Just a quick post to let you know about a new time management system that I have been trying out. As you know, I have been a big follower of GTD for a long time. I see the AutoFocus System as a way to apply many of the same principles while simplifying the process and allowing for intuition. In fact the system is so simple in theory that I almost dismissed it all together until I decided to give it a chance.
The AutoFocus Time Management System was created by a retired author named Mark Forster. He is one of the most creative minds that I have come into contact with in a while. You can find out more about the rules on the blog post called AutoFocus System. I will attempt to describe some of the basic rules here. If you dig into his site you will find several variations to the AutoFocus System as Mark has been very open about sharing his thinking with others. Just recently he stated that after several attempts at improving and revising the AutoFocus System he is going back to his original system because it just works so well for him.
If you want to try the system out, here are the steps to get started:
1. Divide your life into 2 or 3 context. For most people, just separating the personal and professional tasks will be sufficient enough. You will understand better why it is important to do this in just a moment. Do not go beyond 3 context. In other words, GTD would encourage you to have one for errands, one for calls to make, or emails to send. You want to start with the few big categories. The beauty of the AutoFocus system is that there are projects. Everything is a task that pulls you closer to getting everything done.
2. Write a long list of everything that has to be done in a notebook. Each task gets one line and once you reach the bottom of the page, move to the top of the next page and keep writing. Get everything listed and do not worry about giving priority or even categorizing what is being written down.
3. Take the first page and scan through the list of items that needs to be done. The idea is to just get a quick review in your mind of the type of tasks that you need to get done. You are not taking any action yet. Instead, you are just taking a quick evaluation.
4. Select the task that you feel like is ready to be worked on. This is where your intuition gets a chance to participate. I love this about the system because I am naturally not a “high structured” individual and it allows me to enjoy my independence and creativity.
5. Work on the task for as long as you want. If you complete the task, then cross it off and select a new one off the same page. If you have worked the task for as long as you want or you are ready to put your attention on something else, then write that task again at the end of your list and cross it off the original page you are working.
6. Keep working the same page until you feel like you are done working it for now. This is where the momentum really begins to build for me. I have gotten more things crossed of my list in a day then I did in 3 months. There is incredible energy that comes from seeing items crossed off a page.
7. Highlight any items that you are “dismissing” for now. If an item is unable to be worked on or you are not ready to work on it, then mark it with a highlighter. This helps me to mentally remove myself from that item for the time being. It may end up that I really do not need to do that task at all or maybe I need to break the task down and re-write it at the end of the list and re-phrase it in a different way.
8. Move to the next page once your list is either checked off or highlighted. I am motivated to get the page I am working on to as complete as possible so that I can jump to the new page of action items. This helps me to take action on the items whether or not they are big or little tasks. The idea is to just get it done!
9. Once you reach the end of the list, go to the first active page. Once a page is completely crossed out it becomes “closed.” Whenever you reach the end of your list, go back to the first page that still has highlighted items not crossed off. Are they ready to be worked on now? Should you cross off this item all together? This allows you to review these items over and over again until you begin to get some clarity on what you should do.
There is much more that I could share with you about this system, but I will share this with you in future blog posts. Also, as I reach new levels of learning and discoveries I will share those as well.
Here is a quick video of me explaining the steps on a whiteboard.
If you cannot see the video, watch The AutoFocus System directly on YouTube.
Related articles
- How to Improve Focus in 3 Simple Steps (simplelifehabits.com)
- Is Your Time Management Burning You? (timemanagementninja.com)
- Time Management Planning, How To Organize Effectively In Home Business (realgoalgetter.com)
- Getting Things Done Fast (simplelifehabits.com)
- Do Your Best Work (doyourbestwork.net)
