Clutter of Writing Things Down

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Started 3 months ago by brw
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brw
Member

I have (what I think) is a unique problem of writing things down and making lists. I use many different papers (looseleaf, blank white, spiral notebook, 3-ring binders, post its, 3x5 cards, etc).

I end up writing things in different places, then I'll decide to just use one, and transcribe everything from one to the other, then I'm at work and don't have my notebook or 3-ring binder with me, so I use lined paper to make the day's notes, or to-do list....then sometimes when I get home, I don't even take out the paper to utilize the lists, thoughts, etc.

I've tried online, using email, organizers, and nothing seems to work....I have an iphone, and have tried the to-do sites that even have iphone apps....

I always say I'm a highly organized person on the inside, but outwardly when it comes to this type of paper clutter, I cannot seem to tackle it....

I will add that while some of the things get done, most don't...my lists include everything from what I need to do today, to things that I am thinking about doing, random thoughts, etc...

Then there's the bills and other paperwork.....

Anyone else have these experiences? Or have you found a solution?

Tired of it!! ;-)

Posted 3 months ago #
brw
Member

Wow, how timely...just saw a new post on the homepage about to do lists....LOL

Posted 3 months ago #
PJ Doland
Forum Admin

For some people, paper is more convenient than using a smartphone or PDA. At very least, it's usually a faster way of doing things.

It sounds like you might want to try using a very small notebook you can keep in a pocket, so you have it with you at all times. If it's always on your person, you'll be more inclined to use one single respository for information.

Posted 3 months ago #
Pawn
Member

Sounds like David Allen's Getting Things Done would work for you. His system includes all kinds of lists, like the ones you describe, but he goes a bit further and shows ways of keeping track of all the lists and making sure things actually get done. When you Google 'GTD' you'll find a lot of info. I have his book, which is called 'Getting Things Done' and it has really helped me with all my lists.

His philosophy is basically that you need to get things out of your brain, so that you don't need brain-power to remember everything, and put things into a system of lists that get reviewed regularly. That way your brain is empty for other things, rather than trying to remember everything, and the things that need to get done actually get done.

Posted 3 months ago #
finney1
Member

I use a 5"x10" zippered pouch that I received as a gift (it actually comes from Expedia.com). I've quit using so many post-its; instead, I tear up all used 8x11 paper into scratch paper (approx 4"x5" size) and keep piles of them around the house and work. I write all my notes on them. Each day they travel with me in this pouch...to work and to home. Each time I need to remember something, I write it on a piece of scratch paper, put it in the pouch. When I get to work, I look at all and take out those that belong to work...at home, I do the same. When both sides have been used, I recycle. At work and home, I have designated places for these notes. Because they are small, I can carry them in a pocket around home. At work, I clip them to a small notebook that goes with me around work. It works well for me.

Posted 3 months ago #
Claycat
Member

Paper clutter is my biggest problem. Thanks for the ideas you all have posted!

Posted 3 months ago #
jennybug
Member

I have this same problem! Specifically, I adore notebooks. I can hardly resist passing up a good-looking notebook or blank book, and because people know about my "obsession," I frequently receive them as gifts. I have separate notebooks for business projects, creative writing (general), creative writing (specific project), home, garden, and multiple areas of interest: current events, theology, etc.

Part of the problem is that I'm a voracious reader but I don't have a very strong memory, so I take notes constantly to help me remember what I've read.

Needless to say, the notebooks are piling up. At least they are sort of pretty!

On a tangential note, does anyone else find that their pulse quickens and their heart beats faster in stationery and office supply stores? :-)

Posted 3 months ago #
Brian Kieffer
Forum Admin

@jennybug,

I know how you feel. I spent the better part of two years trying to find the perfect pen/pencil and stationary combination. I have literally a drawer full of various pens and pencils, and until recently I had two full bankers boxes of notebooks, journals, and sketchbooks.

Fortunately, I found a combination that works really well for me. So I sold all the unused notebooks at a garage sale. The pens are next.

I haven't bought a pen or notebook in a few months.

Posted 3 months ago #
jennybug
Member

Brian, may I ask what that perfect combination was for you?

Posted 3 months ago #
Brian Kieffer
Forum Admin

For general purpose writing, notetaking, etc I like:

Pen: Pilot Custom 74 fountain pen with Noodler's ink
Pencil: Rotring 800 2.0mm with Hi-Uni leads

Quick notes: 3x5 cards
Idea journal: Large Moleskine

Posted 3 months ago #
rainwalker78
Member

@brw I also feel your pain. For me, pen and paper never worked because I wouldn't always carry a notebook around. Having an iPhone has really helped me because I already carry that, and I started building habits of using it. Not where I want to be yet, but I have made significant progress. I may be wrong, but perhaps you are giving up too easy. It takes time to build new habits. give yourself a month or so of trying something before giving up. I will second the thought about trying GTD.

Posted 3 months ago #
EraserGirl
Member

Can we all agree brw is NOT ALONE. i don't think any of us suffer from unique problems. Used to be i'd walk around with a sheaf of papers in my purse each with different information i needed to have with me. I tried pdas and phones and every type of note book, all failed. Only I have recently found one particular type of Moleskin datebook that helps me keep all my notes in one place..if i print it out, I can slide it into the notebook and when i have time i transpose it or cut and paste it in. but usually by then i can throw the note away.

The only overarching advice I can give is, carry a note book and force yourself to put all your data in one place. It's damn hard but worth it.

Posted 3 months ago #
brw
Member

Wow! These are some great posts...and great ideas.

I don't feel so alone now!

I'm trying Evernote (which I already had an account, but didn't realize there was a Mac computer application, web app, and iphone app.) I thought it was only a web app - so the syncing to my iphone at least will keep multiple lists in one place.

I actually read GTD when it first came out (and wasn't popular yet). I totally agree with getting it out of your head, but once it was out of my head, it wasn't organized, so it re-populated in my head! And I would write it down again, then at some point find the older note/list that had the current items on it as well! It's been a vicious cycle.

One thing I really *love* is writing things down on paper, so I am going to continue to do that, but not sure just yet how to manage the paper....I don't like very small notebooks, and love to write on a full page of paper...I can scan them to Evernote I guess.

I think maybe the moleskin and a nice writing instrument and forcing myself to write everything down in one place is what I will try....that along with the Evernote - so I have a little bit of the writing and also the technology I love as well!! I'm a computer geek, too!

@erasergirl - what moleskin are you using? and when you say you print out, are you using a web app for that or just printing out a list/email, etc.?

Posted 3 months ago #
uvahoo
Member

Not sure if anyone addressed one of the real problems that brw mentioned, the "review" part. This is something I have struggled with. You really, really have to work on the habit of actually reviewing your lists. Even if they are all in one place, it won't help a bit if things are written down, but you never review the list. Best thing I ever did to start was just putting time on my calendar to sit down and look at my lists once a week. Then that turns into twice a week, then once a day, etc... Building a new habit takes time and work.

Posted 3 months ago #
Lilliane P
Member

Also a pen freak. Been there with the many lists. Now I use google calendar
and for carry around at all times, the standard National Geographic pocket
planner for to do's for the individual day. Google tasks for ideas of things that might be nice to do in the future, random wishes, brainstorms, etc. I enlarge and print out g tasks regularly. The pocket planner is small so I keep the to do's short, more like quick phrases than long descriptions.

It's hard, I think, to find what works for you especially since it needs to
individually tailored.

Posted 3 months ago #
toberead
Member

One thing that's helpful to me is the ability to see all my lists at once. This is where a lot of online list makers fall down for me, because they only show one list at a time, so it's very hard to see the big picture. I use an online site (http://webtodo.wndmll.com/) that allows me to create several lists on the same page, although I'm sure there are others that work this way. You could do the same thing with a paper list.

I have a list of things to do today, tomorrow, this week, this month and long term, as well as a couple of specific lists for projects I'm working on. Since I can see them all together, I can figure out where to fit longer term goals in with my daily goals, etc.

Posted 3 months ago #
Chichi
Member

This is so me! Paperchase (a really cool stationery shop in the UK) is one of my favourite places. I love carrying around notebooks and at one point I had about three different ones in my handbag, all for different things. But like @brw said you end up having different versions of the same list, in different locations and things don't end up getting done. I do love lists and it does frustrate me that I am an organised person by nature but my outward image does not always reflect that, as I can't find things I have written down.

I've tried to limit myself to just one notebook, where I write everything down and this is getting better. At least I can find things and it helps me to be able to see the 'bigger picture' too. I can also work through things and tick them off.

I tried doing it online or on my blackberry but I like the freedom and convenience of a good old fashioned pen and paper!

Posted 3 months ago #
EraserGirl
Member

Don't get trapped into the "i'm a buying stuff to get organized, so it's not technically clutter" trap. I have had a THING for blank notebooks since i was a kid and if i cleaned my house i'd come up with 8 or 10 of them all unused. The same goes for 'nice' writing implements.. i have a drawer of those. <hangs head in shame> I LOVE stationery stores and always troll the aisles, looking for that PERFECT item. I am not allowed to acquire any more of each until i use up the ones i have.

I use my Moleskine 18-Month Large Soft Cover Weekly Planner daily. http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-18-month-large-soft-cover.html
I use the calendar on the left to track and events and record what i spend on things and when i make payments etc.. and the blank page on the right to make all sorts of notes, names phones, shopping lists, anything i have to write down quickly. (I even use all those extra pages in the front and back to keep running lists..dvds, gifts etc..)

When i print stuff out, i just print a page and shove it in the book. usually maps and directions, emails with contact names and such. bills that i have to hand deliver, get stuffed in there as well. it's not huge to bursting because i pull things out as much as i put things in.

Many people like to get very INVOLVED with their organizer. you can spend a fortune on Rollabinds and Day timers and buy costly proprietary sheets and print them out one and lovingly assemble the binders. I'm not that fascinated with the process. i just want a little book in my bag with all my junk in it.

Posted 3 months ago #
JamieVV
Member

I too suffer from the desire to find the "perfect" way to document, track and maintain the perfect ..I don't know what?? :) I am contiuously trying to perfect the process. I feel some much better that I am not along in my quest!

Posted 3 months ago #
Lilliane P
Member

I also use these, for trip packing lists, etc., any small project. They fit so easily into a wallet or pocket or purse. If you carry a golf pencil (mini sized), it makes it even easier to use. Excellent for notes on the go, capturing any random idea while out, easier, I think, that using a dictation device, plus you can add diagrams, etc.
http://www.pocketmod.com

Posted 3 months ago #

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