Getting Things Done Ep. 362: Let's Consider Contexts
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May 13, 2026 A deep dive into using contexts to filter what you can do before adding time and energy into decisions. Practical examples of modern contexts like messaging apps, VPNs, and secure environments. Tips on avoiding too many lists and testing context choices during your weekly review. A reminder that contexts can be reassigned when they do not work.
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Context Is A Physical Or Psychological Environment
- Context is the physical or psychological environment where reminders are most effectively sorted for access.
- Ana Maria reads GTD's definition and frames contexts as choices made during organizing to simplify later engagement.
Pause To Pick The Right Context
- Pause between clarify and organize to ask what physical or psychological environment is ideal for each next action.
- Ana Maria advises probing specifics (e.g., computer at home vs. any computer) before assigning a context.
Inside The Fence Security Example
- John describes a secure facility where work required being physically 'inside the fence' and phones weren't allowed.
- That concrete example shows some contexts are tighter than 'at work' and may be digitally fenced too.
