I moved my tickler file from a box into a 3-ring binder. Consolidating my productivity gear in a focused location helps put my mind at ease by knowing where I can turn to get an overview of my life.

Tickler File Refresh

The Tickler File is set of labeled folders with the intent on holding physical materials (usually papers) for a specific date. People usually have 43 folders, 31 for the maximum days in a month, and an additional 12 (31+12=43) for the 12 months in a year.

My main method to boost my productivity is a Hipster PDA with custom index cards that I change every day. The tickler file works well with this system because the tickler file provides me with exactly the cards I need to put in my Hipster PDA for the day.

My Changes

I kept my tickler file in box I bought at my local office supply store, but found that using it was mentally draining. The box was way too big for just 43 folders, I had to find a space with easy access, and it wasn’t mobile like my Hipster PDA. It just didn’t fit with my other stuff, so I had to worry about it in the back of my mind.

I recently started using a 3-ring binder to hold my daily re-focus form. I have also been using it to keep my master list of action items. Using the 3-ring binder to hold my long-term productivity forms has been helpful because it provides a convenient place to view an outlook of my life.

Since I’m using the 3-ring binder for items that last longer than a day, I thought it would be a good place to store my tickler file. I have 7 pages of 6 pockets per page (3 per side). There are 31 numbered pockets for the days in the month and 11 blank pockets for the months.

The reasoning behind 11 month pockets was that was all that would fit evenly on the 7 pages, but it actually works out well. I consider pockets 1-31 as the “active month”, which leaves 11 “inactive months” for the other pockets. I’ll probably get some paper clips and label them for the months, so I can rotate them as the months change.

* You can learn how to make the 3-ring binder tickler file here.

Old Templates

Some people requested the templates to my old forms, so here they are:

• Daily Plan: This has my old concept of doing 3 things that are annoying you (and draining your focus) and 3 things that will make your life better. The codes next to each line (p1, n2, etc) are for the next form.
• Daily Schedule: This form is to schedule time to do the things in the daily plan and record what you actually did. The first column is 12 hour markers from 10AM to 10PM. Next you will notice two column of bubbles.

  The first one (the fat one) is used to indicate when you intend on doing the actions in the daily plan. Mark off the ends with a line and write the action item code in between. Finally, use the second column of bubbles to indicate what you actually did and use the space to the right to give details about it.

• Routine: A big waste to productivity is thinking about when you should do things that come up periodically (like cleaning the house, washing the car, etc). This form allows you to schedule when you will do them, so you don’t have to worry about when to do them. You can break down really big tasks and spread them out (like wash the outside of the car in week 2 and clean the inside in week 4). Using the cards is also useful spreading the load of all your routines throughout the month.
• Notes: I am often day dreaming when I am driving or ideas get triggered when I’m doing stuff, so having a few cards dedicated to taking notes is very useful for me.

Download the Old Templates (PNG)