3 Different Ways To Organize Your Time and Tasks

Time and task management can be a big drag, especially if your time management tool (read: planner) isn't any fun.  Sure, there are great products out there which are homogenous and very linear, but what if you want something a little outside the box?  I did a little looking, and found a few fun items I think you are going to like.  Take a look - you might just be inspired!

Java Weekly Planner...

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posted on: 3/19/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Organizing Files Your Way

There's a lot of different ways to handle paper in your home office, depending on your personality and your sensory preference.  Reference material is one of the biggest categories of the paper we keep, and includes things like financial statements, insurance, legal and tax records.  Keep in mind that there is only a 20% chance you will ever look at these papers once you file them away, so keep the system as simple as possible.  

How do you pick the right system for you?  If you...

...love to organize: Color coded file folders and numerical lists are your friends.  
Products you might like: Paper Tiger or File Solutions paper filing systems
...

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posted on: 3/12/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Thinking Outside The Scrapbook: Alternative Ways To Keep Your Memories

(photo by desi.italy)


Do you scrap? I don't. Why? It's a big commitment I've chosen not to take on. I am fascinated by it, however, and a close friend has a breathtaking talent for it. I do enjoy cruising the aisles of the craft store scrapbooking section (I use some of those tools for labelling and an occasional greeting card or bookmark). The thought of making ongoing collections of perfectly decorated scrapbook pages is overwhelming to me, and just makes my stomach feel heavy. I can see why craftier, less commitment phobic people are crazy about it. What a great gift for ...

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posted on: 3/5/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Some favorite book quotes

What are your favorite books?  Some people like novels or memoirs.  I happen to like books about organizing or self-improvement.  I like them because I usually pick up a small insight or useful piece of information that improves my life in some way.  I thought I would share a few of my
favorite nuggets of information from my favorite books - some of these are paraphrased, or how I heard them in my head.  :)  

"Organized means you can find what you need in 5 minutes or less."
(Lanna Nakone, "Organizing For Your Brain Type")...

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posted on: 2/20/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Are Your Paper Piles Eating Up Your Free Time?

Have you ever stared at a pile of paper like this?  Have you ever cleaned up a pile of paper like this, only  to discover it has been replaced by another the following week?  Paper is a difficult thing to conquer, and sometimes it can be magnified by small things.  Have you ever thought that your piles of paper are stealing precious time away from you?  In her widely successful book, Time Management From The Inside Out, Julie Morgenstern says that paper clutter is a sign that time management needs improvement.  Can you relate?
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posted on: 2/13/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Magazines: Love Them and Leave Them

Photo by Pedrosimoes7

Do you love magazines?  I know I do!  There is something great and instantly satisfying about
magazines:
 
- new stuff to read every month
- useful tips, because you choose which ones you receive
- short stories, which can be read in one sitting
- beautiful photography
- completely portable
- can be donated to a doctor's office or friend when done so someone else can enjoy it
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posted on: 2/6/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Taking Notes On The Phone

Ring ring....

Do you take notes while you're on the phone?  I am a voracious note taker; it's how I remember things best.  If you're like me, you might be drowning in little notes from voicemail, conference calls or just plain old phone conversations.  Where do you put it all?  One thing you can do is create a Phone Log.  It can be in whatever form you want.  Here's some ideas:
...

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posted on: 1/30/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

O.P.P : Other People's Paper

How do you deal with other's paper?  The #1 question I am asked when I give a talk is, "How do I organize my spouse (or partner, roommate, etc)?"  What do I say?  "Work on yourself."  If you want to take steps to get organized, you've gotta do it for yourself.  Now, that being said, let's talk about some ways you can keep your sanity if you have to deal with Other People's Paper:
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posted on: 1/23/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

A System That's "Good Enough"

I recently heard someone say that neatness doesn't mean organized.  I couldn't agree more.  When I think of neatness, I think of clear countertops and not a shred of paper anywhere to be seen.  This same person said you can be organized without being neat, and even a little messy as long as the mess doesn't get in the way.  So true!  Some of the most organized people I have known are not the neatest people I know.  

Keeping paper under control is one of the biggest reasons clients have called me.  There is so much of it.  Today I want to give you permission to give yourself a break.
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posted on: 1/16/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper

Book of Inspiration

Have you made a New Year's Resolution?  Many of us do at this time of year.  Nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself.  There are a million articles you can Google on the subject (I've written on the subject myself), so I thought I would show you a cute project I found to make keeping all your inspiration together easy fabulous! 
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posted on: 1/9/2008 10:30:00 AM  by Brandie Kajino
category: Paper