Filofax for GTD: your very own tickler file
(In part one of this series, I discussed my reasons for using a Filofax as my day-to-day tool. In part two, we talked about setting up Filofax-formatted pages to fit the GTD system.)
Today, let’s talk about the tickler file, and how your Filofax can double as a portable tickler.
In theory, the tickler file is a great tool — simply file things away in the folder for the correct date, and then don’t think about it again until the day rolls around.
In practice, though, I’ve found it to be more trouble than it’s worth. One of my core beliefs when it comes to any productivity system is that it must be simple and straightforward. This is why I wasn’t thrilled with Vitalist — too many clicks. Similarly, the tickler file system takes too much stuffing around for me to be bothered with it.
But the idea itself remains an excellent one. Wouldn’t it be great if you could carry a tickler file with you all the time?
The go-anywhere tickler file
In a way, you can! For things like sale reminders, concert tickets, plane tickets, and so on, all you need is some sticky-tape and you’re done.
In the photo above, I have a discount voucher from Herringbone. I know that I’ll be getting another Herringbone shirt next pay-day, and that I would very much like to get an extra $20 off when I do.
So I’ve stuck the voucher on the calendar page for next pay-day. Instant tickler file!
Drawbacks
Obviously this doesn’t scale — bills to be paid, documents to be read, CDs to take on a road trip, and so on, aren’t practical to glue into your calendar.
But this is a mini-hack that’s made using my Filofax to get things done even quicker and more efficient, and for me, that’s enough.
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