One of the primary ways I have been capturing data into "my system" is using 3 x 5 index cards (sort of Hipster style) and then inputting them if needed into my Moleskine.
This is because I’ve found that a lot of actions I have been grabbing by 3 x 5 cards are done within 24 hours, and then I’d have a lot of not so useful information in my Moleskine if everything went directly in to that. Plus, I like to take time to write nice into the Moleskine so it is readable, so my 3 x 5 cards can be more scribbles.
So, then during my weekly review I decide if the data that is in my Moleskine or 3 x 5 cards not migrated to Moleskine needs to migrate into Microsoft Outlook where I can get to it digitally on my laptop (HP Compaq nw8000) and/or tablet (HP TC1100); and cellphone/pda (Nokia 6630). [Do I need a flow chart or does this make any sense?]
I have a standard personal template that I try to use to help keep me focused vice a blank 3 x 5 index card. Here is a pointer to the Word document template I created to share with others: Download YY_MM-Name_Index_Card.doc (43.5K). It is my goal to print a new one of these very Sunday before the beginning of the work week.
The basic outline is on side one (entitled "<your name> INDEX CARD"):
- Weekly Planning
- To Do List
- Calendar Reference
- Future Schedule
- Contacts
On side two (entitled "Dream, Plan, Organize, Act, Evaluate"):
- Values
- Personal Mission
- Roles
- Long Range Goals
- Inspiration
- Notes/References
It would be great to find a good consistent way to get the DIY Planner stuff to print out on 3 x 5 cards but I haven’t had much luck with those.
Also … all this tinkering has been inspired by 43Folders and Getting Things Done (Getting) by David Allen. Both are excellent resources.
NOTE: I print my templates out pretty well (ie. with out many errors) using my trusty home HP LaserJet 5MP. I know other printers could cause problems. Good luck.
Steve Holden's Blog 
Leave a comment