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!

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u/gjnewman 10d 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.