I have one modest addition to the next action idea that might go without saying for most people. I try to ensure that any action I identify as a next action can be finished, front to back, in less than 20 minutes time—preferably in fewer than 10 minutes. So, for example, while “Write an article on GTD” is practically useless (that’s a project!), and “Draft ideas for GTD article” is a minor improvement, “Brainstorm six ideas for a 1000 word GTD article” is right in the sweet spot for me. Knowing that 20 minutes is my maximum allowable time for an action also provides a handy baseline for planning what I can accomplish over a given day or week.
— A Year of Getting Things Done: Part 1, The Good Stuff | 43 Folders
