Clarify

Processing the Inbox to empty. This is the work that makes GTD actually work.

The clarify question

For every Inbox item, ask:

1. Is it actionable?
   • No → trash it, keep it as a reference note, or defer to Someday/Maybe.
   • Yes → go to step 2.
2. What's the next physical action?
3. Does it belong to a bigger outcome? If yes, attach or create a project.
4. Can I do it in under two minutes? If yes, do it now and check it off. Don't even bother filing.

Setting status, area, project, and tags

Click any Inbox task to open the detail pane on the right. The chip bar at the top lets you set:

• Status — Next Action, Waiting For, Scheduled, Someday/Maybe
• Area of Focus — Work, Personal, etc.
• Project — if this is a step toward a bigger outcome
• Tags — press , t with the detail pane focused to open the tag picker
• Context — @home, @computer, @errands — where or with what tool you can do this (press , o to open the context picker)
• Energy — high / medium / low

The keyboard shortcuts , + letter open each chip picker inside the detail pane. , p for project, , a for area, , s for status, , o for context, , t for tags, etc. See Keyboard shortcuts for the full list.

Status guide

Status	When to use it
Next Action	You're doing it yourself, soon.
Waiting For	You've delegated it, or you're blocked on someone/something. Usually pairs with a contact.
Scheduled	Pinned to a future date. Pops into your attention that day.
Someday / Maybe	Real possibility but not now. Review weekly.
Done	Finished.
Dropped	You decided not to do this. Honors the decision — it's not "done" because it wasn't completed.

Projects vs tasks

If it takes more than one action to finish, it's a project. Even "Plan birthday party" is 6-8 actions (guest list, venue, invites, cake, etc.). Create the project, then add those actions inside it.

Every active project should have at least one Next Action. If it doesn't, it's stalled. The Weekly Review catches this.

Staying disciplined

Inbox-to-zero is a daily rhythm, not a one-off. 5-10 minutes most days is usually enough. If you've been away for a week, block 20 minutes and grind through.

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Next: Weekly Review →