Last week I wrote about the steps I took to set up my GTD System in Evernote. One of the key parts of that system is the Action List notebook.

The Power of Context

One of the breakthrough ideas in GTD is that one “to-do list” is not enough. You need to have an action list for each of the contexts where you get work done. This provides a powerful filter option for you when it is time to do work. You simply look at the list or lists that connect with context you are currently in, and choose from the next actions on these lists.

For example, when you are sitting at your desk in your office, you could likely choose to look at two or three of your lists: @Calls (because you have a phone at your desk), @Computer (because your computer is in front of you), and @Office (because you are, well, in your office). You don’t have to look at your @Home list because you are not at home. You don’t have to look at your @Errands list because you are not out and about running errands.

By setting up lists according to your contexts you are creating a filter which allows you to use these lists to direct your focus as you sit down to engage in work.

What Lists Do You Need?

Of course, you know your contexts better than anyone else, so no answer given here will work across every person’s situation. That said, there are some key lists that most people can utilize.

• @Calls – A list where you keep all the phone calls you need to make.
• @Home – A list of things that can only be done while you are at home.
• @Office – A list of things that can only be done while you are at the office.
• @Computer – A list of things that can only be done when you are in front of your computer.
• @Errands – A list of things that can only be done when you are out and about.
• @Anywhere – A list of things that are not tied to a certain context and can be done wherever you are.
• @Waiting For – A list of things that you are waiting for from others.

Other Lists You Might Benefit From

While certain contexts seem to be staples for nearly everyone, there are likely to be a few that are unique to you. I have two such lists that I keep.

@Online – A list of things that can only be done when I have an internet connection. I created this list because several things I do are web-based and though I usually have an internet connection there are times when I don’t. I may not have an internet connection, but I do have my laptop. Therefore, the @Computer list can still provide a focusing list for things I can get done. You may not need a list like this, but I have found it helpful.

@MDIV – A list of next steps related to current assignments for the Master of Divinity degree I am pursuing at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. Though this isn’t really a context per se, I do have blocks of time set aside for school work. This list makes it easy to focus on what I need to do in those blocks of time. I pull that list up and focus my energies there.

@??? – What unique list would be helpful for you to have? Make it up and give it a try.

Setting Up Your Action Lists in Evernote

If you want to set up your action lists in Evernote, just follow these simple steps.

1. Create a notebook (CTRL + SHIFT + N) for your action lists. I got creative on the title; I named mine “Action Lists.”

2. Create a new note (CTRL + N) for each list you want to set up. Title the note with the name of your context. My action list notes are:

• @Calls
• @Computer
• @Errands
• @Home
• @MDIV
• @Office
• @Online
• @Waiting For

3. Populate your lists with the next physical, visible actions that you need to complete to get things done.

4. Review your lists on a regular basis to keep them clear and current.

Questions?

If you are thinking about setting up your system in Evernote or have already started setting it up and have a question, please feel free to post it below or EMAIL ME. I’ll do what I can to help you.