I <3 my Moleskine

samantha — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:12:00 -0600

In a previous entry, I discussed my recent acquisition of a moleskine. I've spent a week using it and I've finally got the majority of my 'system' figured out.

I'll post in detail later on, but as of writing, the system is as follows:

I've sectioned off six months worth of pages to use for my 'daily/weekly planner'. I have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday on the left page. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are on the right page. I use the Moleskine's ribbon to keep track of the section I'm at.

After my planner area, I have my 'brain-dump' type section. Anything I think of that I want to do or need to do goes there. I still need to make my context lists, but for now, the ones I think I'll be using are @appointments & calls to make, @home, @errands, @computer, @things to buy. While I haven't completely implemented my context lists yet, what I do each night before bed is look at the big ol' list, pick a few things to get done the next day, and write them in my planner. If I do not get them done, they get moved to the next day.

Speaking of getting moved to the next day, I have to admit - the holiday weekend didn't get a whole lot accomplished. I cooked for the holiday, spent time with M and her family, and then on Saturday, we celebrated her birthday. Today I really just relaxed and spent the day with M and the doggies driving around town.

This week should see a return to the daily productivity that I was starting to experience this last week.

When it comes to productivity and organization, I'm still finding my groove. I know things don't instantaneously improve overnight, but there has been some improvement. Even with tasks that I don't exactly enjoy doing. It seems that when I write them down and pay attention to them, being able to cross them off of my list is very gratifying.

Additionally, I don't feel as stressed out because I'm not trying to remember every minute detail of everything I need and want to do. If I hear a song on the radio and want to find out who it is and whether or not I like their other music, I write them down - that way I'm not trying to force myself to remember. Having a place where I keep all my mental stuff is really nice. I'm hoping that within the next month or two, I'll get more used to the flow of things and be more productive and organized.

As for 'next actions' - I'm trying to use those more with bigger projects that have the potential to get me stressed out. When things are broken down into smaller steps, they just seem to be more doable.

Once I have a flow going and am more settled with my Moleskine layout, I'll post it. However, I have to say. I <3 my Moleskine. I've been using it, I enjoy using it, and I've been sticking with it.

"I <3 my Moleskine" by Samantha

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:13:17 -0600

I don't know if it's normal for everyone, but (twitching) it seems to happen here and there. You should totally hook up with a Moleskine.

"I <3 my Moleskine" by Michael

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:24:57 -0600

Sounds like something I should do. Is it normal to get stressed to the point of insanity?

mindful iterations: I <3 my Moleskine

I <3 my Moleskine

"I <3 my Moleskine" by Samantha

"I <3 my Moleskine" by Michael