Doing the work is about producing something of value, especially to others (ex: designing something, interviewing stakeholders, capturing insights in a Google Doc, drawing a conceptual model, etc). Work produces artifacts that create value for the organization.

Meta-work is everything else you must do to make that work possible. (this can include thinking about what must be done next, in what sequence, what materials or resources you’ll need, who you need to talk with, figuring out when they’re available, scheduling calls, etc). It is part time management, part systems, part habits etc.