Today I had the opportunity to speak with a wonderful woman who is on the National Board of Directors for professional organizers. We were talking about their upcoming event where Scott McKain is to be a presenter, and our conversation evolved into an exchange about time management. I explained that because it’s the first day back to work after an extended holiday for many (me included), the phones were ringing non-stop, and all I had really accomplished by 3:00 PM was simply adding more stuff to my ‘to do’ list. She had a suggestion…
She suggested using a tickler system that isn’t computer based. I about 1/2 tuned her out at that point, but kept my ear to the phone as I typed more items on my electronic list. Her suggestion was that I instead use REAL folders with REAL paper inside, and prepare for tomorrow at the end of today. I listened closer and I have to admit it made sense. I’ll do about anything to shorten my work day, and I figure that when my folder is empty — even if it’s early — then I can quit for that day, and prepare my folder for tomorrow.
What’s in front of you and at your fingertips isn’t going to get overlooked. If I’m sick or having a bad day, I can open my folder, prioritize my work and shift those items that don’t need immediate attention to the next day’s folder. If I need Wednesday off, I simply pull those items to the folder for either the day before or the day after (or both). If I need to remember to call someone 2 weeks prior to their event next June — I don’t have to worry that I’ll remember to boot up my Daylite program or that I’ll overlook my ‘note to self’.
Now I absolutely don’t think that just by using this system that I can quit at noon every day, or that the phone will ring at the most opportune moments — but I do think I’ll be more efficient. Time will tell…and I promise to keep you posted. Feel free to try it along with me!