I was thinking about my systems in my office that keep me sane and productive. Sane being the most important!
What makes me crazy is trying to get a lot of different things done at one time (which never works) and realizing later that nothing got done.
The system that keeps me most on track and helps me to get things done on time is my Tickler File. This is an age-old system and it never fails me.
The Tickler File is 31 folders for each day of the month and 12 more folders for each month.
If I want to make sure I get a project done by the 12th, I put my notes for that project in the 10th. On the 10th I pull out my notes and get to work knowing I’ve got plenty of time to get it done.
If it’s something that needs to be done in a future month I put it in that month’s folder and it’s there to remind me when I need it.
I hope this sounds really simple; because it is.
I think that we complicate things way too much now days. We have all of these great electronic devices and apps but do we really use them?
It may be time to go back and make things simple.
A few years ago I wrote an article on how to use the Tickler File System with Action folders. You can access the article here.
What will you tickle today!?
Want to set up the Tickler File System in your office?
You can Google ‘Tickler File’ and find one online or you can get my complete Tickler File System here. My system includes a CD on “How to Get Rid of Your Paper Piles…Once and for All!”
Priceless!