Aloia’s Mental Spaciality Tool for Elevated Reflexive Design and Augmented Management (AMSTERDAM)

Developed & Designed: June 2021

The contents and creative works displayed herein are owned and free to distribute solely by Dr. Adri-Anna Aloia. This is a statement of intellectual property and ownership. Distribution and display of creative works related to the designed AMSTERDAM tool is prohibited without direct consent of owner, detailed herein. Appropriate citing and crediting to the owner and designer required.

 

AMSTERDAM is meant to serve as a task optimization and self-management tool for which the user allows for active reflection and reflexive facilitation through consideration of task weight. This tool acts as a higher thinking planning tool and is recommended to use on a monthly basis. The tool consists of three steps.

 

STEP 1:

First is to create a mind map/concept map on a given sheet of paper or physical space. It is essential to utilize a physical space for the purposes of focusing all tasks to fit within the space as the use develops the map itself. It is recommended that the user places in the middle of the concept map a word that embodies their goal for that month or purpose of use of this tool. Alternatively, the user may use the central node as their name. In doing so, all tasks and relationships are directly related to the user.

From the node, branches will be placed outward based on structural organizations, institutions and overarching topics (such as "health") related to the user’s current activities. From these nodes branches of tasks, duties, reminders, important dates and intended goals to complete will be listed accordingly. It is encouraged that important dates associated with items listed are annotated accordingly.

 

STEP 2:

The second step urges the user to step back from the piece of paper or physical medium used. The user must then ask themselves the following

1. Where is my mental capacity concentrated on? This will be represented in the amount of space for which certain tasks are annotated. This is crucial as the paper or physical space used represents the overall mental capacity/energy the user embodies. The more cluttered or pushed the map seems, the more obsession, stress and distress may be associated with the tasks listed. This may adhere to the amount of time the user devotes to such tasks or perceives that they need to attend to intend to devote to the annotated tasks.

2. What is lacking? This will be visible in the comparison of the overall map to the concentrated area acknowledged in the prior question.

3. Am I balanced or can I improve my balance? This calls on the user to not only acknowledge their need for equitable and deserved balance in their life as well as challenging them to actively put in practice to balance their energy and mental capacity.

    

 

STEP 3:

The third step requires the user to take a different colour of annotation tool (for example a different coloured pen) for which they will edit their concept map based on priority of tasks to focus on within that month suggested by the central node. Annotation by encircling or highlighting a task is recommended to denote prioritization of the task. Annotation by crossing out the task denotes lack of prioritization currently or the wish to eliminate from duties within the time period. Employment of the Eisenhower Matrix¹ in prioritization of tasks allows for a more rigorous assessment of tasks used in conjunction with the Aloia’s Mental Spaciality Tool for Elevated Reflexive Design and Augmented Management (AMSTERDAM). Additionally, the user is recommended to encircle or highlight the general organizational body node which is lacking, as identified in Step 2, for positive intention and passive acknowledgement to work towards self-balance.

 

To be used as a self-management tool, it is encouraged that users keep their physical notes over a 6-month to one year period to further allow for reflection of growth towards their intended sense of balance or better balance. Further organization of tasks may be supported through other tools and mediums, such as daily and monthly calendars, for accountability purposes.

For guided facilitation contact Dr. Adri-Anna Aloia at founder@foundationofimg.org.

 

 

1. Center of Self Determination Theory, 2022. Theory Overview. Accessible from: https://selfdeterminationtheory.org/theory/