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Opportunity Knocks - Next Physical Action Lists

23/01/2010

Could 'Next Physical Action Lists' spell the end of wishy-washy commitments and lack of results?  I think they certainly offer us a major step forward.

Next Physical Action Lists are all about living our Carpe Diem philosophy to the full - seizing the moment quickly when it arises.  As a reminder, Next Physical Action Lists contain tangible tasks and actions that are not time or day specific.  (Tasks that are time-sensitive should be in the diary and in the tickler system for the specific date.)  By having situationally specific Next Physical Action Lists, we can seize the moment in seconds when we get discretionary time (eg, when a meeting is cancelled or finishes early.)

Suggested 'situationally specific' Next Physical Action Lists may include

  • Calls to make (but not calls that need to be made on a specific day or at a specific time).  Include the person's number on the list to avoid having to look it up.  You can then get into a flow state and zone your calls.
  • Emails to write, send or respond to
  • Tasks that can only be done at the computer
  • Tasks that can only be done at the office
  • Tasks that can only be done on site
  • Tasks that can only be done at home
  • Shopping lists
  • Other erands and chores
  • Maintenance tasks
  • Routine financial and reporting disciplines

Those of you who have explored Mind Mapping with me will realise that these equate to 'Basic Ordering Ideas'.  I have used the above headings on a master day planner mind map for years, but will be trying these as separate maps or even lists for the next season as I like their 'clear edges'.

Any tasks that are day or time specific should never make it onto these lists but go straight into the diary or tickler system to avoid repetitious listing.  These lists are purely for when discretionary time offers us the opportunity to take a step towards closing another loop, to finishing business.

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