How I did it: For grad school, I use a spreadsheet that lists my classes across the top and then each day of the semester down the side. This gives me a grid where I can write in what is due on a particular day for a particular class. It really helps because then I can see everything in advance and see when due dates are coming up so I don't fall behind.

At work, I use the Getting Things Done model put forth by David Allen in his book of the same name. I have a tickler file for each day and month of the year so that I can keep track of what is coming up and so I don't forget about things. I also have a folder for each project that is going on so that I can just grab those folders when it's time to have a meeting about that topic. This is really handy and looks very professional. I take things out of my inbox and if they can be done in less than 2 minutes, I just DO them right away. I have an action file on my desk that lets me organize what all I need to actually do.

This system started working immediately for me, and I love it. It's really changed how I do things. I like to think I was fairly organized before, but I've been so relaxed the past couple of weeks since I started this system.

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Jan 09, 2011, 03:48PM PST | 0 comments | 2 cheers