From conscious assumption to ACT#

Once you trigger to ACT on an assumption, use the mnemonic to verify your assumption. Remembering that ACT stands for “Assumption, Contingency and Test,” here are the three steps:

    1. Assumption: When you trigger yourself with ACT, follow the assumption with a statement like “that’s an assumption, so I ACT on it!” This helps confirm in your mind that it is an assumption and so it’s open to question.

    2. Contingency: What is the impact if the assumption proves wrong? What could you do to either reduce or deal with the impact? To work these out, try to think of the top two or three “worst case” scenarios. If they are significant, like running out of fuel, spend more time here. You should also pay more attention to the “Test” step next. If the worst case is that you are going to be ten minutes late, you may not need to worry too much about contingencies and testing.

    3. Test: What are one or two tests you could do now, or at some point in the future, that could prove your assumption was correct? You can use these tests as decision points where you may choose to use a contingency plan.

Backward Triggers Example Forward