A few years ago when my only occupation was genealogy research, I came up with an organization method that worked well for getting the task done. I used yellow pads to keep a research log and notes and tucked the information that I found in the back of the pad for safe keeping. The yellow pages were useful to help me find my notes among the other papers that research has a tendency to collect.
Eventually the yellow pads invaded other parts of my life. They were very useful to keep lists, take notes and such. I keep one with an errands list. Tucked in the back of the pad are the necessary receipts, coupons and such needed to run said errands.
After reading Getting Things Done by David Allen I tried to use the electronic method. It works for my son, but since I don't have an iPhone and don't always have connection on my iPod touch, I just didn't find that it worked well for me. Keeping the paper files diligently labeled with my Brother's labeler has been very successful for me though. My computer case has a pocket designed for keeping files, so it's handy for keeping project files close at hand. But the day to day stuff wasn't happening as efficiently as I had hoped. One day I grabbed a yellow pad. On the left I noted my appointments for a certain time of day. On the right I made of list of the other things that needed to be done. As people talked to me about their needs I made a third list at the bottom of the page. It worked just as well as when I used the method for researching...I was prepared for my appointments, got things done in a sensible method and felt like I wasn't putting out fires all day. When I would run into someone who needed something, I could take a quick look at my list and see how it fit, made myself a note, and the day went much better. I've done this for about a week and have found other benefits. I prefer carrying it to my planner . It only has paper, not important cards, receipts, and identification. When I need to take notes, I'm set. It's yellow, so when I set it down, I can find it easily, especially when I'm working at another person's desk. At the end of the day I have all of the information and notes that I need to complete my paperwork. I love when I've finished everything on a page. I rip it off the pad and joyfully throw it away. Notes that need to be filed away quickly find their place in my file system.
Who would have thought that I could actually find order in this busy life!
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