Jessica Abel uses the phrase “Operating System” to describe the tools you use to review your projects, reflect on your progress and process, and plan your next step.

The “operating system” we use consists of

• A Project Log to monitor your work and record your weekly reflections
• Project and Next Action Lists to review your projects and identify next steps
• A weekly calendar to plan your project week
• A regular “review/reflect/plan” appointment with yourself to set your goals and track your progress

Create a Review/Reflect/Plan Page in your log to summarize what you learn here.

Review

• Remind yourself of your 12 week goals.
• Read over your log from the previous week.
• Scan your previous week’s calendar.
• Check your previous week’s “Weekly Top Three”
• Review your Project and Next Action Lists– Update them
• Look at the month ahead– look at the next month or two
• Look at your weekly grid for the week ahead.  
• Get a sense of your week. Add appointments. You’ll find your priorities easier to choose if you have a sense of the demands on your time

Reflect

Summarize your answers to these questions in your log Update your Project and Next Actions lists as things occur to you.

• What were you able to do this week?
• What may have gotten in the way?
• What behaviors helped you get things done?
• Are there changes you might make next week?
• Are there tasks you need to carry over from the previous week?
• Are there adjustments you need to make?

Plan

• Look over your weekly calendar and be sure to identify all of the times you can’t devote to your project.
• What 12 week goal(s) are your priority this week
• Check your next action lists. What are you “Top Three”? Do you have a task to complete? Or do you have a “process” goal– time spent, for example, on an aspect of the project that is ongoing, like editing pages. Be sure to look at the week ahead and think about what is possible, realistically, given the demands on your time. Consider what kinds of tasks fit the time you have. What tasks require the most concentration? What tasks require very little concentration?
• Make a decision about your week ahead.
• What are you weekly “Top Threes”
• Look at your calendar for the week and identify time– or days– you plan to work. Think about the time you have, as well as the time you need to devote. Try scheduling appointments for your work. Try aligning tasks with days.
• Answer the question, “What behaviors will help you?” What can you do to help facilitate your work this week? Can you anticipate obstacles from last week that you can plan to address? Try leaving the house this week; Be sure to have all materials; take a walk during breaks.) These are reminders to use those behaviors.

Write up your plan in your log.

Post your weekly top threes.