The ALPEN method – STP066

Episode 66 - If you struggle to get things from your to-do list actually done, then ALPEN is for you. We have a look at this great method...

Look at all this stuff we covered:

• Why it's different from other to-do list methods
• You don't have to work long hours to be effective
• Professor Lothar J Seiwert - who is he?
• Why we don't like the word 'productivity' (again)
• Two acronyms (depending on your language):
• Activities
• Length
• Plan Buffer
• Establish Priorities
• Note Success
• OR:
• Aufschreiben
• Lange schatzen
• Pufferzeit einplannen
• Entscheidungen Treffen
• Nachkontrolle
• Activities - Get them written down
• Length - Work out how long each one will take
• Plan Buffer - Add in 40% (we tell you why)
• Establish priorities - Decide on which ones you're going to focus on
• Note Success - Review the day and identify what worked well
• The Sydney Opera House planning disaster
• What Helmuth Von Moltke the Elder said
• Reviewing your list every week
• The Two-Minute Rule

Here are the links to the resource where you can find out more:



• OECD stats working hours across the world
• How to prioritise
• Episode 7 - Habits and the Write Stuff (featuring Eisenhower Matrix)
• Professor Lothar J Seiwert talking about what he does
• Find out more about Lothar J Seiwert
• Yodelling: Astounded Christopher J Astbury Switzerland