Another Old Method For Time Management - Simple and Works Today

Years ago, I found an article about Jane Wesman, a PR Exec.  The article detailed how she managed her time using a simple old school steno notebook.  These notebooks were used wayback for secretaries to use steno, a form of shorthand to listen to their bosses and record the conversations to presumably type up letters and carry out their instructions.  While the art of Stenography is long gone, you can still grab these notebooks at bib box stores.  Unfortunately, the article in inc. is behind a paywall, but my system, which I wrote up as an Ehow article is below. 

Instructions


Things You'll Need:

  • A Steno Notebook
  1. Step 1

    Go to an office supply store or drug store and purchase some Steno Notebooks. These are 6 inches by 9 inches with a spiral binding at the top. They usually have 80 pages and typically each page will have a thin line down the middle. They were popular years ago when secretaries used them to take dictation using shorthand. They are still made and major office supply chain versions can be purchased in packs of 8-12 for under $10.

  2. Step 2

    There are many different time management gurus espousing a variety of systems to manage time, however many of these systems require expensive planners, software or gadgets. Some require many hours of training and some systems in my opinion actually cost more time to implement than they save you.

    The method I am showing you is so simple yet it is effective. It relies on a few simple principals which when practiced consistently will make you more effective.

    The first principal is to write in one place. By following this principal you will not have to hunt around on multiple pads of paper, look for post-it notes all over your desk and look all over your computer for information.

    The second principal is to take good notes and record key conversations.

  3. Step 3

    You will use the Steno Notebook as follows.

    First you will use it to make lists of the things you have to do. You can make daily to do lists, project lists, call lists, lists of items you are waiting for others to get you and any other kind of list you can think of. The key is to put them all in the Steno Notebook so you can easily retrieve them.

  4. Step 4

    Secondly, you will use the Steno Notebook to take notes. The method is recommend is to make your lists from the front page back and to flip the book over and take note using the back page first. This allows you to keep your lists in one direction and your notes in the other. This simple trick allows you to quickly reference the lists and the notes and allow you to use all of the pages.

  5. Step 5

    Remember to use only one Steno Notebook at a time. It is acceptable to use multiple books if you must separate work from home, or if you would like to separate a hobby or business. Just make sure to keep all of the Steno Notebooks handy and review them frequently. While this is not the most complex system, because it is simple and has just as little as one place to look to find your obligations it actually saves time over more complicated time management systems.

    Try it out for thirty days and you may be amazed at how effective this simple system is.

Tips & Warnings
  • Shop around and see where you can get the best deal on Steno Notebooks and be sure to give this system a try.
  • Another simple tip is to use the Steno Notebook going one direction for work and the flip it over and use it the other direction for personal use. This allows you to have everything you need to track in one place.

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