In high school, I tried a month of using a Day Timer planner. It was nice and I liked the small wirebound planners, but I ended up using a Day Runner planner even though the pages tended to rip out because it only used a three ring binder. In college I went to a Franklin seminar and started using the Franklin system. While the actual pieces of paper weren't too different from what I had used before, the training that went along with it was very valuable. I stuck with the Franklin for about six years, but eventually found that I was at my computer enough I could rely on a digital calendar. My switch to digital was complete when I finally moved to a Blackberry that could sync over the … [Read more...] about My Time Management Organizer History
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Shred Everything
Even before I started my paperless office experiment, I purchased a shredder. The amount of private information on the paper I was throwing out started to concern me when I realized that I had no idea where most of it was going. The novelty of turning every random scrap of paper kept my normal waste basket empty for the first week. After this fascination wore off I started asking myself "Do I really need to shred this?" Surprisingly, most of the time I found it was better to shred pretty much anything that came in the mail. Flyers and other mail that gets sent to everyone is spared from shredding, but most of the junk mail goes into the shredder. Here is some of my reasoning for some … [Read more...] about Shred Everything
Doing it All
Erin over at Unclutterer has a nice piece about how she does everything by cutting down on the things that aren't important. … [Read more...] about Doing it All
Interview: Areas to Stay Low Tech
Everyone uses technology, but I thought it would be interesting to see in what areas people have decided they are better off avoiding technology. So we asked a bunch of bloggers: Are there areas where you have decided it works better to go low tech? (3593) Personally, I have found that I prefer a mechanical watch. I think there is something about having to set it and make sure it is wound that makes me more aware of time and how I spend it. An old-fashion book is still better than an MP3 or a PDF. There's just something inexplainable about holding a good, hard-cover book in your hand. It feels more important. It feels like there's actual knowledge contained within. And … [Read more...] about Interview: Areas to Stay Low Tech
Internet Access
The most important component of my work environment is a connection to the Internet. With a decent connection, I can work from pretty much anywhere in the world. In this post, we are going to look at some of the different technologies used to connect to the Internet and talk a bit about each one's strengths and weaknesses. Cable Modem Cable modems have the capacity to offer extremely high speeds. Usually this is limited by the cable company. In most places, you can get 1Mbps to 10Mbps downloads with .5Mbps to 2Mbps upload speed. Cable modems share the bandwidth with other people on the same cable, so your speeds may be at least partially dependent on what your neighbors are … [Read more...] about Internet Access
Productive Finances Checklist
Here is a checklist for your financial productivity. Most of these things seem minor, but taken together, they really add up and can make a big difference in how efficiently you are using your time and money. Are you using direct deposit for your paychecks? -- If you are still manually carrying a check to the bank or putting it in the mail, stop! Direct deposit will get your money to the bank faster so you start earning interest as soon as possible. Even if it only saves you 5 minutes every two weeks, that is an extra 2 hours each year you can spend on something more important. Is your money in the bank earning at least 4% interest? -- If not, look for a different account. There … [Read more...] about Productive Finances Checklist
Tips for Car Travel
As the summer months approach, I wanted to share some simple tips for traveling by car. We do a lot of travel and these are some of the tips we've found that make our lives easier on the road. Driving into the Light When I was younger I could drive through the night without a problem. Now I find that I get very tired driving past about 10:30pm. Tired enough that it isn't safe. By leaving early in the morning I can drive into the day light. I am much more alert getting up at 2 am and driving until 5 pm than leaving at 10 am and driving until 1 am the next day. Podcasts On a long trip I can make the hours fly by listening to technology podcasts. I feel better traveling when … [Read more...] about Tips for Car Travel
Interview: Productive Time of Day
We interviewed a number of people and asked: What time of day do you feel you are most productive and why? (198) Here are their answers. What about you? Leave your thoughts in the comments. I feel most productive in late morning and early afternoon. My energy peaks at this time of day, and I have found I am able to focus more on important tasks. I am not a morning person, so usually I end up going around in circles or repeating something- basically, wasting my time. Late afternoon, beginning around 3, I begin to get sluggish and often need a nap! It is important to know when your energy level is at its highest and when you are least distractable. That is when you should … [Read more...] about Interview: Productive Time of Day
10 Cell Phone Tips
Cell phones are playing an increasingly important part in most people's lives. Here are 10 things to consider when you get ready to upgrade phones. 1. Connectivity Does the phone connect well with your computer and other devices? Some phones have bluetooth and can keep your address book synchronized every time you come near your computer. Others require a USB connection. Some only have synchronization software that works with particular operating systems. Make sure you know that the device will connect with the things that are important to you before you buy it. 2. Email People are using their phones for email more and more. Make sure you understand not only what the device is … [Read more...] about 10 Cell Phone Tips
Why You Need Personal Capital
I've been exploring several business opportunities recently, so I've been thinking a lot about capital. If we want to do X it will take $1500 of capital. If we want to do Y it will take $4000 of capital. Our options in business greatly depend on the amount of capital we control. Capital represents the ability to do something. Better yet, it creates an option for you to choose a particular path. Without enough capital, that particular path is not available to you. When it comes to our personal performance, capital is an important concept. True, we don't usually call it capital, but if you think in terms of that which gives you options, it functions in the same way. You have to … [Read more...] about Why You Need Personal Capital