Think in Projects » backlog http://www.thinkinprojects.com Life is a project Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:14:29 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Dealing with backlogs the MAD way http://www.thinkinprojects.com/productivity/102/ http://www.thinkinprojects.com/productivity/102/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:30:55 +0000 Rafal http://www.thinkinprojects.com/?p=102 Recently I’ve read a book “Focus: Use the Power of Targeted Thinking to Get More Done” by Jurgen Wolff and came across very interesting approach in dealing with backlogs.
It’s called “MAD” which stands for Massive Action Day. The main idea behind this is that you make your self completely unavailable, set a side a specified amount of time and tasks to work on and don’t stop until the time is up or the tasks are done.
Although I don’t think it’s practical and useful to use it on a daily basis as it can be massive distraction for normal course of the day. Also maintaining this approach for longer periods of time will burn you out. It’s main aim is to let you catch up on things rather than make this a standard process.
How do you start with implementing this? There are three stages of using MAD.

Preparation

  • In this phase you prepare your list of tasks to be completed.
  • Gather necessary tools and materials to work on selected tasks with as little distractions as possible.
  • Decide on the amount of time you want to dedicate to MAD.
  • Tell any one that you’re not available and ensure all means of communicating with are limited only to emergencies.
  • Prepare water and some healthy light snacks available. You won’t be able to keep going once your sugar hits low levels.

Execution

  • Focus on one task at a time and work on it untill completed then move to the next.
  • Avoid jumping from one task to the other.
  • Take breaks every 45 to 90 minutes so your brain can catch a breath and relax for couple minutes.
  • Continue to work on your task until you reach your time limit.

Review

  • Once your time is up review completed work and summarise results.
  • Mark off finished actions and list remaining items.
  • Take a break from any further work by going for walk or meeting with someone ect. Give your body and brain especially some down time.
  • Do anything that allow you to refresh and regenerate after making great effort.
  • Celebrate accomplished actions. Most definitely you’ve completed many items.

If you know and use any other techniques to go through the backlogs please leave the comment below.

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