First Generation

Notes and Checklists

Try to systematically recognize and include the many demands that are made on your time and energy. Having done something you can then scratch it from your to-do-list.

• No priority given to items on the list
• No indication of correlation between items and the ultimate goal
• Tends to be mindlessly reactive to the external.

Second Generation

Calendars and Appointment Books

Take your checklist and attempt to look ahead and schedule the timing of events and activities. The daily work-plan is a key document.

• No prioritization by relating to ultimate goals

• Schedule orientation
• Few significant achievements

Third Generation

Priorities and Plans

You clarify your values so that you have some systematic measure of the urgency and importance of items on your list. This allows you to systematically set goals for the short, medium and long term. This in turn informs what to put where and for how long in your calendar and appointment book.

• Tends to focus on the urgent with an over-scheduled day

• Lends itself to crises management
• No in-built provision for overall balance
• Tends to strain human relationships

Fourth Generation

Relationships and Results

Move the focus from managing things and time towards enhancing relationships and accomplishing results i.e. systematically shift your focus and actions towards that which is important but not urgent. Focus on the bigger picture and the longer term i.e. on opportunities rather than problems. Delegate as much as possible.