Get Everything Done

I realize most folks are pursueing a no list method. However I am trying a way to impliment FV in a different way. In other words: instead of changing the operation of FV, I'm changing how I use it. Kind of like not filing down a hammer to try to fit a screw, rather using the hammer to hit something.

First, let me explain my concerns and what I'm trying to do:
I worry constantly that some upcoming calendar item will "sneak up" on me and I will not have adequetly prepared for it. This is a concern because many of these calendar items require me to spend 10 to 20 hours of preparation.
Of course, I want to be able to take care of all those little tasks as well.

It hit me awhile ago that rather than modifying the internal aspects of a system, I might find success by using the system in a different way. Let me explain:

I have been entering all events on my calendar. If there is no preparation involved (ie I only have to show up), then that's it.
However if there is preparation needed I then mark (***) the calendar item with some mark. This alerts me to plan and prepare.

For example: ***prepare presentation
On my task list, I then write: ***(date it's due) prepare presentation. Research topic
I do this for every item on my calendar which has preparation involved.

Okay, now comes the part where I'm using FV in a different manner:
I now have a task list that contains both calendar prep items as well as non-date specific items (ie talk with wife about xx)
I review my calendar to remind myself of upcoming events. Then I mark my list (FV style) with items I'd like to do over the next week or so. My question is "over the next week, what do I want to do?"
This tends to create a chain of fairly large size.

This chain/list is then used for daily use. However, I only create a chain from this chain/list once per day.

If something urgent comes up, I just add it to the daily list.

The attempt is to use FV to funnel my longer list. This is done on a weekly basis and then on a daily basis. This way I can breathe easier knowing that I have identified the things I need to work on over the next few days, and the items I've selected for today are in-line with my short term weekly obligations.

Tommy, I think your system is now basically very close to traditional Covey system - select weekly tasks from master tasklist and big rocks, then every day select daily tasks from weekly tasks. The main difference is order of tasks - which stays solid/unchanged in your case.

I do not mean it as negative comment (I myself use Covey approach a lot)- for me it is interesting observation that FV can be merged with Covey in this way...

Wow. This is brilliant. I have been searching about superior qualities of FV which I assumed I might have missed.. Particularly not loosing focus on long range horizon / big rocks.
I'm going to give it a try