Abby Ongyanco-Lim

A day after the General Track Conference last Saturday, November 24, 2007. I started to implement a Personal Productivity workflow.
Here’s my system - I’m using a low-tech version by the way. Anyway, Im just getting used to it. Okay, so here’s goes my system.

I have the following headers

1. INBOX
2. ACTIONS
3. NEXT ACTIONS
4. WAITING
5. SOMEDAY/MAYBE

I jot down everyday that came across my mind into my “INBOX”. After clearing my head, I proceed to sort my “INBOX” by deciding if it can be done ASAP or less than two minutes. If it is, then I will do it right away. If not, I will decide if it will be today. If it is I will put that item into my “ACTION” then crossed out that item from my “INBOX”.

Now, if the item is doable for tomorrow, then I will put that into my “NEXT ACTION” and crossed that item out of my “INBOX”. Next, if that item is not that important but I just don’t want to forget about doing that if I have the time, then I will put that into my “SOMEDAY/MAYBE” lists. Finally, if that item needs a prior output from a person, then I will put that into my “WAITING”. My waiting list reminds me to follow up things that I delegate or actions from other people e.g. email response from a client/friend, text/call from people and etc.

Simple? Well, after a week I find it more and more useful. It give me a clear head and it’s like I am in control of what I’m doing.

Here’s a sample of my paper layout. I always had this bond paper under my keyboard and a pen. This helps me to easily take note of stuff that pop into my head, or instructions from my “BOSS”, or other things that demand my attention. =)

I divide my paper into 3 x 3 sections. First Column will be my Action List, Second Column is divided into three sections my Next Actions, Waiting For and Someday/Maybe List and Third Section will be my Inbox.