Organizational Tips: Organize with Task Lists

An excellent way to be organized is to use task lists, or "to do" lists. Years ago I kept my "to do" list on a desktop daily planner. It had a page for each day of the year. When I needed to do something, I would write it on the day it was due, assigning it a code of A, B, or C. "A was something that needed to be done that day. "B" was something that it would be nice to do but could wait until the next day if I ran out of time. "C" was something to be thinking about, something more in the planning stage that didn't need to be done for a while. I would cross each item off as I finished a task. At the end of the day, the B's and C's I didn't get done could then be moved to the next day I needed to work on them.

That type of task list served me well when I spent a lot of time behind a desk. Now I am a restaurant manager and that type of task list doesn't work so well. So I have progressed to an electronic task list. I carry a Handheld PC or Pocket PC with me. I can add a task any time I think of something I need to do and assign it a start date. When that date arrives, the task pops up on my tasks for the day. I can assign it a priority of High, Normal, or Low. Perhaps the greatest feature is the ability to set recurring tasks. There are many things in my line of work that I must do weekly, or bi-weekly, or monthly. A recurring task can be set for every day, every 2 days, every week, a certain day each month, or year. Then the task pops up whenever that day arrives. When a task is completed, I just tap a little box beside the task and it goes away, leaving just those tasks I still need to do. It works great for me and really helps me stay organized.

I use a Dell 416 MHz Axim X51 Handheld It runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 which I like because it contains a mobile version of Microsoft Office. I use Microsoft Excel spreadsheets to track work trends on my desktop computer at home. I keep work notes in Microsoft Word. When I place my Handheld PC in it's cradle, it begins charging as well as syncronizing with my Desktop. Any changed files are syncronized between my Handheld and my Desktop. My Handheld also syncronizes with Microsoft Outlook so I can keep all my contacts with me at all times. With the Microsoft Outlook calendar feature, I can remind myself of important meetings, anniversary dates, etc. I purchased a Rhino-Skin carrying case so it is well protected during my daily routine. I also keep music on an SD card so I can listen to my favorite songs with the mobile version of Microsoft Media Player while I do my closing duties at work. All in all, I would be lost without my handheld.

There are various ways to keep a task list. I prefer the electronic kind, but then I like gadgets.