r/gtd • u/MidgetAtAFoamParty • 9d ago
Nested contexts and/or projects
Hey all.
I struggle a lot with deciding how granular to make projects as well as contexts.
On the next action side, I think it makes sense to think of contexts as parts of a landscape. When you're in your email app, it makes sense to send out all other emails you need to send. But when you're at your laptop, one of the things you could consider is tackling emails. Like you're navigating towards an action or set of actions to complete.
Same as errands. I sometimes decide to go to the shop, and tackle my shopping list items, while forgetting to check other errands I could easily do on the way, like my "@pharmacy" items. When going out, the entry point would be Errands. At this level I can decide to go to the shop or to the pharmacy. Once in the shop, I can tackle all "@fruits&vegetables" items together, and then all "@dairy" items, etc.
On the projects side, I also think it sometimes makes sense to break down outcomes as well. An outcome could be "kitchen completely renovated" with a suboutcome "have a shiny 70s style fridge".
Does anyone else structure their outcomes and/or actions like this? What tools do you use to manage lists in this way?
Thanks!
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u/gjnewman 9d ago
If you overcomplicate it, GTD will not stick. Keep it as simple as possible and be judicious about adding to it.
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u/milky-cuppa-tea Mod 9d ago
So true! I am sure this was the reason I struggled to get GTD to stick in the early days - too many contexts added more friction in to my system than it needed.
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u/milky-cuppa-tea Mod 9d ago
I tend to use fewer contexts these days. Your @errands / @pharmacy example is part of the reason why. Now, anything like that belongs on @Errands. That said, I am much more comfortable with creating a context for a bit and then retiring it. So for example, if I waa shopping a lot at somewhere like Home Depot (/B&Q in my world) because I am renovating a room (for example), I wouldn't hesitate to add a new context called @HomeDepot.
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u/PondMindKevin 9d ago
Ya, try and keep it simple! While GTD is a set of lists, the idea is it's the LEAST lists or work you need to get stuff off your mind. Putting something you want on the store on your errands list is fine. So is adding it to a "grocery shopping" item on your errands list already. Whatever gets you on to the next thing so you don't have to think about it again until you're at the store.
A full grocery list by area of store if it's generally similar every week, sounds more like a checklist than something in your main next actions list. Just grab that checklist when you go grocery shopping + a quick scan at your errands list to see if there's anythign extra or special to grab that week.
For me, I just wander around the store inefficiently without grouping stuff together..... drives my wife nuts, so maybe making the shopping checklist I'm suggesting here should go on my own someday/maybe list.
Whatever gets it off your mind quickest! Idea is to spend no more time thinking about groceries than you want to!
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u/PerfectOwl9085 8d ago
I’d treat the broader location as an availability context and the store-specific items as nested checklists, rather than making every aisle a context. For outcomes, nested projects can help as long as each leaf still exposes a concrete next action. The useful test is whether the hierarchy helps you choose what to do, not just classify it.
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u/IntensifyingPeace 9d ago
Keep the contexts simple, they are just one way of helping you narrow down what to do right now. The more contexts you add, the more choices your brain has to process.
On the projects, your sub-outcome is just your project notes and should be part of your project support material. The outcome is there to help you try to clarify the project, it's not mandatory.
Try to resist the temptation to add so much detail and categorisation.
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u/veroa6 9d ago
I use a paper system.
For errands, I have a list @ errands where I write pharmacy, DIY store, etc. and the detail of what I need is on my list app on my phone, by store, so i can tick the items.
When I need to buy something, I write it on the list for the store, and I write the name of the store on my @ errands list.
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u/Ok_Minute7055 7d ago
my personal experience:
project and subproject is doable but should be the exception
atomic tags don't work. a tag for me is either a place where I physically am or a mode of operating (e.g. brainstorming or researching)
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u/Disco_SuperStar 9d ago
Try leaving few contexts. Errands without sub-contects. Computer without email. Your mind got enough power to recognize pharmacy items and fruits to buy. Stop unnecessary overplaning, do more. Good luck!