@Eugene: Your next actions should be as specific as they need to be for you to complete them in a way you find productive and satisfying. How’s that for a half-assed answer? :)

But, it’s true. For me this depends a lot on what the “project” is. “Cook dinner” might not earn its own manila folder, but mostly because it’s usually something you can do with little preparation and in one place without a break in time. (Thus, it differs from, say, “Build a Rocket Car” or “Read Remembrance of Things Past”).

The important thinking happens much earlier in the day when you realize that tonight is your anniversary so you have to “Find recipe for crepes,” “Write up ingredient list,” “Go to Safeway,” and “Buy a George Foreman Crepe Maker at Brookstone,” etc. Brain work makes next actions.

I think a “next action” represents the immediate physical activity between you and your goal. It should be as specific as you find useful and no more.