Experiencing Friction with GTD After One Month – Seeking Workflow Optimization Advice

[Stefan Godo]

Thank you so much for your reply!
The metaphor of learning to ride a bike is really apt!
I noticed that in previous responses from others, the Someday/Maybe list was also mentioned. I've already moved some items from my Next Actions List into it, and it has indeed brought me a great sense of relief.
What you referred to as "higher horizons" is something I really need to think more about. In the past two days, following the content of other previous posts, I've been more focused on creating my Next Actions List starting from the project list, rather than being inclined to passively receive tasks and write them in the inbox. This also makes me feel much better.

in GTD we teach first to acquire control and then perspective (gradually longer and longer) - although it is an iterative back and forth process.
starting with actual next actions and projects is a good place.
At the same time learning the conversion of new inputs to actions/projects (steps 1-2-3).
once +/- mastered (1-2 weeks), do a proper weekly review - gain some perspective.
from then on you are "just finetuning" (until you live )

 

[FocusGuy]

So if i have a project I'll use the one i just finished that was on my project list for a while.
Project list entry: Plant Rhododendrons for Melissa.
Next action: @Melissa note- Where would you like these planted.
When I got an answer I put @Errands- Lowes buy rhododendrons. They didn't have them. Out of season.
@Waiting for note Lowes to get Rhododendrons.
Last week @computer-check to see if lowes has plants. This is the only time I had two next actions for this project on a list.
@Errands- Lowes buy plants.
Then @Home- Plant rhododendrons.
Project is deleted. and all completed next actions deleted when complete. I only ever have the very next action on my list.
I could have easily bought the plants come home and planted them right then (2 actions done) and be done but I didn't do it that way.

I only have 8. and 3 are Agendas.
@Computer- anything i can do computer wise. Internet etc. Can be at phone or laptop. If you are in two places during the day you might want to have contexts for each place. If there are only things you can do in those places. You don't need to see things you can't possibly do. That is a drain.
@Phone- things I can only do on phone. Calls and texts.
@Home
@Errands
@Waiting for.
then my agendas. Example of my @Computer list. They are the very next actions for a project on my project list.View attachment 2268

Please don't make it so complicated. You want to work on your projects not your system.

Well yes. That is why you put the very next action on a context list. I may be wrong but it seems like you are saying you try to put all your next actions associated with a project somewhere. I don't. I have a list of projects and the very next action on my context list. So I only see the next action. And don't miss your weekly review. That is so important to the whole system. I would say the people who have the hardest time with GTD are the ones who don't do one. Hope this helps.

Very elegant and so great GTD. That exactly what I call a simple and elegant GTD system. I love it !