The Sisyphus Comments

Achieving Your Personal Goals – Part II

In Achieving Your Personal Goals – Part I, I mentioned that David Allen’s book “Getting Things Done“ tells you to develop a reliable system for documenting the tasks that you need to complete. This system serves as your to-do list for every aspect of your life. Everything that occupies your attention, regardless of how insignificant it may be, goes on the list including tasks from both your personal and professional life. The key here is to stop trying to remember the things that you need to do and simply record everything.

Sound easy? Well there is one rule you must follow if your new system is going to work. You can only have one personal information management (PIM) system. The nice thing is you get to choose the system that works best for you and there are plenty to choose from, although they generally fall into two categories – electronic or paper.

Regardless of whether you use a Windows, Mac or Linux computer there are numerous personal information management software programs available. Windows users tend to favor Microsoft’s Outlook, as a Mac user, I like Apple’s iCal and for Linux users there is the open source Evolution program. All of these programs can help you get your information and your life under control.

Want something a little more portable, try a handheld PDA (portable digital assistant), like one of the many Palm units. Better yet, think about a “smart phone” device like the RIM Blackberry or Palm Treo. These convergence devices can serve as your telephone, PDA and even your music player. You can still use your computer based PIM software to enter your data at home or at the office then sync it to your PDA or smart phone to take your calendar on the road.

If all this talk about PDAs, Blackberries and Treos has your head spinning, you may want to opt for a paper-based information management system. The only rule here is Post-it notes and napkins are off limits since they tend to disappear too easily. Instead, purchase a spiral-bound notebook or a Day Planner and keep all your notes, to-do lists and telephone messages in it.

The final option is also paper-based but it is a hybrid system since it does involve the use of a computer to produce it. Check out the PocketMod, a new way to keep yourself organized. The PocketMod, lets you carry around your daily notes organized any way you want and then easily transfer them to your PDA or planner. It is actually a small book with templates on each page. These templates, combined with a unique folding style, enable a normal piece of paper to become the ultimate note card. It is actually a paper-based PDA.

Take some time to consider which personal information systems best suits your lifestyle before you decide which system to use. If you decide to go the electronic route, consider purchasing your PDA on-line. You can probably save a few buck if you buy through one of the on-line retailers, particularly around Christmas when most on-line retailers offer free shipping. In fact, you can help support The Sisyphus Comments if you just access Amazon.com by clicking on the link in the right column of the blog. I will get a small stipend and you will get my appreciation.

Well it looks like you have some decisions to make so let’s get busy. If you decide to buy a PDA or a smart phone, do yourself a favor and read the manual. Many PDA owners under utilize their device because they don’t take the time to familiarize themselves with all of the features.

In Part III of this series, we will discuss how you can put your new personal information system to work to help you achieve your personal goals.