Mastering Work Flow

1-Collect open loops, Utilize In-Baskets and Folders, Email Folders, Voicemail, Notes,Task Lists

2-Process each item, Decide if Actionable: If yes determine intended/desired outcome and next action steps; if no then trash or incubate or file as reference.

3-Organize into workable system/structure, Do or Defer... List of *Next Actions* and Someday/Maybe List, Use Calendar and Master Task List for time and day specific activities/events, actions relating to projects are put on master list as sub-categories. Project Support material stored in folders (physical or computer) for ready access or reference.

4-Review a) all open loops (incomplete items/tasks) b) Projects (Master Projects list) c) Project Activities (Project-Actions List) d) Daily Agendas (regular routines, master task list, calendar of events and next actions) & e) Someday/maybe (Future Tasks w/out Start or Due Dates).

5-Choose next actions - Intuitive Decisions based upon the Context/Time/Place, amount of Time and Energy available to complete the job, and Priority level. Three types of work I am accountable for and must regularly review/evaluate are:

1) Predefined work (Schedule, Task List, Projects, Routines),

2) Work as it appears in the moment - Sometimes unexpected

3) Defining work of collecting-processing-organizing-reviewing-choosing, begin by checking mail, in-baskets, inbox/email, voice-mail, memos, receipts.

Altitude Analogy

1- Bottom Level - Current actions on the horizon of immediate awareness
2-Current Projects - including all actions needed for their completion
3-Areas of Responsibility - Family, Work and Social Commitments, Appointments
4-One to Two Year Goals - Short Term Plans for Progress - Productive Efficiency
5-Three to Five Year Vision - Long Term Aspirations - Abundance and Prosperity
6-The Bigger Picture- What is it all for? The cohesive factor of self-awareness and universal co-creation, an ever-changing process of growth and regeneration.

** Notes taken (by me) from David Allen's "Getting Things Done... the art of stress free productivity".

JDZ