GTD Process Inbox

Reference: See things3 skill for task requirements, tag taxonomy, and MCP operations.

Process inbox items one-by-one with user input for clarity.

Workflow

1. Get Inbox Items

mcp__things__get_inbox

If inbox is empty, report "Inbox is clear!" and stop.

2. Show Overview

List all inbox items briefly so the user sees what's coming:

You have X items in your inbox:
1. "Item A"
2. "Item B"
3. "Item C"

Let's process these one at a time.

3. Process Each Item One-by-One

For each item, use AskUserQuestion to clarify with the GTD decision tree as your guide:

First, determine if actionable:

AskUserQuestion: "What is 'Item X'?"
Options:
- Actionable task (I need to do something)
- Reference/Someday (might need later, not now)
- Delete (not useful)

If actionable, clarify the action:

AskUserQuestion: "What's the actual next action for 'Item X'?"
Options:
- [Suggest a verb-first rewrite based on context]
- [Another interpretation]
- Let me type it (Other)

Get time estimate:

AskUserQuestion: "How long will this take?"
Options: 2m, 5m, 15m, 25m, 1h+

Determine where it belongs:

AskUserQuestion: "Where does this belong?"
Options:
- Today (do it today)
- Upcoming (schedule for later)
- Someday (no commitment yet)
- [Relevant project name if one exists]

Check if it's multi-step:

AskUserQuestion: "Is this a single action or multiple steps?"
Options:
- Single action
- Multiple steps (convert to project)
- Add checklist items

4. Apply Changes Immediately

After each set of answers, update the task right away:

• Rewrite title with mcp__things__update_todo
• Add tags (time estimate, context)
• Assign to project/area
• Move to appropriate list (today, someday, etc.)
• Convert to project if needed with mcp__things__add_project

Then move to the next inbox item.

5. Handle Special Cases

2-minute rule: If estimated at 2m, ask: "This is quick - want to just do it now and mark complete?"

Waiting on someone: If blocked on a person, add "Waiting for" tag and note who.

Agent-delegatable: If it's something an agent could do, offer: "Should I tag this for an agent to pick up?"

6. Report Summary

After all items processed:

Processed X inbox items:

✓ "Raw item" → "Clarified task" [25m] → Today
✓ "Vague note" → Converted to project with 3 tasks
✓ "Old idea" → Moved to Someday
✓ "Quick thing" → Marked complete (2-min rule)

Inbox is now clear!

Guidelines

• One at a time - Process each item fully before moving to next
• Ask, don't assume - User knows what they meant by cryptic notes
• Apply immediately - Make changes right after each answer
• 2-minute rule - Offer to mark complete if truly quick
• Preserve intent - Help clarify, don't change the meaning
• Keep it moving - Don't over-discuss, just clarify and move on