Using Post-It Notes for GTD Collection (Among Other Things)

Legal Andrew has an interesting post regarding the use of Post-It Notes as a collection tool for GTD. He cites their size and portability as obvious benefits, as well as how nice they are for quick reminders when “switching contexts”, so to speak.

While I definitely understand his affinity for everybody’s favorite sticky yellow thing, I personally have a much easier time with index cards in many of the roles he described. Not to split hairs, but I don’t always want my notes to be sticking to things. I do find Post-Its to be very useful for reminders (stick one to the inside of my Moleskine Memo Pocket/Wallet/Hipster to remind me to perform some action the next time I open it, for example), but I don’t always process my work in-basket while at work (nor my home in-basket at home). I’ll routinely pack up all of my unprocessed items (which is typically 90% index cards), shove them into my Moleskine and do my processing the next time I get the chance, usually at home.

I always keep a pad of small post-it notes on my desk. I love the 1.5″ x 2″ variety, since they are a great size to jot a quick note. Plus, the small size prevents you from writing too much.

This is something I hadn’t really considered. I guess I’d always treated collection as a way to jot down little memory hooks that would remind me of the greater issue when I went back to review them. For example, I need to get the wiring harness in my car replaced, so on the index card I’d scrawl something like “wiring harness”. Nothing about the fact that it needs to be replaced, as I know the next time I look at that card I’ll remember what I need to do with the wiring harness.  Limiting yourself to a very small space to write in would definitely teach you to make your notes/reminders as short and concise as possible.
Anyway, I always like to hear about different folks’ methods of collection and processing, especially the ones people really like and trust.  Are there any other Post-It fiends in the gallery?

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January 19, 2007 | Filed Under GTD, Productivity Pr0n 

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5 Responses to “Using Post-It Notes for GTD Collection (Among Other Things)”

  1. Andrew Flusche on January 19th, 2007

    Hi Brett,

    I see your point about index cards. I’m not much an index card user at all, so post-its fit my needs. I’m glad the post spoke to you, and thanks a ton for the link.

    Take care,
    Andrew

  2. Glenn (Customer Service Experience) Ross on January 19th, 2007

    Brett,

    I use my Moleskine as a journal. Anything I’ve written out goes there. Thanks to Lifehack, I adopted a note taking process using different symbols for ask someone, next action, important, and delegate. I usually review twice a week rather than once, and highlight the review next action. I go back and find the last one, then work my way to the present. This eliminates the need for notecards, post-it notes, and other scraps of paper. My only problem is reading my lousy handwriting.-)

    Regards,

    Glenn

  3. Shawn Levasseur on January 25th, 2007

    Post it notes or Index Cards…

    why choose? There are Post-it Index Cards!!

    There’s even a special “Sortable” card that will stick to walls and desks but not each other (so you can shuffle and sort them)

  4. Study Skills « Right Brain Planner on March 12th, 2008

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  5. A. Librarian on April 1st, 2008

    could i just add here that post it notes are the very best bookmarks you can use. you will never have to search for your bookmark. when i start a book i put a couple of post its inside the front cover to mark various interesting pages to revisit, and also as a traditional bookmark. use post its as a bookmark and you will never again use anything else. A. Librarian, London

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