Barb
0
First, I'd like to say that this new feature is terrific! The Coaches really have a good grasp of what it takes to make GTD work, down where the rubber meets the road. I have enjoyed all the Forum posts from Coaches too--that's you, Kelly--but it's especially nice now to have a regular feature.
Secondly, I'd like to comment on Julie's recent post about tickler files. Installing a tickler file was the last piece of GTD I implemented. I resisted doing it for years, for all of the same reasons I've read in the Forum--don't have enough paper items to put in there, I'll forget to look in there, etc. About a year ago, I bought a "Desk File/Sorter", I think made by Meade. It's an expanding file with 1-31 slots, followed by slots with the months of the year. It fits nicely in my large bottom desk drawer, right in front of my project files, and is more compact than a series of 43 folders would be. I use it to hold bills due, travel information, weekly review information, client payments that aggregate until banking day, information about a book I may want to read, saved until I update my reading list on Sundays, etc. It's not unusual for me to look in there and see nothing for a particular day either. Actually, seeing nothing is a bit of a rush!
I remember to look in my tickler file by placing a reminder on a "morning checklist" I have--just to make sure I remember to feed the cats, take my vitamins, do my sit ups, etc. You could also consider adding any weekly or monthly checklists you may have, parking an appropriate reminder perhaps on your calendar. I have a monthly checklist for "personal items"--I take an inventory of shampoo and hair products, makeup I use, and medications I take. I don't like running out of certain things as replenishing them requires either a trip to a salon, a mail order situation, or a trip to a mall.
I'm so glad I finally implemented this piece of GTD. If I'm processing my inbox, it seems at least 2 out of every 10 pieces of paper will end up in there.
To answer the question "where do I buy a desk file/sorter" in advance: they are hard to find. Files with 1-31 OR the names of the month are easy, but the combo file is difficult. I ordered mine through an Amazon 3rd party vendor, but Office Depot will special order it for you. I think I paid around $10.
Secondly, I'd like to comment on Julie's recent post about tickler files. Installing a tickler file was the last piece of GTD I implemented. I resisted doing it for years, for all of the same reasons I've read in the Forum--don't have enough paper items to put in there, I'll forget to look in there, etc. About a year ago, I bought a "Desk File/Sorter", I think made by Meade. It's an expanding file with 1-31 slots, followed by slots with the months of the year. It fits nicely in my large bottom desk drawer, right in front of my project files, and is more compact than a series of 43 folders would be. I use it to hold bills due, travel information, weekly review information, client payments that aggregate until banking day, information about a book I may want to read, saved until I update my reading list on Sundays, etc. It's not unusual for me to look in there and see nothing for a particular day either. Actually, seeing nothing is a bit of a rush!
I remember to look in my tickler file by placing a reminder on a "morning checklist" I have--just to make sure I remember to feed the cats, take my vitamins, do my sit ups, etc. You could also consider adding any weekly or monthly checklists you may have, parking an appropriate reminder perhaps on your calendar. I have a monthly checklist for "personal items"--I take an inventory of shampoo and hair products, makeup I use, and medications I take. I don't like running out of certain things as replenishing them requires either a trip to a salon, a mail order situation, or a trip to a mall.
I'm so glad I finally implemented this piece of GTD. If I'm processing my inbox, it seems at least 2 out of every 10 pieces of paper will end up in there.
To answer the question "where do I buy a desk file/sorter" in advance: they are hard to find. Files with 1-31 OR the names of the month are easy, but the combo file is difficult. I ordered mine through an Amazon 3rd party vendor, but Office Depot will special order it for you. I think I paid around $10.
