Next Action question

[Unregistered]

Well, to me this seems like a simple question, here it is.

Is it stating if the task you picked up is simple (less than 2 min) then you should do it rather than putting it on the end of the NA list?

 

[Unregistered]

I am talking about the "Do it" part of the GTD process chart.

When trying to clearly display my idea I forgot to mention what I was refering to.

 

[1drummergirl]

Depends on whether you have the tools available to complete it. If the action is send email and you are at a computer connected to the internet, then do it. If the next action is a less than 2 minute call but you are not near a phone then it must go on the action list. There is no hard and fast rule - just use your best judgement.

 

[Skiptomylue11]

What about when you are sorting through your INBOX going through every note you took.

If you find a less than 2 minute task should you just do it or put it on the NA list and concentrate on sorting and organizing the remainder of the INBOX?

 

[Brent]

You can do either. I would recommend just doing an Inbox task if the entire task takes less than two minutes, as spectecGTD wisely points out.

If you're unsure, I recommend you move the task to your Next Actions list and continue sorting your Inbox.

 

[kewms]

What about when you are sorting through your INBOX going through every note you took.

If you find a less than 2 minute task should you just do it or put it on the NA list and concentrate on sorting and organizing the remainder of the INBOX?

Do it. If the task is less than 2 minutes, then it takes less time to actually do it than it does to write it down. (Assuming it is a true immediately actionable task.)

A side benefit that DA mentions in passing is that this transforms Inbox processing from mere papershuffling into a productive activity that helps moves projects forward. For some people (myself included), that helps make Inbox processing important enough to actually do.

Katherine