How Do You Use Your Tickler File? [Hidden Dragon BizBlog 1.2]
There is a discussion raging at the DavidCo forums regarding the use of the Tickler File. The gist of the thread is pretty simple:
- Do you use a Tickler?
- No, I use a Mac.
- I love the Tickler.
- I can’t get in the habit.
- Yada, yada…
There were no real explanations of how people were systematically using their Ticker Files, which I admit would have been helpful to me a couple of months ago. Once I got in the habit of using the folders, they became indispensable.
In the interest of saving my readers the time of going through all of those posts, here is my GTD Tickler File methodology:
Method 1: Home, where I do have things that are date-specific but will not physically fit into my calendar (which I refuse to stuff with notes and errata). this is a full-on 48 folder system (12 months + 31 days this month + 5 days next month). My wife generally gets the mail, takes what she needs, and puts the rest in the In-box. When I get home from work (later than she does), I zip through the In-box: Tickle the bills for the date of the next Weekly Review, toss the junk, Do what may need to get addressed immediately, and Defer the rest to an appropriate time (usually WR day again).
Simple. Then, each morning, while the coffee is brewing, I check the contents of “today’s” folder, sync with my paper calendar, and get on with my routine. Again, simple.Method 2: Work, where I have much less to Tickle (and a CRM that I must use), I just have a 3-ring binder with tabs labeled for each month and 1-31 in the appropriate month’s section. There is one sheet of blank, 3-hole punched paper for each day, and I just write down (or punch and insert) whatever might need to be tickled. Most if my work activities go into the CRM and I get an automatic reminder when they are due.
I have found the 48 folders to be invaluable. There is a complete description of my GTD hardware here, and my method for the Weekly Review here (including downloads of Review Checklists).
How do you use your Tickler File, and how did you make it a habit?
Original post here: Stephen
Comments: