Paper *AND* Pixels: Combined Productivity Methods, Already In Place
So, if a combined method digital and hardcopy is the solution, the trick is in how to combine them.
Turns out that I’ve already got one organized and combined system that serves as a great example:
Finances.
- Digital: I use Quicken to keep up with my accounts, but I ignore the automatic statement features. Entering the individual items manually keeps me of where money is going, and how much there is, in general I pay bills electronically, but not automatically, for the same reason; it keeps me more aware of running balances.
- Paper: We still use paper checks around here- archaic, I know. But actually writing the amounts out on the checks keeps me aware of what I’m spending. I balance the checkbook the old fashioned way.. entering check by check into the register. And when I reconcile it, i generally print up the statement, and check items off on the paper as well as in the software. The printout goes in the shredder, the carbon checks go into a box somewhere. And even though I do a lot of my business purchases and sales online, I print out the receipts, and enter them from that.
Yes, my method means extra steps. Yes, it takes more time than it could. Yes, it could be automated… in fact I’ve often thought I should automate the process, and occasionally felt guilty about not having done it.
But the truth is, without the physical aspects of the process, I don’t stay aware of my finances. I make more mistakes, and I’m more prone to overspending and overlooking bills. So being a bit less automated while slower, is more efficient in this case.
Now that I’m seeing the value in my mixed method, no more guilt.. in fact I think I’m pretty clever for doing it my way!
So.. I’ve got one working system, already in place. How about you?
You probably have some combinations of pixels and paper organizations set up, too.
—It’s likely that you keep both digital and physical copies of the most important address book information: you keep digital contact files, and store numbers on your phone, but a list of important numbers in your wallet or on the fridge comes in very handy.
— Maybe you have handwritten notes on movies you’d like to rent, as well as your Netflix list.
—Maybe you have collections of both digital and paper photos — prints of new favorites, scans of old favorites.
— Maybe you store info in email, but print it some of it out for filing in
Review what you already organize successfully. See how well the systems work, how natural the combination is, and why you don’t need to convert everything one way or another. You’ll learn from these systems, realize you’re a better organizer than you thought, and be able to apply what you learn to any new systems you set up.
MindTWEAK: Learn from your successes.
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