Third... They write things down. Organized people make lists and notes, and keep these in one consistent place such as a planner, notebook or calendar. They don't try to remember things in their heads. They let the pen and paper (or the computer) work for them. They reference their lists and notes on a daily basis.
In this day and age there is really no excuse to not write or type things down. We have PDA's, cell phones, Outlook calendar, and not to mention notepads, post it notes, and calendars in all shapes and sizes.
You need to evaluate the best way for you to keep track of appointments, events and the "to-do's".
PDA/Cell phones are a very helpful tool. We almost all have cell phones. If you don't know how to use the calendaring tool, call yourself and leave a message with an important date or item you need to take care of. You could also text yourself a note. When doing this you are able to listen to the message when you have time to write it down. You can also text the person that needs to take care of the "to-do" and let them know to jot it down and that they'll be responsible for that item. I do this to my teenage children all the time. I text and then forget about it, someone else is responsible. The options are numerous using today's technology.
Outlook calendar is a tool that I use consistently. I'm able to sync my PDA/Cell phone to my computer and add new items to my computer and visa verse. When I receive an email with information on an event, appointment, etc... I immediately add it to my outlook calendar. I sync up my computer and cell phone and have all the information at my fingertips. You are also able to send an email appointment to another person letting them know of a calendaring item. In return they can accept that item or email you back with their reply. Endless opportunities!
Now there are some that like the feel of paper and crossing off items on the list. That's just fine! Whatever works best for you, DO IT! Our goal is to write things down and whatever the system is that works...it works! (Even if you live in Microsoft land like I do, I still print out a weekly paper calendar to have on the counter for my kids to look at what is on my weekly agenda. I can also make notes onthis calendar for my to-do's, grocery items I need, etc...)
Purse size calendars or notebooks are great, as long as you don't loose them. I find this is a big excuse for some of my organizing clients. One of them even tied a cute ribbon on the spiral notebook and tied the other end to her purse. Whatever works!
Post it notes can be posted and then removed when that event or to-do is accomplished. Just keep a central place for the post-it's. You could use different color or sizes of post it's for different items. The small post-it's are great to hurry and write something down and then stick it in your calendar.
No matter what form you use the secret to success is consistency and daily review.
In this day and age there is really no excuse to not write or type things down. We have PDA's, cell phones, Outlook calendar, and not to mention notepads, post it notes, and calendars in all shapes and sizes.
You need to evaluate the best way for you to keep track of appointments, events and the "to-do's".
PDA/Cell phones are a very helpful tool. We almost all have cell phones. If you don't know how to use the calendaring tool, call yourself and leave a message with an important date or item you need to take care of. You could also text yourself a note. When doing this you are able to listen to the message when you have time to write it down. You can also text the person that needs to take care of the "to-do" and let them know to jot it down and that they'll be responsible for that item. I do this to my teenage children all the time. I text and then forget about it, someone else is responsible. The options are numerous using today's technology.
Outlook calendar is a tool that I use consistently. I'm able to sync my PDA/Cell phone to my computer and add new items to my computer and visa verse. When I receive an email with information on an event, appointment, etc... I immediately add it to my outlook calendar. I sync up my computer and cell phone and have all the information at my fingertips. You are also able to send an email appointment to another person letting them know of a calendaring item. In return they can accept that item or email you back with their reply. Endless opportunities!
Now there are some that like the feel of paper and crossing off items on the list. That's just fine! Whatever works best for you, DO IT! Our goal is to write things down and whatever the system is that works...it works! (Even if you live in Microsoft land like I do, I still print out a weekly paper calendar to have on the counter for my kids to look at what is on my weekly agenda. I can also make notes onthis calendar for my to-do's, grocery items I need, etc...)
Purse size calendars or notebooks are great, as long as you don't loose them. I find this is a big excuse for some of my organizing clients. One of them even tied a cute ribbon on the spiral notebook and tied the other end to her purse. Whatever works!
Post it notes can be posted and then removed when that event or to-do is accomplished. Just keep a central place for the post-it's. You could use different color or sizes of post it's for different items. The small post-it's are great to hurry and write something down and then stick it in your calendar.
No matter what form you use the secret to success is consistency and daily review.
3 comments:
I need some SERIOUS work on #1 & #2...but you'll be so proud to know that I have #3 DOWN! I sync my yearly calendar on the fridge with my mini calendar in my purse together with a pen or pencil on a regular basis!! yeah me!
Congrats! Now just schedule time in each week or day to do a little sorting, purging and placing! Just tell people you have an appointment with yourself, or your stuff. :-)
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