43 Folders

Back to Work

Merlin’s weekly podcast with Dan Benjamin. We talk about creativity, independence, and making things you love.

Join us via RSS, iTunes, or at 5by5.tv.

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

Next actions or actions?

When you're listing out next actions, do you limit your next action list to the next action with that project OR do you list the next several actions with the project?

Example:
@Next Actions
* Call Mom about rent
* Schedule time to reboot PC
* Put letter in mailbox, raise flag

or

@Next Actions
* Write letter to John
* Address and stamp envelope re: letter to John
* Put letter in mailbox, raise flag

I realize I'm probably splitting hairs on this but it's been getting to me lately.

Thanks!

Ernie Ayres

yucca's picture

I always try to list...

I always try to list all the NAs that it will take to close a project. If I don't do this, there is every reason to believe that I don't have a well reasoned plan of attack or there is a high probability that I am fuzzy on the outcome. Also, I try to inlcude enough detail in the steps to ensure that the project is closed by its due date. I can't stress the importance of this last step enough for a project with deadlines.

 
EXPLORE 43Folders THE GOOD STUFF

Popular
Today

Popular
Classics

An Oblique Strategy:
Honor thy error as a hidden intention


STAY IN THE LOOP:

Subscribe with Google Reader

Subscribe on Netvibes

Add to Technorati Favorites

Subscribe on Pageflakes

Add RSS feed

The Podcast Feed

Cranking

Merlin used to crank. He’s not cranking any more.

This is an essay about family, priorities, and Shakey’s Pizza, and it’s probably the best thing he’s written. »

Scared Shitless

Merlin’s scared. You’re scared. Everybody is scared.

This is the video of Merlin’s keynote at Webstock 2011. The one where he cried. You should watch it. »