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… Continue reading

The meaning of the word “productivity” has been undergoing changes lately. What does this mean for the legions of GTDers, technophiles, Moleskine neo-luddites, and everyone else associated with the productivity community? We are in for exciting, but uncertain times.

I had a revelation about the state of “productivity” while jogging around my block today. I am so excited about it that I couldn’t wait to share it, especially with James Mallinson, who seems to think about many of the same questions I have.

Some History: The Rise of Productivity

When I think of productivity, I think back to 2005ish to people, places, and things like: lifehacker.com, The Hipster PDA from Merlin Mann, David Allen’s GTD, and the Printable CEO series from David Seah.

I remember the LifeHacker About Page… Continue reading

Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the most important things for you to do during the day. The Daily Planning 3×5 helps you stay focused by thinking about things beforehand.

I created this card to help me be more intentional in the things I do and to keep focus throughout the day on the things that matter. It is printed on a 3″x5″ index card and is placed in my Moleskine Hipster PDA Case. Using the planning form is pretty easy and has three steps:

Step 1: The Date

Pretty basic. Circle the day of the week to keep track of your cards.

Step 2: Prioritize & Justify

In the Top Priority section, list the top three influential tasks, which you… Continue reading

It isn’t very complicated, but it did take me a few hours to make and a couple trips to the craft store.

You really should only make this, instead of using a Moleskine Pocket, if you need something slim enough to actually fit in your pocket.

Materials

To complete this project, you’ll need the following:

• Moleskine Cahier: You only really need a piece of heavy bond paper if you don’t want to spend the $10 for the Moleskine stamp on the back
• A very thin piece of Birch plywood: I liked the Birch because it was thin and strong, yet flexible not to break when bent a little. I bought mine at the

After the initial amazement of the Moleskine Hipster PDA Case wears off, you may begin to wonder how it actually aids in productivity. Well, here is how I use my Moleskine Hipster PDA Case to assist in my work flow:

The Front (Clipboard)

I use the outside of the case as an improvised clipboard. The elastic band is useful for holding any cards that you may want to look at and/or use and the birch wood core provides an excellent writing surface.

First Spread (Daily Tasks + Time Tracker)

The… Continue reading