The 10 June Economist reports on the information workers’ trend of ‘lifehacking’ in the article, “Reprogram your life”. In covering 43 Folders, a lifehacking site, one of my very favorite tricks turns up:
“Life hacking does not rely on the use of technology for the sake of it, however. Indeed, perhaps Mr. Mann’s greatest claim to fame is the ironically named “Hipster PDA” – a stack of index cards… that is, he contends, superior to an electronic personal organiser.”
Back during the Reagan era, I was inspired to start using index cards by an NPR comedy skit. It had become a personal trademark by the time I got my first Palm Pilot, but I found the heavy, fragile, and bulky device more annoying than helpful so I went back to using index cards.
I buy blank cards and round them off in a corner-rounder so they slip easily into my shirt pocket. My two data-entry devices are a Sharpie marker and a Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen. I write one issue on a card, use it for keeping track of the issue, and pitch it (or file it) when the issue is resolved. I always have blank cards for information sharing or leaving notes.
The name of the NPR skit was “Index Cards At The Summitt”, featuring ‘Ronald Reagan’ recounting how essential his index cards were in his meeting with Gorbachev. I’d have to say that’s the most useful joke I ever heard.
Reagan was, of course, (in)famous for his use of 3×5 cards. I actually got to see them in action when I saw him speak at a luncheon during his “Wilderness Years” between Sacramento and DC.
I do like my PDA though (esp. since it’s combined with my cell phone), but whatever system works for you, work it.
I actually found the index cards to be a fantastic idea, now all you need to do is find a way to interface it with a computer DOF :cheese: .
I actually now use an off-shoot version for myself. I went to Target and bought an ringed notebook that has 200 pages in it and is 5.5 in by 3.5 in. It is a little large but it fits perfectly in a cargo pocket or backpack, and it gives me plenty of space to write anything. I rather enjoy using paper for your thoughts so your mind is less crowded.