Making the most with tools you already have.
Late last night I finished my email newsletter on the topic of creating simple digital notebooks in Microsoft Word. A digital notebook is a digital "dumping ground" for information. You type notes into it, you cut and paste information from emails or websites, etc. I am not going into all of the details here. You can read more about it in my newsletter at http://tinyurl.com/d2ymxk.
While there are special software programs that are specifically for keeping digital notes and information, I wanted to point out that sometimes the best tools are right at our fingertips already. Sure, the other programs probably do it better, but you must consider the cost, time for installation, learning how to use them, keeping them up-to-date, etc when you decide to bring them into your life. I think we are a society that purchases the latest tool or gadget to accomplish a specific task, before investigating if we already own a tool that will meet our needs. Alton Brown, the adventurous chef from the Food Network, calls them "uni-taskers" in the cooking world. Objects that perform a single function. Many times, you can find one object that will do multiple tasks. That would be a "multi-tasker.
As an Organizing Consultant, I help people see that sometimes "less is more". It is much more valuable to have a tool that can serve multiple purposes than to have a bunch of tools that each do a specific thing. This applies to tools you use in all areas of your life, including the software on your computer.
So here is my thought for the day. When deciding to acquire a new tool, stop and ask yourself if the function can be performed by something you may already have. Also consider if you are using the tools you already have to their maximum potential? You should consider investing a little time and training into learning how to use your tools effectively. While it may not be as "slick", it will save you time and money in the long run.
I think the current ecomonic situation is forcing us all to rethink the purchases we make. We have a choice to acquire more "stuff" of we can make do with what we have.
I would love to hear your thoughts about how you feel about "uni-taskers" and if you have found clever uses for common tools. If you are interested in learning about simple digital notebooks, please read the recent newsletter.
Happy "Multi-Tasking"!
Tamara
While there are special software programs that are specifically for keeping digital notes and information, I wanted to point out that sometimes the best tools are right at our fingertips already. Sure, the other programs probably do it better, but you must consider the cost, time for installation, learning how to use them, keeping them up-to-date, etc when you decide to bring them into your life. I think we are a society that purchases the latest tool or gadget to accomplish a specific task, before investigating if we already own a tool that will meet our needs. Alton Brown, the adventurous chef from the Food Network, calls them "uni-taskers" in the cooking world. Objects that perform a single function. Many times, you can find one object that will do multiple tasks. That would be a "multi-tasker.
As an Organizing Consultant, I help people see that sometimes "less is more". It is much more valuable to have a tool that can serve multiple purposes than to have a bunch of tools that each do a specific thing. This applies to tools you use in all areas of your life, including the software on your computer.
So here is my thought for the day. When deciding to acquire a new tool, stop and ask yourself if the function can be performed by something you may already have. Also consider if you are using the tools you already have to their maximum potential? You should consider investing a little time and training into learning how to use your tools effectively. While it may not be as "slick", it will save you time and money in the long run.
I think the current ecomonic situation is forcing us all to rethink the purchases we make. We have a choice to acquire more "stuff" of we can make do with what we have.
I would love to hear your thoughts about how you feel about "uni-taskers" and if you have found clever uses for common tools. If you are interested in learning about simple digital notebooks, please read the recent newsletter.
Happy "Multi-Tasking"!
Tamara
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