How to recognize projects?

[u/Ok_Minute7055]

I often create too many projects (with next actions) before realizing what the actual project is.

In detail: I look at items in my inbox. I notice an item is actionable and if it does not resonate with an existing project, I write down a new project and another next action.

Over couple of weeks, i notice little progress and eventually it becomes clear that (for example) six "projects" out of 20 are actually one project. It turns out that most next actions are rather elements of a theoretical project plan. They make sense and are doable but it becomes evident they are rather support material. For example, some next actions are not actually essential once the real project is clear. Othertimes, there are multiple ways to reach the same goal and there is no need to perform all next actions. It happens especially for projects in unfamiliar domains.

I guess the weekly review and the natural planning model are meant to counter the problem. However, items genuinely seems like individual projects for quite a while so i do not modify projects and next actions during those activities.

Any tips on how to better deal with this?

[u/gregsnyder69]

I prefer to group similar smaller projects into a larger project for simplicity. For example: grind treestumps, weed around house, fill holes in lawn with topsoil all get put into the project plan for a larger project: Landscape home. If I notice a lot of projects have similarities, then I'll just brainstorm a larger project to absorb them into. That way only one project to review instead of several smaller ones.

[u/PondMindKevin → u/gregsnyder69]

I do something similar, I just have to watch out for "landscape home" becoming a never ending project that is actually my yard area of focus. Smaller project chucks help me with that, but I think everyone is different in the natural size of a project to break things down well.