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I’ve used a Franklin Covey since Jan. 2007, before that I used Palm software (2002-Dec 2006). I wasted several trees printing off paper calendars when I needed to write, the stylus drove me up the wall. Previous to that there were school agendas (mid-1980s through 2002), it’s really not been that long since school let out for me. I’ve long since outgrown the computerized calendars because computers become distracting. I turn it on to check the list and get distracted by email, web, games, etc.
The Cons
The Palm didn’t hold a charge, the software was great, but only when used on the desktop/laptop. Entering appts into the Palm was painful.
The school agenda runs Aug/Sept. through the next calendar year Aug/Sept or Dec, which is just not practical for my place in life, I’d prefer Jan-Dec.
I’m frankly done spending $30 and up for a calendar/organizational system that I don’t utilize completely.
After analyzing how I actually use it, I went looking online for other options. What I found was GTD, getting things done. Open your favorite search engine and prepare to lose several hours seeing how it’s meant to be and how others implement it either with paper or electrons. My method of choice is paper, I need it to travel with me. I chose to use a journal that is a bit larger than a pocket-moleskine (recommended in GTD systems), but smaller than my old F-C binder. As this is my first time making my own calendar with list, I’m guessing at what I want most. I chose a journal with 192 ruled pages with a ribbon bookmark and a strap that keeps it closed so the pages don’t get destroyed in my bag, purse, car, where ever. I numbered the odd pages in the upper right corner and divided it as follows:
- pgs. 1-105 contain a calendar with a week per two page spread (each page had 24 lines so I divided each page into 4 sections with 6 lines, Sun starts the even page, Wed ends the even page, the odd page houses Thurs through a small notes section) My plan for the notes section is a small place to house tasks until the end of the week where they are processed to the inbox or project list. The ribbon bookmark will bookmark the current week.
- pgs. 106-156 contain my inbox, a list of tasks to be completed, with the current place marked by a movable orange tab on which is written “inbox”
- pgs. 157-166 contain a project list, a series of tasks that need to be accomplished in a given order, with the current place marked by a movable yellow tab on which is written “projects”
- pgs. 167-178 contain a wishlist of things to accomplish someday or possibly not at all, with the current place marked by a movable red tab on which is written “someday/maybe”
- pgs. 179-189 contain notes that need to be somewhere else but this was the only paper I had at the time, with the current place marked by a movable orange tab on which is written “notes”
- Written in the back cover is a weekly review list, forcing me to look at the previous week to see what was accomplished and set realistic goals for the upcoming week. I also plan on looking at the week to come to get a handle on the time available. There are also several extra sticky notes and tabs for use if needed.
While the journal is finished (Oct. 29) and ready to use (theoretically), I deliberately started it on Jan. 1, 2010 so that I would force myself to use up the Franklin-Covey system that I have spent hard-earned money keeping current. I have a box in my office area for the binder once the new year arrives. If this system doesn’t work, I know where the binder is and will pick it back up if needed.
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