1) The document discusses various techniques for getting things done, including capturing all tasks, clarifying which are actionable, and organizing action items into appropriate lists.
2) Key aspects covered are capturing everything that demands attention, determining the next action required, and putting reminders into lists by category to stay on track.
3) Methods for planning work include asking "why" and "what" questions, brainstorming, organizing, identifying next steps, setting aside focused time, and getting the right tools.
4. Capture
Use an in-tray, notepad, digital list, or voice
recorder to capture everything that has
your attention. Little, big, personal and
professional—all your to-do’s, projects,
things to handle or finish
Clarify
Take everything that you capture and ask:
Is it actionable? If no, then trash it,
incubate it, or file it as reference. If yes,
decide the very next action required.
5. Organize
Put action reminders on the right lists. For
example, create lists for the appropriate
categories—calls to make, errands to run,
emails to send, etc.
Reflect
Look over your lists as often as
necessary to trust your choices about
what to do next. Do a weekly review to
get clear, get current, and get creative.
15. Mental Gathering
Make an extensive list of
incompletion triggers for tray
items
Physical Organizing
Move stuff to the In – Tray;
Move previously organized
stuff to “still processing” list
17. Do It
•If it takes less than 2 minutes
•Does not need tracking
Delegate It•Find the best person & handoff tasks
•Keep dates and reminders
Defer it
•Takes longer than 2 minutes
•Move them to pending list
•Add reminders to notify oneself
19. 7 primary things
1. Projects List
2. Projects Material
3. Calendar
4. Next Actions List
5. Waiting for list
6. Reference Material
7. Someday Maybe list
23. The Six-Level Model
1. 50,000 + feet: Life
2. 40,000 feet: Three- to five-year visions
3. 30,000 feet: One-to two-year goals
4. 20,000 feet: Areas of responsibility
5. 10,000 feet: Current projects
6. Runway: Current actions
24. 1. Criteria of context
2. Time available
3. Energy available
4. Priority
Four-Criteria Model
Choosing
Actions in the Moment
36. Take Action
Choosing and taking
next actions are
the essence of productivity
Small actions in natural planning
may lead to
significant improvements