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pjworker
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Joined: 14 May 2008
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 10:53
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Each evening I write a to do list for the next day with priority items going at the top. I also have an ongoing list for things that must be done regularly, if not daily, like website promotion, etc. I seem to be more productive using a real pen and paper list than using software. There's something very satisfying to me to be able to physically cross out which tasks I have completed. Am I alone in this?
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A8ch
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 615
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 12:20 · Edited by: A8ch
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No, you're not alone in this! I like to write things down with pen and paper too!
Even though I save notes, lists, important urls, login information and other important data on my computer hard drive, there is an intimacy I experience when I write things down on paper, especially goals.
I have a different hard cover note book for each website I own, a different color for each site. Some of these note books go back more than 8 years and they contain design sketches, color codes, ideas, goals and resource references. Many lines of text are underlined, yellow highlighted, crossed out, or preceded by an asterisk. Notes are scribbled all over the place; some legible, some not, and many are at odd angles to horizontal.
Often, when I'm having a particularly difficult day and I'm tempted to pull out the little remaining hair I have, it helps me to thumb through these notebooks and SEE the progress I've made.
I can recall exactly what I was feeling (or fearing) on every page I turn to, the obstacles I overcame, the new things I learned. Each notebook is a written record of my education, growth, struggles and accomplishments from the day I decided to learn as much as I could about marketing on the Web.
After such a nostalgic trip, when I return to the present moment, the challenges don't seem as severe anymore. My resolve is bolstered and I feel renewed and ready to keep forging ahead.
Hermas
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Morgana
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Joined: 1 Apr 2008
Posts: 12
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 17:38
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Hi, PJ - I could not make it through the day without my old fashioned to do list! I would be completely lost and wouldn't know what to do next.
I make my to do list (which I call my Ta Da! List) at the end of my work day for the next day, carring forward anything that wasn't completed or needs more attention.
One thing that I do is keep my Ta Da! list resonable and doable to ensure that I can actually complete most of or all of the tasks I set for the day.
Cheers!
Morgana
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westfam11
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Joined: 8 Aug 2007
Posts: 491
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 22:37
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Morgana,
I agree, I could not make it through my day without my old fashioned to do list either!
Whenever I am starting to stress out or have a stressful day most of the time it is because I didn't do a "To Do" list for that day and I am not organized. Making a list of what needs to be done on a daily basis is the best thing I have done for my business, otherwise, I am all over the place.
I usually have two lists. One list of things that need to be done eventually and an everyday list of things that need to be done today. That way I am not overwhelmed and if I do have more time I will go to the "someday list" and do that. But I must admit if it is on
my everyday list it is more likely going to be done than on my someday list.
I have "article marketing" on my someday list, I just can't seem to find the time to learn how to do this. So I think it is time for it to be moved to my "today list" so I will actually make the effort to learn this form of marketing.
Sorry about the rambling but a list is a must for me!
Becky
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pcwork
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Joined: 12 Aug 2006
Posts: 1605
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# Posted: 21 May 2008 23:08 · Edited by: pcwork
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I also make a to do list, but it is a text file
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freecashhappens
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Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 41
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# Posted: 22 May 2008 00:38
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I have just started using a written to do list along with my calender. I have a blackberry, but the calendar and the to do list just help me move along a little better. There is some personal satisfaction in writing something down and then crossing it off..
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jazzfranklin
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Joined: 22 May 2008
Posts: 4
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# Posted: 22 May 2008 08:25
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I use lists all the time, every now and then I collate all my lists of items uncompleted into a mega list of lists. I have recently started using mind-maps as a way of organizing everything. I still use lists but the more I use the mind map techniques for recording information with pen and paper the more it makes sense to me.
What are Mind Maps ? (according to Wikipedia)
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wahdalliance
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Joined: 23 May 2008
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 23 May 2008 11:30
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Hi all,
I agree with you JazzFranklin, as I too use mind maps to keep
myself organized. I at first didnt know what a mind map was,
nor how to even begin to use one. Now I couldn't do anything
without it!
I have a commercial program that I keep on my main machine,
but on my notebook, I use a free mind map software called
FreeMind. You could find that at freemind.sourceforge.net if
anyone is interested.
What I like about the who mind mapping thing is the fact that
once you start using it, you realize that this is really how
your mind operates in the first place. You mind does not
do things in such a static and rigged manner as say a
regular to-do list.
Your mind works with free flowing, organic associations.
I know, I just lost a lot of you on that one  .
Think of it like this. Your mind thinks of one thing, and
from there it branches out to other. Each branch then
in turn could have its own sub-branch to another related
topic. All the while your main topic is in the "center", while
each related idea or subject is a branch off of that one.
If that's still hard to get your mind around, picture a
leave. If you look at any leave, you will see that it has
a central stem. Think of that as your main idea. Now off
of the central stem it branches off into smaller stems,
which you could think of as your related topics to the
main one.
And just like a leave, your mind or organic. If you look
at the leave, the stems are not in a straight rigid line,
but are kinda rounded and curved. Thats how your mind
processes too.
Hope I was able to explain that well enough for you all  .
Like I said, I couldn't do anything now without a mind map.
I just love how fast and easy you can put your thoughts
and ideas together.
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Rob Chrin
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Joined: 20 May 2008
Posts: 14
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# Posted: 23 May 2008 12:02
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I'm one of those people who dislikes pen & paper. For me, electronic all the way.
I use http://www.rememberthemilk.com as my to do list. Great because I can access it from anywhere, even mobile to see my list. Love it
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opendomain
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Joined: 19 Aug 2007
Posts: 535
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# Posted: 23 May 2008 18:19
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Lists are my friends.
Daily lists are a great tool if you stick to them. I have used a list for over 10 years now and it is a goals/guidline list I keep in my wallet.
I refer to this list daily and they are not to do items, but rather goals or important simple things that I see every time I reach into my wallet. I started doing this when I was in college and found it to be a very refreshing thing to do....
1. Be a loving & caring father
2. Be a loving, loyal & caring husband.
3. Be kind to those around you.
4. You don't always know what people are going through.
5. What you want is out there, you simply have to go get it.
6. Don't go to bed angry.
From time to time I'll add something to it or take something away but for the most part this is the list.
It might not seam like much but writting things down HELPS OUT.
A goal not written down must not be worth achieving.
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RayvinAndRob
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Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 195
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# Posted: 23 May 2008 18:28
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To stay organized I use Google Calendar and I recently started Mark Joyner's Simple-Ology Course 101. After I'm finished I plan on doing 102 and 103.
Rob Nyte
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Newbie Shield
Joined: 22 Sep 2007
Posts: 2232
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# Posted: 24 May 2008 09:16
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I like Open's list of six. These are great things to focus on each day and for the compact size (very convenient) of the list, it covers more ground than meets the eye.
For daily lists, I use an over-sized wall calendar. It has huge squares for each day.
In general, I organize things in several digital ways. It usually depends upon the size of the project, the importance, and/or the urgency.
I like to take notes, brainstorm, create unordered lists and ordered lists, use spreadsheets, and proprietary project management tools.
I make extensive use of MS Word, Notepad, and MS Excel. For large projects I sometimes extend my digital tool use to MS Project.
~Newbie Shield~
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CSGWAHM
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Joined: 30 Dec 2006
Posts: 272
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# Posted: 24 May 2008 12:02 · Edited by: CSGWAHM
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I simply can't function without my daily "to do" list. I write EVERYTHING on my calendar, then each evening I take the things written down for the next day and put it on my "to do" list for the next morning and place it on my counter in the kitchen. If it's not on my calendar, it won't get done or doesn't happen. I live by my list and get quite the satisfaction of getting my things done and crossing off the list! I just can't get into doing it electronically, pen and paper is all me.
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freecashhappens
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Joined: 21 Apr 2008
Posts: 41
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# Posted: 24 May 2008 13:00
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Rob Chrin: I'm one of those people who dislikes pen & paper. For me, electronic all the way. I use http://www.rememberthemilk.com as my to do list. Great because I can access it from anywhere, even mobile to see my list. Love it
I am just starting to use this. Thanks Rob!! It's going to cause me to move away from pen and paper!!!
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JeffCasmer
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Joined: 10 May 2006
Posts: 10
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# Posted: 26 May 2008 16:40
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Hi,
Great advice! Before I go to bed at night I list what I want to accomplish the next day. Now what happens is when your brain is starting to relax your focus becomes a little better and you end up coming up with more things to add to your list....
Its a great way to be organized....
Take care
Jeff Casmer
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Freedom
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Joined: 26 May 2008
Posts: 36
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# Posted: 27 May 2008 03:39
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I cant sleep at night unless I do a to do list. I usually keep my Iphone at the side of my bed and as I think of them I put them in my phone so I always remember to complete them.
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cherie27
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Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 676
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# Posted: 7 Jan 2009 07:42
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Whether you are using a daily list on pen and paper or electronic
As long as you are comfortable with it. It is good to stay organised.
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jrlehman
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Joined: 27 Aug 2008
Posts: 19
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# Posted: 10 Jan 2009 11:29
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I seem to get more accomplished when I write stuff down with paper and pen. I like to be able to cross the things I have completed off my list.
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annadenise
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Joined: 9 Mar 2008
Posts: 300
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# Posted: 10 Jan 2009 16:59
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I have to make a list as well. Some things I maintain in folders on my laptop, but I go through plenty of notepads, with written "to do's" for both my home business, and household things I need to get taken care of.
It is very important to have your goals and timeframes for meeting them in writing too. Keep them handy and stay focused. I like meeting or exceeding my goals and love to scratch them off as they are completed!!!
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beginhere
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Joined: 12 Jan 2009
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2009 09:29
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I started using lists several years back. It's not so much of being forgetful, it's distractions. I could put something on the list I need to take with me and oftentimes I would forget it. So I started setting it at the door.
Lists are great for my home biz. Have a 9x6 mead notepad. Everything is in it. When I go out the door it goes right in my purse
Susan
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vividbeauty
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Joined: 5 Feb 2009
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# Posted: 8 Feb 2009 13:45
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To do lists work best for me although I don't always stick to them. If I did I know I would be more efficient.
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dayflyer
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Joined: 11 Feb 2009
Posts: 5
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# Posted: 11 Feb 2009 07:50
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I use Outlook Today - "Tasks" for my to-do list. It sits on my computer all the time and when I think of something I need to do I put it in the tasks, prioritise and put the completion date.
Because it automatically comes on screen at startup it reminds me of the tasks needing doing and also gives me an audible signal of a task that is getting close to its completion date. So I can either do it or reset the completion date depending on the priority of the task.
Once completed, I put a tick in the box at the side of the task and it gets a line put through it - just like crossing off the task on a written list.
For daily activities I use the calander in Outlook Today which means I regularly check every week such things as Google Analytics, Technorati, get information for articles, other blogs, forums, social sites, etc. because each day of the week has specific to-do's on it. This I find keeps me really focused on the business.
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jschuman
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Joined: 21 Jul 2007
Posts: 164
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# Posted: 14 Feb 2009 11:37
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My most productive days are when I write down on a piece of paper a few main things I want to get done. There is something liberating about crossing them off one at a time as I complete them!
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drawnear
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Joined: 17 Apr 2009
Posts: 7
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# Posted: 24 Apr 2009 19:56
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I tried to use outlook for my planner this year and just went out and bought an old fashioned daily planner. It it the only way that works for me. I can't even use a notebook it has to be a planner. I fill notebooks with other stuff that gets confusing. I don't think I will ever be able to do electronic planning
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ZingerBread
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Joined: 25 Apr 2009
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2009 01:44
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Haha..Definitely you are not alone in this..My wall next to my computer desk is full with my sticky notes..Loads of them..
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timhale
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Joined: 4 May 2009
Posts: 40
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# Posted: 14 May 2009 15:07
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Haha...sometimes "old school" is the best school!
Nothing is as simple, or important, as writing down a set of goals and a to-do list to accomplish those goals!
Err...of course, maybe an iPhone app could do it better!? j/k
~Tim
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Michele Pittman
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Joined: 20 May 2009
Posts: 13
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# Posted: 24 May 2009 20:38
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I love writing lists. I have to because if everything were online, I'd need to be reminded to check there! An actual piece of paper stuck somewhere I absolutely can't miss it is highly effective with me. LOL
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franciscojsousa
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Joined: 26 May 2009
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# Posted: 26 May 2009 07:33
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No, you are not alone on that!
That's an effective way to be productive.
Set your goals in a consistent basis and work on it to achieve them.
Plan, Do, Review.
All the best,
Francisco
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AllieKLong
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Joined: 10 Jun 2009
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 10 Jun 2009 03:29
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No, you're not alone! LOL!
I do the exact same thing!
My friends look at me like I'm crazy!
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glindow
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Joined: 5 Sep 2008
Posts: 27
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# Posted: 10 Jun 2009 15:13
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Write something down? On ACTUAL paper, with lines and spiraly wires and ink?... Impossible! Unthinkable! Inconceivable!
But effective just the same. I should probably consider something like that since at this point I really need to make this online business thing work. Unemployment sucks even when you knew it was temporary employment to begin with and not having a car cause you killed it going to your best friends wedding sucks even more because then you can't get to a regular job. I need to start bringing in some income here.
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