How does the CBNAL, Projects, and Routines list all work together?
Projects
Projects have a monthly focus (no more than 7-8 total), and from there, we use our CBNAL to focus on just the next immediate task. During the week, plan when you will focus on project time and accomplish just the very next action of your project. You create a new CBNAL every week.
Project time is definitely dependent on the person. We have some people who only have 20 minutes per week to give to projects. If you are in an extremely busy season in life, it may be advantageous to focus on only 1 or 2 projects at a time, instead of the 7-8 recommendation. Also, if you are really maxed out with your routines at the moment, then keep your projects to a minimum.
If you are struggling to find time for projects, would you have time over the weekend to work on them? Maybe on a Friday evening? Saturday? Sunday afternoon? Maybe these can be better blocks of time for you. The key will be to look at the week ahead and purposefully schedule that time on your calendar for project time. It is then an appointment that you won't let anything else interfere with!
Context Based Next Actions List
The Context Based Next Actions List, or "CBNAL" is used for the very next action item of your current projects. You can also use this for "one-time" tasks, but the key is to use it for things you want to accomplish this week. If something MUST be done today or on a specific day, you can add it to your daily agenda in your planner.
Routines
Everything that recurs can go on your routines and responsibilities list. These are the daily, weekly, monthly, etc, recurring duties of your life.
Adding new routines:
When you begin, start small and simple. Keep it basic. If you aren't sure where to start, simply look back at your day or week and write down the repetitive tasks to begin creating your Routines & Responsibilities List.
Don't expect perfection here... we are all a work in progress! I would leave your list out where you can see it during the day as you get started. Eventually, you will only need to review it. For now, simply focus on the daily items rather than the entire list to avoid overwhelm. In your weekly review, go over your list and see how you are aligning with the routines you have set.
Your routine list will grow and change, but please realize that no one can implement their wishlist of perfect routines all at once. We suggest creating a second list that is your "Next In Line" Routines and Responsibilities list. Here you can brainstorm and have a safe place to list new routines you would like to add one day, in addition to your current routines.
It's great to have EVERYTHING outlined, but try to focus on just adding one new routine at a time.
Planner
A planner isn't necessary, but some members find it very useful. It can be used to map out the week ahead so your calendar aligns with not only all of your appointments, but also your project time. You can use time blocks as needed for personal, work, and family routines. You can also use your planner to record any date-specific tasks.