Next Action

The Next Action or Next Action Item is an idea that comes out of [[GTD]].

A problem in project planning is that we frequently add tasks that are not actionable. A task is not actionable because it is (a) too abstract, and so cannot be acted upon OR (b) is actually a composition of smaller actions.

When planning out a project, we want to break the project down into atomic tasks. Small items that we can complete in a single block of time. Each of these is an action item. When reflecting upon a project we want to figure out: what is the next item that needs to be done to make progress in this project? This is the Next Action Item.

A task is too abstract when we cannot define the goal of that project. "Become a better violinist" is not actionable. But "practice scales for 120 minutes" is.

A task is a composite when it is hiding the various minor tasks. We often fall into procrastination because we do not know where to begin on that composite. If we wanted to write a letter to Bob, but didn't know Bob's address "Send Bob a Letter" is not the next action item but rather "ask Jill for Bob's address" is. But also we might need a task to write the letter as well. We need to: Get Bob's Address; Write the letter to Bob; and Mail the letter to Bob.

When reviewing task lists, make sure every project has the Next Action Item identified!

Linked References

• gtd
  
  • Clarify. When a new item comes in decide is it actionable? Can you complete it in five minutes? Then do it right away. Otherwise decide if this is unactionable (trash), should be kept as a reference, or put onto the backlog. Then review your collection of tasks and decide upon the [[next action]] and execute it.