One thing I’ve found for certain, is that if you can’t remember or realize what to do, it won’t get done. OK, this is obvious and simple, but it actually took me some time to actually carry out this simple task of recording thoughts and making lists. Its given me a great sense of accomplishment that would otherwise have slipped through the cracks.
With tons of programs out there, and with every flavor to tickle your fancy, I personally stick with these few free tools, that work for me.
- First and foremost is the most basic pen and paper. Essential for a spur of the moment thought or idea that pops into my head. Write it down. Its your choice, whether or not to go back afterwards, when the time is right and organize the chicken scratch formally into a computer or wherever.
- Going hand in hand with number one, is the online version of a notepad. Google’s latest advancements in Notebook, has integrated it with Google bookmarks and allows you to file and tag for future reference. Though I’m not to fond of having to open a browser every-time i want to jot down a note, I still use Windows notepad and transfer it later to my Google notepad. I know it’s an extra step, but I can’t stand having a re-sized window and Googles’ Notebook Java language start acting funky on me. Aside from its few quirks, I definitely think its worth checking out.
- Another web-based application is the simple to-do list widget that i slap on my iGoogle homepage (which i use to keep my long terms in order), though its functionality is quite limited, unlike my other homepage gadget Web Stickies Mod V3.1 . I like the ease of moving the stickies around and being able to categorize them in areas about the page in similar grouped colors.
- Of course your basic spreadsheet can be a great asset, if your looking to have the freedom to create your own feel and functionality. Although I do use Excel once in a while, my Google Docs folders keep on growing. With the ability to convert back and forth between a few different formats (Excel, PDF, Open Office) it’s my program of choice.
Now this is a pretty generalized post, but gives you a feel at what i work with and use, to make up and organize my lists. Whether they’re lifes’ goals or grocery store prices, putting list making into my daily events has increased my productivity and given me a grasp on what to look forward to.
List’s, do at times, need to be completely thrown out the window, with due cause. Never let them become leashes that squeeze the life out of you and drain your focus. The goal is to incorporate these taksk into the whimsy of life’s spontaneity. If things didn’t bend they would break.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Rick Cockrum // Jan 25, 2008 at 9:24 am
That’s a wonderful line! We forget all to often that the purpose of our lists is to help us to live as we choose, not to do the choosing for us.
2 TJ // Jan 31, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Thanks for the response.
a good point indeed.
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