From the course: Time Management Fundamentals

Getting the most from a notepad

From the course: Time Management Fundamentals

Getting the most from a notepad

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- A notepad is a flexible gathering point you carry at all times, to jot down ideas, notes, and action items. The notepad is unique in that it combines written information with unprocessed action items. There are two main options, digital and paper, choose one or the other. Many tablets or phones allow for handwritten, or quickly typed notes into a notepad app. I currently use a digital notepad on my phone to gather short notes, take pictures, or record voice or written notes to myself. I recommend choosing an app that syncs your phone, computer, and cloud together. Otherwise, you may end up accidentally creating unapproved gathering points. Some of my clients, alternatively prefer the feel of a paper notepad. If you use a padfolio, you can combine your notepad with your portable inbox, and carry both gathering points with you. Others have success with a very small notepad they carry wherever they go. Whatever you choose, only have one active notepad at any time. Keep in mind a few best practices. First, because notepads will often combine information with tasks, be sure to indicate action items by using a symbol of some kind. In my case, I use an open check box, which lets me know that I need to process it. Second, if you're using a paper notepad, get in this habit. Every time you return to your office, rip off all the pages with any notes and put those pages into your physical inbox. This practice reduces switch tasking, and ensures you don't miss action items. Last, after you process action items from note pages, archive them if they have any useful information. This is true for both paper and digital notes. Take a moment now to decide what kind of notepad gathering point you'll use.

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