have changed a few things to make it suit their own lifestyle and personality. So, don't feel that you have to do GTD the correct way. Experiment and do it your own way!

That's a fair point. I don't want to be a slave to the system