Clutter of Writing Things Down

Unclutterer ForumsWelcomeHello!

(40 posts) (32 voices)

Started 2 years ago by brw
Latest reply from nadira
RSS feed for this topic

Overall Rating: 1 vote

Tags:

« Previous 12

Mrs.Mack
Member

I used to do exactly what you're doing now, so you're not alone! :)

For me, a moleskine notebook has really helped. I got a small one (blank/no lines) that I can carry with me everywhere and write general thoughts in it as I go in the front, and to-do items in a list in the back (having them separate helps me not lose track of the stuff I need to do, but having it all in one notebook is convenient).

If I get business cards from people, or I've scribbled a note on another piece of paper that would be difficult to transfer to my book (like a drawing or something), I can put it in the pocket in the back of the book so I don't lose it.

Once in a while I'll flip back through older pages and read what I've written. Pretty interesting!

Posted 2 years ago #
vicmly
Member

Anyone tried autofocus? It's a simple GTDish system that combines all to-dos in one notebook. It's not perfect, but it has reduced my blizzard of separate lists and notes. And I have that GTD confidence that all the things I want and need to do are written down and reviewable.

http://www.markforster.net/autofocus-index/

Posted 2 years ago #
Lori Paximadis
Member

Oh, I have so been there. I still have paper notes *everywhere,* but breaking this bad habit has been a priority for the last several months, and it's getting better.

Before I got my iPhone, which has required some changes in my system that I'll talk about another time, I had settled on a three-place solution:

1. A Moleskine Weekly Notebook (the kind with the week's calendar on the left side of the spread and a blank page on the right) for keeping my schedule and my to-do list. It's rare for me to have more than one or two appointments scheduled on any given day, so the small space dedicated to each day was fine. Notes relating to a certain event or day could go on the bottom of the to-do page.

2. A small notebook for my purse to capture random notes/reminders that I could then transfer to the calendar or act on later as necessary.

3. A spiral notebook for my desk to capture random jottings, notes from meetings, and so on. Pages can be torn out and recycled as they become obsolete, but because the pages are bound together, they can't wander away otherwise. I have a wacky memory in that I can remember that I wrote a particular note about 1/3 of the way back in the lower outside corner of a left-hand page, so this system isn't too onerous for me.

This worked pretty well, although it did have some drawbacks:

- If I was out somewhere and someone wanted to schedule something with me, I didn't have my calendar with me so I couldn't make firm plans on the spot.

- The purse notebook ended up being a bit of a black hole in that things went in but were rarely seen again. (It was, however, very handy to have something available to write on at all times; sometimes just writing it down is enough to make me remember it.)

- If I had to move appointments or to-dos around (a frequent occurrence in the unpredictable world of publishing), it got very messy.

The iPhone has replaced the calendar/to-do list and the purse notebook (although I'm still struggling with coming up with workable systems for those), but I'm still using the sprial notebook and love it. My current favorite is the Sasquatch Idael Book from Carolina Pad for random jottings that don't have to live on my person. And I've moved all the Post-Its out of arm's reach.

Posted 2 years ago #
EraserGirl
Member

I also use a purse notebook..the 3" spiral bound kinda to write notes that i tear off - shopping lists etc.. to me these aren't the same as my Notebook..if i scribble something in it that i need to save, i transcribe it to the Moleskin. But i do carry both, the spiral just fits in my coat pocket better.

Posted 2 years ago #
Julsave
Member

Another one who loves pens and good paper. I love making To-Do lists. Just the act of writing things down seems to make the chores less of a chore. I keep a paper planner (often switch systems mid-year if I get the urge to change). I have a difficult time not buying new notebooks too.

Posted 2 years ago #
kbfenner
Member

Several thoughts:
1. My husband is naturally disorganized and has tried a zillion systems, but the only one that ever worked even a bit is Google calendar, and I think that is just because he wanted to use it--deep down--for some reason. You have to want to use it.
2. I am more naturally organized, but far from perfect. I use scraps of paper for short term grocery-type lists, but longer term----forget about it. I believe it is because I really don't believe in longer term planning deep down; as I get older and wiser, I realize the futility of it. There are too many unknowns and if you are too focused on your plan, you miss opportunities anyway.
3. In the event I do want to keep something, I use nicer things----better pens and a small Moleskine Volant--- so I respect them. You can get great deals on Cross pens at TJ Maxx often, and that is nice enough for me.
4. For scribbling, as in journals and creative writing, to reduce the anxiety about "writing in something 'nice'," I use cheap composition books.

Bottom line: the only thing that will work is what you really want to have work.

Posted 2 years ago #
LauraCore
Member

Like most of you I too am a list making, stationary loving machine. However, I've come up with a system of list making tactics that have served me well.

1. I keep two purses in rotation at all times. One is for work and the other for school. Both contain a small notebook with important information and To Do lists that haven't already been processed.

2. As a gmail fan, naturally, I use the tasks lab. I have made a habit of keeping the tasks bar open with my email so that I can add new lists, edit current lists, or prioritize my tasks quickly. It can also be printed out which is useful for packing for trips. Normally, I transfer tasks from my school notebook to a list on my task lab so that I can have a consistent reminder since I check my email more than I attend classes. It allows me to schedule block my time on google calendar if needed.

And... because I can go list crazy, I have been trying to limit the number of my lists considerably from my old paper model. I try to keep my number of ongoing lists below 5, but this is flexible. Of the five, I always have To Do, Goals, and Shopping. This is helpful in not losing or missing information between the many lists I could possibly make.

3. I journal often and for that I keep a medium sized black hardcover moleskin. I use this for creative work mostly. School notes/research notes are contained in specific spiral notebooks.

4. For longer term plans I create notes on the desktop of my computer. These notes are typically my weekly plans and goals that are loose outlines for my week/month/project. This is helpful when I find myself with loads of free time and need to guilt trip myself back to the library. :)

I have tried Evernote with mixed feelings. While I think that it is good at offering a long term view of plans/tasks. I think the set up is a bit ugly. Also, I find that bookmarking information is easier. However, if I was a bit more mobile with my information and needed it stored online would be a huge selling point. But, until then I have my flash drives and the old fashioned email.

Posted 2 years ago #
rickydig
Member

Wow, this is therapy for me. Terrific comments and ideas. I hadn't thought my paper issues were so common! I have read the whole canon of GTD. But I have an awful tendency to make the same lists over and over -(usually because I can't find the previous ones in my paper clutter).

I am also drawn by the lure of a blank page and the promise of complete order that it offers! In my mind, each new list will be the last and I will triumph at last. I have also tried many electronic organisers, including Omni and Things. They're fine in theory. But somehow I just cannot seem to make them work - out of sight, out of mind perhaps.

But paper multiplicity certainly doesn't work either! And separate lists for different project areas (home/work/personal etc) on separate bits of paper mean that I never inter-relate the lists and just get overwhelmed again. I'm working on using one book to write everything down - just haven't found the right notebook yet!

I agree that the weekly review is crucial - the lists mean nothing without it. It's taken me many years to realise that simplicity is everything and that the simpler the listing process, the more chance there is of actually getting tasks done.

Posted 2 years ago #
Jessiejack
Member

@ Lilliane P- thanks so much for referencing pocketmod.com! I had never seen that and it just might fit my needs. My daily repeating to do list and food diary can fit as well as room for other lists or things to remember. It's the right size for me - thanks

Posted 2 years ago #
PenelopeLovesLists
Member

So good to hear from so many kindred souls!

@jennybug, you say "Does anyone else find that their pulse quickens and their heart beats faster in stationery and office supply stores? :-) " That made me laugh out loud. I know EXACTLY how you feel.

I've always been into writing things down and making lists (in fact, I had to start a whole website about organization obsesson, that's how strong my compulsion is!), it's the only way for me to stay sane with so many little wisps of thoughts.

For me, I mostly use Apple Mail to make these lists and notes. I use the "note" function. That way, all that stuff is with me on my office and home computers, my laptop and my iphone. That's worked really well for me.

Posted 2 years ago #
nellieb
Member

I am a huge listmaker, love having all those items from trivial (take out garbage) to things to do before I die!

After trying all sorts of systems, from elaborate to simple, I learned that simple works best for me.

I carry a notebook with me and use it for everything other than my actual calendar. It's a mid size notebook, spiral bound, and I have a highlighter clipped inside the spirals. It is chronological. I can easily see what items are incomplete as they are not highlighted.

I have a Master To Do list on my computer. Every few months, I look and update it. Most of these are goals that ultimately make it onto my daily lists. I'm not tied to this and it is not something I need to review daily.

The key thing is to keep one notebook with everything in it. If I scribble a note on a post it or scratch pad, I staple or tape it into my notebook.

My only exception to this is when I'm working on the computer and I remember, oh, return books to library tomorrow. I may put it on a post it...and then that goes into the notebook.

My grandfather taught me over 50 years ago that it's best to write your list before going to bed so you can go to sleep with a clear mind. I also keep a pad of paper and pen in my nighstand drawer...just in case I have a late night thought that I wish to record.

Ultimately, I'd like to record everything in my calendar (At a Glance Weekly version, large size). I've attempted this and find there's not enough space for all the list making and notes I create!

Posted 2 years ago #
bandicoot
Member

i work from home, running my small company.
i have an in-tray and another tray for orders.

EVERYTHING goes into the in-tray as soon as it arrives.
if someone calls me, or a thought occurs to me.....i write it on a piece of scrap paper and throw it into the in-tray.
bills...in-tray.
letters to be answered...in-tray.
orders coming in via phone or email....straight to the order tray.

every day, whenever there is a lull....i take the in-tray and i ruthlessly go through everything, one piece at a time and i do whatever needs to be done next to that piece of paper, to move it on.
pay bills and file them.
write up order forms and place in order tray.
return calls.
email.
order stuff.
prepare envelopes and stamps.
file random ideas for upcoming products appropriately.

i've got a fancy smartphone (it's a lot smarter than i am) and i know how to use it...but really, i mainly use it for calender, phone, contacts.
i like having a back up of all those things, just in case.

it's taken me years to get this organised and it really is a matter of having a little bit of discipline every day.
if i left it for several days, it would be a horrible mess, requiring a huge mental effort to get started.
but if i can keep the inboxes small, i am much happier to start on them.
and i am all for keeping things super simple.
my commitments beyond my work are deliberately minimal.

Posted 2 years ago #
Steph in Seattle
Member

Our first purchase with the next raise will be the Droid phones for my husband and I. That will help us stay on track together MUCH better. We already use Google Calendars for our own Gmail addresses to keep track of when we're at work/in class/attending events/etc. I also have mine synced with Outlook so I don't have to open the other program I'm not using at the moment. For tasks, especially recurring ones, I try to use Remember the Milk, which I have synced with my Gmail. I also put reading, shopping, writing and cleaning lists on there.

HOWEVER, I also ADORE paper and notebooks. Since I cannot be at my computer all the time, I don't have a smartphone (yet), and I cannot tell anyone "yes" to an event without confirming on my calendar, I have to manually sync my electronic calendar with my paper one. It works well for things like trips where you just need confirmation codes, not the whole print out, or you have meetings and want to write down the address (being new in Seattle, I rely on GPS a LOT).

I used the 8x11 DayMinder Weekly Professional Appointment Book when my work was all client based and I had to record drive time vs client time. The quarter hours were helpful in giving a visual person like me a picture of a block of time being taken out of my day for various things. Title of event went on first line, arrow drawn to last line of appt, and everything I needed (address, needed items, etc) written on the lines in between.

Now that work is not so client-based, I use the At-A-Glance Outlink Calendar. I can still write all of my to do lists in there that need to be transferred to RTM, and it's designed to work well with Outlook.

Not a perfect system, and I'm definitely looking forward to a smartphone, but it works.

Posted 1 year ago #
Joy
Member

@bandicoot, i love your system and the simplicity. must be ruthless with myself and my papers.

Posted 1 year ago #
trillie
Member

What a great thread! As usual, I sit here and read this and wish that the Unclutterer forums and all you great people had been here a few years ago (when I felt buried under a pile of papers containing to do lists and things to remember and who knows what else)! :o)

Just for the record, I also use (an adapted version of) Autofocus like vicimly, in a Moleskine 1,5 year journal (one page calendar, one page notes). For me, the key was not only to find a system that is compatible with me, but to actually USE it regularly so it becomes less frightening ;o)

For those of you who like simple to do lists and have regular web access, I wanted to share a great free browser-based application, here: http://teuxdeux.com/ It consists of weekdays and a "someday" list, and that's it. They are currently working on an iPhone app, too.

Posted 1 year ago #
cnuland
Member

I've tried numerous ways of keeping lists and never liked any of them overly much. Paper lists eventually get too messy and overloaded with "done" tasks, so then you have to rewrite.

My favorite tool right now is Remember the Milk (http://www.rememberthemilk.com/). I believe they even have an option for the iPhone. I can keep my list online, organize by date or priority, have repeating tasks, etc. Fortunately they don't block this website from work so I can access in both places. I don't have a smart phone and often times I'd think of something I need to handle when I got home.

Posted 1 year ago #
nws2002
Member

I use a composition book for my notes and to do lists at work. Any random scrap of paper (like post-its) are taped into the book if I want to keep them.

I start a new page for each day, and spend the last 15 minutes of my workday writing down my to do list for the next day. I make sure I write down long term projects too, that way they are carried forward from day to day. I keep about a years worth (usually 3 books) in my file cabinet at work in case I need to reference something, after that they are shredded.

Not the most technologically advanced system, but it works for me. I still keep my calendar and contacts synced between Outlook and my iPhone.

Posted 1 year ago #
terriok
Member

"Things" is an awesome organizing application for the Mac. Intuitive with a beautiful interface and reasonably priced.

Anyone know how I get a link in here?

Posted 1 year ago #
trillie
Member

@ terriok, just paste it, like this: http://unclutterer.com/discuss (You don't have to know HTML for the link to show up!) :o)

Posted 1 year ago #
nadira
Member

@brw - I know EXACTLY what you mean!!! I have wandered through Office Max, Staples, etc., etc. looking for the perfect notebook, pen, agenda planner, etc. *My pulse quickens and my heart beats faster in stationery and office supply stores...* I'm a history person, so I get a kick out of making timelines, one for different periods of music in europe, Latin American history, etc... So I need different color pens for different countries. And the paper has to be high enough quality so that the color doesn't run through...
Anyway, I've found that binders work really well for a number of things. My history notes go in different color binders, depending on the period/continent. I keep a hole punch on the desk, and use pads of narrow ruled 20 lb. paper for notes. Then they go in the binder before the next class (so that papers don't fall all over the floor if I drop the folder they are in :-P

I use a 3 3/4" x 6 3/4" notebook for my agenda planner. I can keep current calendars in there, regardless of whether I currently think I need daily/weekly pages, but I always use monthlies.

I then have separate sections to note different types of information: shopping lists, menu plans, and the infamous 'to do'

I've also read GTD, but I've put my different lists in different size notebooks, and depending on whether it is for home, or outside home.
So, I think the best I've come up with yet is to write on the top of each page in my 'to do' section: Errands, Calls, Home (cleaning/fixing/mending), 'At Computer', and 'At Desk' (answering mail/filing/writing).

I've started carrying a small moleskin notebook to write down what I eat, exercise, time of meds, etc.
I also have a 5 x 7 journal where I write down lots of other stuff.

I keep thinking that I really could put everything in one notebook (my agenda planner) but then I can't carry it around everywhere, because it has everything in it :-P

I also got a blackberry a couple of months ago. I can use that when I'm lying down (pens aren't as forgiving), so I also write to dos & to buys in there, with the intention of rewriting them, with varying degrees of success. Also calendar items, because it has the reminder functions. :)

The thing that comes in the handiest on my BB is the memo. I can put in all kinds of random information, because I can search a word anywhere in the title.

But I have to say that any system, no matter what one uses, will work only if one actually LOOKS AT IT! And that's the part I'm working on now...

Nadira

Posted 1 year ago #

« Previous 12

Reply

You must log in to post. If you do not already have an account, you can register here.