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#384: David Allen — The Art of Getting Things Done (GTD)

The Tim Ferriss Show

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Next Action Decisions - What's the Very Next Thing?

The powerful concept of next action decisions involves identifying the very next thing you need to do to move forward on a commitment. This requires granular clarity on the physical location and action required, such as writing an email at your computer or buying nails at the hardware store. Many people avoid making these decisions, but it is essential for productivity. In addition to next actions, it is important to determine the outcome and project associated with a commitment. Most to-do lists lack this level of clarity, with items such as 'buy cat food' or 'mom's birthday' requiring further clarification. Identifying specific outcomes and actions is crucial for productivity. It may require training the cognitive muscle to think deeply about what 'done' means, what action looks like, and where it takes place.

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