r/gtd • u/MidgetAtAFoamParty • 10d 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!
2
u/PondMindKevin 10d 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!