As stated in the previous buckets post, in chapter 7, David Allen gives a standard process to following when clarifying your stuff on page 143. This is called the workflow diagram.
When first looking at this diagram, it could be overwhelming. However, in previous posts we have talked about every single part of this workflow diagram. Therefore, once the separate concepts are understandable, then this diagram will help to piece everything together. Since all of these concepts were previously explained, enjoy this summary.
- Mind sweep stuff out of your mind
- Capture stuff into in-basket
- Clarify stuff
- If stuff is not actionable, place into appropriate labeled bucket for safe keeping or to be thrown away
- If stuff is actionable decide the next step (If there is more than one action, place into projects bucket)
- If the action is not a project, decide how long it would take to complete
- If the action does not take longer than 2 minutes, complete that action item in that point in time. This will prevent procrastination!
- If the action item does take longer than 2 minutes, place item into appropriate bucket for a later time at which it can or needs to be completed
- All of the bubble ideas represent buckets!
Remember: It is important to mind sweep once a week to clear the mind of new projects and ideas or deadlines. It is important to write things down as soon as it comes to your mind. Your mind was meant to create ideas, not hold them for storage when you have the time to come back to that thought.
To remind you of this process regularly, place diagram on top of desk or in-tray as a reminder!
Seas the Moment 