43 Folders

43 Folders feed subscription icon - Shiny!Time, Attention, and Creative Work. After 4 years and a lot of productivity pr0n, we’re shifting gears. Re-learn how to use 43 Folders. Then back to work. [»]

”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

Overplanning Projects

I had some thoughts last night on whether it's possible to overplan projects. It's a bit lengthy for here, so I've posted it to my blog. It might seem like common sense, but I hope it helps some of you in figuring out the planning process.


Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
CanyonR's picture

Overplanning vs Underplanning

Very interesting post. I understand completely even though I find my self falling on the opposite side of the planning line. I often have entries in my "Projects" list that are by all rights longer, complex, daunting projects with no pages for planning and support materials. I feel like I'm not getting enough out of my head and am doing too much "in-mind" mapping. For your example I may just have a next action that says "Trash". This may be OK for trash duty but I also have a line on my Projects list that says "Taxes". No plan, or list of actions, just a pile of papers still in envelopes, and one next action "get tax software".

Reading your post, getting a view of the other side of that line, helps me get an idea of the "right balance" of planning and doing. Mabie we can meet in the middle and actually get stuff done.

Stew's picture

CRuss, I agree with you...

CRuss, I agree with you in that some projects require planning whereas others do not. My point was to be able to differentiate between the two. It's impossible to quantify the question of how much planning is enough because this varies from person to person. For me, I found that I was planning too much and, as a result, spent less time doing. You're right - there needs to be a balance, which is something I didn't have. It's not that I'm now planning less, but the planning I'm doing is less formal.

Ultimately, it comes down to reaching your own comfort level, so YMMV. I'm glad you liked the post.

mdl's picture

Thanks for the post

Stew,

Thanks for the post. Enjoyed reading it.

It took me a while to realize that GTD lists are markers, reminders. To get everything out of one's mind means writing just enough down to trigger the right actions/thoughts. That's why I think DA emphasizes a master project list more than project plans. I can trust myself to think of the next step when the time comes.

That said, I generally try to write down anything I think I'll forget--any essential actions and/or information. So my project support (for bigger projects) consists of reminders of crucial items, including deadlines.

Stew's picture

Stew, Thanks for the post....

mdl;8286 wrote:
Stew,

Thanks for the post. Enjoyed reading it.

It took me a while to realize that GTD lists are markers, reminders. To get everything out of one's mind means writing just enough down to trigger the right actions/thoughts. That's why I think DA emphasizes a master project list more than project plans. I can trust myself to think of the next step when the time comes.

That said, I generally try to write down anything I think I'll forget--any essential actions and/or information. So my project support (for bigger projects) consists of reminders of crucial items, including deadlines.

Thanks, mdl! You've hit the nail on the head! And in many fewer words than I. :)

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

An Oblique Strategy:
Discover the recipes you are using and abandon them


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Inbox Zero

The original 43 Folders series looking at the skills, tools, and attitude needed to empty your email inbox — and then keep it that way. Don’t miss the free video of Merlin’s Inbox Zero presentation.

Making Time

3-part series on attention management for artists and makers. Read Bad Correspondence, The Job You Think You Have, and One Clear Line.