Getting Things Done

Next Actions

In the Getting Things Done Process, when breaking down a Project into multiple steps, what is the very next thing that needs to be done for that project? This is the Next Action or NA, and it represents one of the most vital ideas of the GTD system.

There is also an emphasis on a Next Action being an actual physical action (Read Article, Call Vet, Dust Shelf, File Report) versus vague, too-broad items (Complete Project, Deal With Fluffy, Clean House, Clear Off Desk).

43 Folders Blog: Does this ‘next action’ belong someplace else?
PigPog: GTD Introduction: Action Lists
MarkTAW.com: Cascading Next Actions (Getting Things Done)
MarkTAW.com: What context do I put my Next Actions in?
Open Loops: A Next Action Paradox

Tickler File

In the parlance of Getting Things Done, a Tickler File consists of a series of 43 file folders: 12 monthly and 31 daily folders. Items are filed in a folder corresponding to when the item will need to be handled, thus reminding or ‘tickling’ the user about it. These items might be action reminders, bills, receipts, reports, letters, or any number of other things.

There is an informative article on David Allen’s website that covers the Tickler File method in detail.