DON’T FORGET ANYTHING EVER AGAIN
WHAT DO I PUT IN MY SPIRAL NOTEBOOK?
Everything! Actually, it has a system that took a while to figure out (everybody may want to play with different ideas). Mine has three pages that always exist: a long-term to do page, a pending page; and a short term to do. Long term items are things I’d like to get to, but not today, probably not this week, maybe not for a year. Thus, that list continually grows and when it exceeds the page, I rewrite it. (Although I cram in every nook and cranny before I do that.)
Pending is for items I’ve begun to take care of but there’s follow up from someone else. I called the insurance company -- have they gotten back to me on the claim?; Did so & so take care of something that needed taking care of? Did we get the rebate we applied for? Did the mutual fund company set up the account? Did my husband call the accountant? Whatever it is I've started to take care of, but could not complete, goes into pending, which I check at least once a week. When the item is done, I cross it off; when there's been a change, but it’s still pending, I write down the new information. When it’s pending longer than I want, I put it on the main to do page.
The main to do page is my life saver. I have basically a “to do” list -- that I look at every day, and rewrite pretty much every day as well. I love starting off my day knowing what MUST be done, what I’d like to get done, and what’s low priority, but probably, if I get to it, I’ll do it. Items that keep getting rewritten may just be in the wrong to do list (i.e. moved to long term) or I may be procrastinating on them. In that event, I try to just get it done and stop avoiding it.
Every time I think of something else I need to do, I write it in my to do list and when I rewrite, I cross out all the stuff that’s either done or been rewritten into my next to do page. I start off keeping that page organized: tasks, errands, phone calls, etc. But, by the end of the day, it tends to be filled in with all the add ons that I’ve accumulated during the day. When I’ve rewritten it for the next day, I rip it out and shred it regardless of how much (or how little) I actually completed.
I also use the spiral book to jot down everything I'd like to remember -- the name of a stock or a book or a web site. Maybe a password on some new online site I joined. Just everything I don't want to forget. It just saves brain space that is better used elsewhere. On the other hand, it creates a very important habit: carrying the notebook and writing everything down. I am far more productive than I ever was and I spend a lot less time trying to remember things I've forgotten.
Compulsive? Maybe -- but, it works for me so well that I just feel like it’s worth the little bit of time it takes organizing and rewriting the notebook pages. Try it -- it will make your life easier. In fact, my daughter tells me she needs something, and I tell her where to put it in the book -- now, I don’t have to think about it until I’m rewriting it and/or doing it. That’s a lot to remove from your mind and helps give you peace of mind..