Action Log

Action Log is a self-management tool and accompanying instructional content created by Li Jian, founder of Five Management and an entrepreneur. It was published by Tongji University Electronic Audio-Visual Press in December 2007. The work grew out of Li Jian's management practice while founding Fengchi Media and serving as president of TOM Outdoor Media Group, and was continually revised based on feedback from many users. Its aim is to bring 'the self-management methods of highly effective people' into the daily actions of all 365 days of the year. The work is structured around 'Five Management,' divided into five modules: mindset management, goal management, time management, learning management, and action management. Mindset is examined through specific scoring dimensions such as seriousness, speed, keeping promises, ensuring tasks are completed, optimism, confidence, and never making excuses. Goals are broken down level by level through a life blueprint, annual goals, monthly goals, weekly goals, and daily goals. Time is managed through methods such as putting first things first, task lists, checking and tracking, and eliminating procrastination. Learning becomes a daily habit. Finally, the work concludes with methods for activating sources of action, rules of action, and sustained persistence, addressing the problem of 'knowing what to do but being unable to do it.' The work includes instructional audio and video plus a physical logbook. Readers can first learn the methods, then fill in records daily and weekly, examining themselves against goals, process, and results. It is more a reusable tool than a book to be read once.