Can a next action have both an Errands context and a due date?

Hasan Bjaili

Hasan Bjaili

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Can a next action have both an Errands context and a due date?

Suppose I have the following next action:

Buy printer ink
Context: Errands
Due date: Friday

If I am already out running errands on Tuesday, should this action appear on my Errands list even though it is not due until Friday?

My understanding is that the due date indicates the deadline, while the Errands context indicates that the action can be completed while I am out. However, the action itself already makes it obvious that I need to go to a shop, so I am questioning what practical value the generic Errands context adds.

Would you assign both a due date and an Errands context to this action? If so, how do you use the Errands context in practice without confusing the due date with the date on which the action becomes available?
 
Hasan Bjaili said:
Can a next action have both an Errands context and a due date?

Suppose I have the following next action:

Buy printer ink
Context: Errands
Due date: Friday

If I am already out running errands on Tuesday, should this action appear on my Errands list even though it is not due until Friday?

My understanding is that the due date indicates the deadline, while the Errands context indicates that the action can be completed while I am out. However, the action itself already makes it obvious that I need to go to a shop, so I am questioning what practical value the generic Errands context adds.

Would you assign both a due date and an Errands context to this action? If so, how do you use the Errands context in practice without confusing the due date with the date on which the action becomes available?
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@Hasan Bjaili

@Context 'means' first opportunity?

Due Date 'means' do on 'Calendar Friday', and if still undone by Friday, then must be done on 'Calendar Friday' unless renegotiated for any appropriate reason(s)?

As such, that would be the GTD understanding on this end and this particular Next Action could and 'should' be made available on both 'lists' and would be cleared during the Weekly Review from both lists in the event of its prior completion, ET CETERA


As one sees how GTD fits best. . . .

Ps. On this end, preventing anything from falling through any cracks distraction-free is a worthy GTD principle for Mind Like Water, and as such, makes it most appropriate to have one Next Action on more than one 'list' as one sees fit?
 
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Hasan Bjaili said:
Can a next action have both an Errands context and a due date?

Suppose I have the following next action:

Buy printer ink
Context: Errands
Due date: Friday

If I am already out running errands on Tuesday, should this action appear on my Errands list even though it is not due until Friday?

My understanding is that the due date indicates the deadline, while the Errands context indicates that the action can be completed while I am out. However, the action itself already makes it obvious that I need to go to a shop, so I am questioning what practical value the generic Errands context adds.

Would you assign both a due date and an Errands context to this action? If so, how do you use the Errands context in practice without confusing the due date with the date on which the action becomes available?
Click to expand...
I use Things 3 as my GTD list tool. It has both start dates and due dates, taking care of that issue. However, with almost any tool, you can set up a “tickler file” and move items to the appropriate list when the tickler date is reached. An alternative is just to write “START” in the description. When the start date arrives, erase or cross it off.
 
mcogilvie said:
I use Things 3 as my GTD list tool. It has both start dates and due dates, taking care of that issue. However, with almost any tool, you can set up a “tickler file” and move items to the appropriate list when the tickler date is reached. An alternative is just to write “START” in the description. When the start date arrives, erase or cross it off.
Click to expand...
@mcogilvie

Good GTD thinking

Helps to keep the Calendar cleaner until necessary; then, if still necessary, only needs to be placed on the Calendar on that day for that day?

Thank you very much
 
A Due Date means by a certain date, not on a certain date. If it's due this Friday, your task manager should show it you in the correct context list.
 
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