If you haven’t read Part 1, click here to read it now.
Managing your tickler file system:
It’s very simple to use and might take a total of 10 seconds if you’re really slow.
It’s not a lot of work. All you have to do is check it first thing in the morning to see what’s in today’s file. If there is something there, take it out and put it in your In box/basket. Then move the current day’s hanging file to the back.
Here’s the process in a nutshell using the example in the picture above:
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First thing in the morning open your tickler file drawer
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Take out any contents in the current day’s file (Jul 13 is the current day in this example)
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Put that content into your In box/basket
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Move the hanging file labeled “13″ to behind the “12″ behind the month “Aug”
Notice that by doing this it’s constantly ‘rolling’ into the future.
If something needs to be filed that is beyond 30 days into the future, write the date on the upper corner of the document(s) and put it/them into the appropriate month (or year). Notice the future months and years in the back of the tickler file system in the above picture. When that month (or year) arrives, take everything out of that file and move it/them into the appropriate days for that month (or appropriate months for that year).
You’ll want to keep the tickler file system within swivel distance (not rolling distance). I keep mine in the large file drawer in my desk so that it’s very close at hand when I’m working.
WARNING: If you don’t keep your tickler file system within swivel distance, you’ll be forced to have to get up to file something/anything. So you’re more likely NOT to file it and instead set it down somewhere “for now,” which starts — or adds to — a pile somewhere, which defeats the purpose of getting and staying organized.
Also, unless you’re willing to commit to being consistent and following through with it, don’t waste your time setting up a tickler file system.
I love my tickler file system. It’s a wonderful tool that has many useful applications. In fact, comment here about what you use it for — or could use it for. I’d love to hear from you.