Check out this spin on Covey’s 4 quadrant approach to prioritisation at sidsavara.com.
par – a – digm: A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline. hack: to cut, notch, slice, chop, or sever (something) with or as with heavy, irregular blows
Archives for the month of: January, 2009
Digital -> paper -> digital -> paper – what will it be? I’ve been down both paths with my “time” management systems. I was initially indoctrinated into the FranklinCovey world in the early 90s. I started with a large portfolio binder. I then tried to transition to a Toshiba TabletPC with the FranklinCovey software integrated into my MS Outlook. Then moved to a SmartPhone and then..well about 2 years ago I came upon David Allen’s book. At this point I had come to the realization that a mostly paper-based system was best for me.The reviews for the book were enthusiastic and the text easy to digest. It made sense to me. That was one of the keys. It was a flexible system with a logical foundation. Ooh..that word – flexible. That’s a good one. That was prime for me. I then started scouring the web to see how other GTD enthusiasts were implementing the system to try and identify something that appealed to me. Here’s what I ended up with and have been using (and tweaking) since:Collection system:
- Cheap 3×5 cards – I have these everywhere. In my pocket, in my car, by my bed, on my desk, in my kitchen. I buy them cheap at the office store. I use cheap ones because I am constantly throwing them out after I’ve processed them.
- Pocket note taker – This doubles as my wallet and notetaker. I use a Levenger Walletini pen given to me as a gift. The wallet was purchased from Staples for $10USD.
- Levenger Circa Notebook – Levenger appealed to me because of the variety of solutions and flexibility allowed with the paper system. I use a Junior notebook with a black cloth cover (got the cover for my birthday recently.) I first purchased the starter kit (only $15USD) and some dividers\pockets. The size is right for me – not too big or too small. [link]
- Pen – I use Pilot G2 gel ink pens. These were highly recommended and are the best disposable pen I’ve ever used. I tend to lose pens and didn’t want to invest in an expensive permanent one.
- Mobile – I use my mobile to leave voicemail for myself when I can’t write something down.
- Lotus Notes – This is my “automatic”work based email inbox. For email and calendar.
- Gmail – This is my “automatic” personal based email inbox. Just for email collection.
- Google Reader – This is my “automatic” inbox for RSS feeds from my favourite blogs, websites, etc.
Organization:
- Tabs in Notebook – I’ve divided my Levenger notebook with the following tabs: Calendar, Notes, @Work, Projects (use colored tabs to separate project docs), Wait4, @Home, Agenda (things I want to talk to people about), @Ref (includes books to read, someday projects, travel packing list.)
- Folders in Lotus Notes – @blog (topics for my blogs), @Reading (email that I need to read but not to “do” anything with), @Waiting (email I’ve sent which requires a response), @Work (things I need to do that came through email), A-Z folders for filing emails that I keep for “reference.”
- Reference Folders – A-Z filing system.
- Lotus Notes Calendar – for actions that take place on a certain date (meetings, bills due, appointments)- that’s all.
Other tools:
- Levenger Circa desk punch – I made the decision to invest in this instead of buying the pre-punched paper from Levenger. I use a heavier weight paper cut in half to fit my Junior notebook. This works great. [link]
- DIYPlanner.com – This is where I get templates for my Circa notebook. They have a great assortment of templates to fit a whole bunch of needs. [link]
- Google Docs- Great tool, great portability and compatibility.
- Label Maker – I use labels for my files to keep things clean. My handwriting is pretty bad. I use a Brother P-Touch PT-80. [link]
I recently attended a service at my place of religious worship. This particular service occurs annually and recreates a New Orleans funeral. The idea behind this is that we are burying 2008 and welcoming 2009. It is a wonderful event with an authentic New Orleans Jazz Band, hundreds of congregants, and a great deal of energy.
While sitting their with my two boys, I was hit with a bit of time-space distortion. It felt to me as only a short time ago since I last sat through this service (which in reality took place a year ago.)
It got me thinking about time and moments. I pictured the two services as two distinct points drawn on a piece of paper. I then mentally drew a line connecting the points. Why in my mind did the two services appear so close together? What about all the other points along that year-long line?
The impact of this was a reminder to pay more attention. To live more in the moment. To stop waiting.
Coincendentally (I think) a blog I read posted this quote soon after: “Stop waiting for happiness. Happiness is right here, right now!”
We are so often focused on the “end” that we miss the importance of the “means.” I for one will be working on creating points along my lifeline.
Moments, memories, and meaning. Happy New Year.
