The David Allen Company - Projects provides a detailed description on what a project is and how it differs from a task or action step. David Allen defines a project as any outcome you are committed to complete that requires more than one action step. He goes on to say that you can’t “do” a project, you can only do action steps.

Objectives/goals are separated out from projects by making the distinction that a project can usually be completed within a few months whereas an objective would be the kind of thing you would usually find on yearly goals. A sample objective is “Increase profitability of XYZ product line.” This objective would then have one or more projects to help achieve the objective/goal.

Sub-projects are touched upon as well with the example project “Reorganize Marketing Division” having subprojects of - Engage outside consulting firm - Complete internal HR survey - Hire new division head. Something particulary smart that he mentions is to “Create a game you can win.” Define the project as something that can really be completed, no matter what anyone else does. For instance, he says not to make a project “Sell Acme Brick the program,” because Acme Brick may decide not to sign. The project is better defined as, “Finalize Acme Brick proposal”.

Another point he makes is to always start project titles with an appropriate verb that clarifies the nature of the work. He provides some sample verbs: Finalize… Implement… Install… Look into… Resolve… Handle… Clarify… Submit… Maximize… Organize… Reorganize… Publish… Ensure… Design… Compelte… Update… Roll out… Set up…