Next Action
The very next physical, visible activity that needs to be done to move a task or project forward.
Definition
In GTD methodology, a next action is the immediate, concrete step you can take right now. In Locus GTD, the Next Actions view shows you the most important tasks you can work on at this moment.
What Makes a Good Next Action?
Physical and Visible
The action should be concrete and observable:
- ✅ "Call John about proposal"
- ✅ "Draft introduction section"
- ✅ "Email Sarah the report"
- ❌ "Think about project"
- ❌ "Work on website"
- ❌ "Deal with taxes"
Immediately Doable
You can start right now without prerequisites:
- ✅ "Open document and start writing"
- ❌ "Write report" (too vague - what's the first step?)
Single Step
One clear action, not multiple:
- ✅ "Review contract section 3"
- ❌ "Review and sign contract" (two actions)
Next Actions View
What It Shows
The Next Actions view displays:
- Flagged tasks
- First task in sequential projects
- Available tasks (not deferred)
- Active status only
Filtering Logic
A task appears in Next Actions if:
- Status = Active
- No defer date, or defer date has passed
- Either:
- Task is flagged, OR
- Task is first incomplete in sequential project, OR
- Task is in parallel project with no blocking subtasks
Accessing Next Actions
From homepage:
Next Actions in Different Project Types
Parallel Projects
All active tasks can be next actions.
Example: "Home Improvement"
- Paint living room ← Next Action
- Fix faucet ← Next Action
- Replace bulbs ← Next Action
All are available simultaneously.
Sequential Projects
Only the first incomplete task is a next action.
Example: "Product Launch"
- Market research ← Next Action (first incomplete)
- Design prototype (blocked)
- Development (blocked)
- Testing (blocked)
Only step 1 shows in Next Actions.
Single Action Lists
All tasks are next actions.
Example: "Errands"
- Buy groceries ← Next Action
- Mail package ← Next Action
- Get gas ← Next Action
Identifying Your Next Action
For Any Task
Ask: "What's the very next thing I need to do?"
Example: "Plan vacation"
- ❌ Too vague
- ✅ Next Action: "Search flights to Hawaii"
For Stuck Projects
If a project feels stuck, identify the next action:
Project: "Launch podcast" Feeling: Overwhelmed, don't know where to start Next Action: "Research podcast hosting platforms"
Now you have something concrete to do.
Using Next Actions Effectively
Daily Workflow
Morning:
- Open Next Actions view
- Flag 3-5 most important tasks
- Start with highest priority
Throughout Day:
- Return to Next Actions when between tasks
- Complete one, move to next
- Update as priorities shift
Evening:
- Review what's left
- Flag tomorrow's priorities
- Clear completed items
Context-Based Next Actions
Combine with Tags for context:
At Office:
- Filter Next Actions by "Office" tag
- See only office-doable tasks
Have 15 Minutes:
- Filter by Duration ≤ 15 min
- Quick wins from Next Actions
Next Actions and GTD
The GTD Workflow
- Capture → Inbox
- Clarify → Define next action
- Organize → Assign to project/context
- Reflect → Review in Next Actions
- Engage → Do the next action
Why Next Actions Matter
Reduces friction:
- No thinking required
- Clear what to do
- Just start doing
Prevents overwhelm:
- Focus on one thing
- Not the whole project
- Manageable chunks
Maintains momentum:
- Always know next step
- No decision paralysis
- Keep moving forward
Best Practices
Keep List Short
- 10-20 next actions maximum
- Too many = overwhelming
- Focus on what matters now
Review Daily
- Morning: Plan next actions
- Evening: Update for tomorrow
- Keep list current
Make Them Specific
Transform vague into specific:
- "Website" → "Write homepage copy"
- "Taxes" → "Gather 2024 receipts"
- "Exercise" → "Go for 20-minute walk"
One Per Project
Each active project should have at least one next action. If not, define it.