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Be a "pencil and paper internet person"

by DoWhatWorks
14 replies
This is a really simple and quick tip but it works really well for me:

If you have any type of online-based business, be sure to still have an old-fashioned to-do list, written out on pencil and paper. Keep the to-do list in front of you throughout the day.

The reason why this is important is because if you make a to-do list on a Word document and then you minimize the document or save and close it, your to-do list will be out of your mind and you'll easily get distracted and taken off task. When your to-do list is written on pen and paper and physically in front of you all day, you will not get off task, and you'll have a clear direction of all of the things you need to get done for the day.

When I started putting my to-do list on a piece of paper, instead of on an online document, I found myself getting a lot more done each day. Specifically, I got done more of the things that I set out to do at the start of each day.

If you find yourself going through each day, very busy, but wondering why you didn't get much done at the end of each day, give this simple strategy a try. You'll be surprised at how much more productive you'll become by simply using a hand written to-do and keeping it in front of you throughout the day.

-Terry
  • Profile picture of the author iceapplez
    Good tip! Making these pen and paper lists has really helped me start to take action on what I want to get done - I also recently purchased a whiteboard and it's been a valuable investment so far.
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  • Profile picture of the author stopper
    Have a pen and paper really works you can have like 15 to do list on word that you don;t implement
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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I totally agree. I have always been a pen and paper guy. As you say, it is then in your sight more often and you can add to it without having to turn your computer on, which can be a hassle at times. I also take pleasure in crossing things off as I do them because I can see my achievements for that day.
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  • Profile picture of the author GT
    Originally Posted by DoWhatWorks View Post

    If you have any type of online-based business, be sure to still have an old-fashioned to-do list, written out on pencil and paper. Keep the to-do list in front of you throughout the day.
    -Terry
    I completely agree as well. I spend most of my time on my computer and online and I am definitely much more productive when I have a written to-do list close at hand. I tried using electronic sticky notes on my computer screen, but you lose sight of them when other windows are open or when your computer goes into sleep mode.

    Nothing is as effective as a written note sitting near your computer (or maybe notes on a whiteboard!)

    GT
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  • Profile picture of the author sketchh
    Originally Posted by DoWhatWorks View Post

    This is a really simple and quick tip but it works really well for me:

    If you have any type of online-based business, be sure to still have an old-fashioned to-do list, written out on pencil and paper. Keep the to-do list in front of you throughout the day.

    The reason why this is important is because if you make a to-do list on a Word document and then you minimize the document or save and close it, your to-do list will be out of your mind and you'll easily get distracted and taken off task. When your to-do list is written on pen and paper and physically in front of you all day, you will not get off task, and you'll have a clear direction of all of the things you need to get done for the day.

    When I started putting my to-do list on a piece of paper, instead of on an online document, I found myself getting a lot more done each day. Specifically, I got done more of the things that I set out to do at the start of each day.

    If you find yourself going through each day, very busy, but wondering why you didn't get much done at the end of each day, give this simple strategy a try. You'll be surprised at how much more productive you'll become by simply using a hand written to-do and keeping it in front of you throughout the day.

    -Terry
    It helps me. But i feel like 90% of the notes i take i never look back at lol.
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  • Profile picture of the author Mousumi
    It was a wonderful read Terry
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  • Profile picture of the author CChristinaD
    I agree with Mousumi. I hope more people that haven't considered this simple but effective way of being more productive with to-do lists will read this post. As the other warriors have mentioned, I learned/realized that I completed more of the items on my list when they were in front of me on a piece of paper compared to a Notepad or Word file or having sticky notes posted on my desktop. And it's cool to look at your list at the end of the day and see what you've gotten done. Who doesn't like that sense of accomplishment?
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  • Profile picture of the author superowid
    I do that always since I was a kid.
    It really works for any purpose, not just to get my job's done.
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  • Profile picture of the author Laura B
    I've tried to keep my daily notes and reminders on electronic media and I keep going back to the old-fashioned written list. I thought I was just a slow adapter but what you've mentioned is a good reason to keep on that way.
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  • Profile picture of the author RenderTheWeb
    I was never really much a paper and pen type of person. I use the reminder app and the notes app on ios, and since the newest update now it's synced with my mac it helps me manage and be aware of certain things.
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  • Profile picture of the author OutsourceFactor
    I don't really get the psychology behind it but it works for me too. I have my to do list on paper. I have a daily to do list with a weekly view. I just divide the paper into columns and rows. I have never forgotten a task since. Tried apps but it did not work for me, still helpful but did not work for me. Thanks for sharing this!
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