In Search For The Perfect Planner

If you are into everything digital you may skip reading this post. But if you love the smell and feel of paper....welcome aboard.


It is not a matter of getting on top of things but getting to the bottom of things when it comes to our to do list.


I have finally settled on using a stack of white index cards binded with a clip (as  shown here). I have tried using the run of the mill planners and personal organisers sold at local bookstores but none suited to my tastes. They are expensive and not so convenient to use.


Here's why i like using this simple stack of white index cards and binding clip other than the reason, that most techies in Silicon Valley use them:


1. It's cheap.


2. After using it, you can easily toss them in the trash and simply replace it with a fresh stack.

Ideas On How To Use The Index Card System:

1. On the front page write bold letters that say"Capture Tool". This is where you write everything that comes to mind that you think might have significance or importance later on. This might be a business idea, a quotation, a line in a popular movie, conversations you just heard, title of a song or a book, project list,half-finish compositions etc.


2. On the other side or the back part of the stack write boldly the words "Next Action List".This is where you write priorities or emergency list, items that needs to be done immediately. For example: pay electric bills, replace leaky faucet, finish writing last chapter, submit reports etc.


3. Use colored index card if you want to list a set of activities that you need to do on a regular basis like your weight training schedule and exercises, weekly chores, monthly reports.


It is that simple isn't it? I feel a sense of satisfaction as i cross off items on my to-do-list. I believe the human brain is best reserved for creative activities like writing, planning, solving problems etc. And not overcrowd your mind with remembering mundane and humdrum details of your day to day routine such as laundry or grocery list because this is what a to-do-list is use for.