My ultimate tool for free-thought data input, organization and getting things done
So I’ve been going over my methods for organizing my thoughts, all the things I need to do and trying my best to “Empty my head”. For the last 3 years I’ve been fairly successful at this using various methods and trying this technique or that.
In reflection I’ve noticed one tool I’ve used that has stayed constant as a crucial part of my data input, brain dumping and organizational note taker. What is this tool?:
The Post-It Note
Thats right, the time-tested Post-It note. It is an amazingly executed, efficient masterpiece. Thought I must admit, with all the technology, methodologies and hand-held wonders in the world I sometimes think to myself:
“Am I missing out on something? How can this work so well? It’s almost TOO simple… Right? I should be using my PDA… Shouldn’t I?”
But no, it always comes back to one thing: It just works
So here are a few reasons why it works best for me and how I use them:
- Easy Input – I guess the number 1 reason here, its EASY. Write it down and go!
- Easily Noticeable – It’s easy to find with very bright colors. Lets face it, there is a good chance you’re using one to help get organized. With bright colors they’re very easy to find in a cluttered bag or messy desk.
- Rugged – When I say rugged, I do mean you can throw them anywhere but more importantly I don’t feel like I have to handle them with care. Now I think this is an important point, as with PDA’s or other things (even small notepads such as moleskine) I feel as I have to handle them with care because they’re “worth more” or “more delicate”. I find this a barrier to entry and another reason I love Post-It’s, they’re cheap.
- The Stickiness! – It is of course what makes Post-It’s, well, Post-It’s. You can put them anywhere. What I end up doing is making an aciton-list, take it and sticking it on the opposite side of the Post-It pad. So I can start another list if needed. With this, I’m able to keep track of things but not TOO MUCH info at one time. Should I need to, I take it off the back and stick it on my desk or monitor.
- Size – Size matters, they come in very convenient sizes to carry around. I usually have the original 4×3inch size, easy to put in my bag, pants or jacket pocket.
- Satisfaction – I have to admit, there is nothing like just taking a Post-It full of finished actions and RIPPING IT TO SHREDS or CRUSHING IT INTO A LITTLE BALL with my hands and throwing it in the trash. Its an awesome and quite fulfilling experience.
I mainly use them to write down quite thoughts I have, create immediate action lists or to create an action list that I’ll input into my GTD system at a later time.
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Posted on February 27, 2007
Filed Under Business, Business Books, Daily Thoughts, General, Productivity, Ranting, Startup, SugarStats, Tech, Travel, Web
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I'm Marston and here you'll find my rantings, rhetoric and other useful info. I dig tech, photography, quantum physics and organic food. I'm the founder of SugarStats.com and thats my days developing.
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