Comments on: How to Keep Important Stuff from Slipping Through the Cracks http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/ Simple, applicable personal finance advice for the modern world Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:55:56 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Chris http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-497177 Chris Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:54:55 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-497177 Good information about lists making. I don't use tadalist since it is so so simple. I use www.anyinput.com for mine. But anyinput application has too much setup and may be too complex / cumbersome for many. But I make the lists at work. hehe. Good information about lists making. I don’t use tadalist since it is so so simple. I use http://www.anyinput.com for mine. But anyinput application has too much setup and may be too complex / cumbersome for many. But I make the lists at work. hehe.

]]> By: Olivia http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-401372 Olivia Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:12:27 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-401372 What fantastic advice. And thanks for the link to TaDaLists. I look forward to getting the jumbled to-do thoughts in my mind organized and accomplished. What fantastic advice. And thanks for the link to TaDaLists. I look forward to getting the jumbled to-do thoughts in my mind organized and accomplished.

]]> By: Mrs. P http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-401234 Mrs. P Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:07:41 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-401234 Once again I recommend the Flylady approach to getting things done, particularly on the domestic front. She advocates that we use routines. Morning routines to get things done and evening routines and calendars help a lot too. She is not the first one to say you should have just one calendar with EVERYTHING on it. I don't get it all done either, but with mindfulness, I am getting more accomplished than before. Once again I recommend the Flylady approach to getting things done, particularly on the domestic front. She advocates that we use routines. Morning routines to get things done and evening routines and calendars help a lot too. She is not the first one to say you should have just one calendar with EVERYTHING on it. I don’t get it all done either, but with mindfulness, I am getting more accomplished than before.

]]> By: Carey http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400708 Carey Thu, 23 Oct 2008 20:30:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400708 Boy do I know this to be true. I just last week had a very big scare due to my lack of prioritizing. Although I consider myself very organized, I'm one of those people who won't do it unless it's written down. I pay my property taxes and homeowner's insurance myself, instead of through my mortgage company's escrow account. I recently got my statement, and put it on "the to-do pile" on my desk, knowing I had plenty of time to get to it. Well, I forgot about it. By the time I found it, it stated that my policy would be canceled if payment was not received by October 15th, by 12:01 am. It was 8:34 am... on October 15th. Long story short, my insurance company graciously accepted my payment by phone and renewed my policy... but they didn't have to. That scared me straight! Boy do I know this to be true. I just last week had a very big scare due to my lack of prioritizing. Although I consider myself very organized, I’m one of those people who won’t do it unless it’s written down.

I pay my property taxes and homeowner’s insurance myself, instead of through my mortgage company’s escrow account. I recently got my statement, and put it on “the to-do pile” on my desk, knowing I had plenty of time to get to it. Well, I forgot about it.

By the time I found it, it stated that my policy would be canceled if payment was not received by October 15th, by 12:01 am. It was 8:34 am… on October 15th.

Long story short, my insurance company graciously accepted my payment by phone and renewed my policy… but they didn’t have to. That scared me straight!

]]> By: Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400672 Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks&Me Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:01:37 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400672 I got pulled over by the police and received a warning ticket this past weekend. The reason? Hubby had been in a hurry and left the new license plate stickers on the registration instead of putting them on the license plate of the car our son uses (which I had borrowed that day). Fortunately, the policeman had a sense of humor when he saw them still attached to the registration but he still gave me the warning ticket. Now that is getting in a hurry when one forgets to put the new date stickers on. I got pulled over by the police and received a warning ticket this past weekend.

The reason?

Hubby had been in a hurry and left the new license plate stickers on the registration instead of putting them on the license plate of the car our son uses (which I had borrowed that day).

Fortunately, the policeman had a sense of humor when he saw them still attached to the registration but he still gave me the warning ticket.

Now that is getting in a hurry when one forgets to put the new date stickers on.

]]> By: Michael http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400661 Michael Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:44:20 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400661 I am to where to-do lists are only for little things, usually preventative actions. I keep major initiatives in my head to think about them. For example, I just moved and I have a list of address changes, but no list of "things to unpack and organize." That's because it is all in front of me and I should have it on my mind (when home) until it is done. However, I do keep a list of small things to buy and add to it as I unpack - again, individually trivial stuff. I am to where to-do lists are only for little things, usually preventative actions. I keep major initiatives in my head to think about them. For example, I just moved and I have a list of address changes, but no list of “things to unpack and organize.” That’s because it is all in front of me and I should have it on my mind (when home) until it is done. However, I do keep a list of small things to buy and add to it as I unpack – again, individually trivial stuff.

]]> By: Adam @ LiveWorkBalance http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400501 Adam @ LiveWorkBalance Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:04:18 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400501 Maria, you bring up a good point, though I think this basically sums up why GTD's strength is in it's flexibility. But it does require this type of forethought when selecting actions. I think part of the problem is that people get things on a list and then just frequently start at the top, or choose something without really looking at their options. I'm just as guilty of this as the next person, but it's something I'm working on. Trent, thanks for a great post! Maria, you bring up a good point, though I think this basically sums up why GTD’s strength is in it’s flexibility. But it does require this type of forethought when selecting actions.

I think part of the problem is that people get things on a list and then just frequently start at the top, or choose something without really looking at their options. I’m just as guilty of this as the next person, but it’s something I’m working on.

Trent, thanks for a great post!

]]> By: Maria | Never the Same River Twice http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400464 Maria | Never the Same River Twice Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:03:03 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400464 In my experience, Getting Things Done really falls short in the prioritization area. Your method of asking what action has the greatest consequence is a really succinct way to prioritize without getting too philosophical about things. Thanks for sharing this. In my experience, Getting Things Done really falls short in the prioritization area. Your method of asking what action has the greatest consequence is a really succinct way to prioritize without getting too philosophical about things. Thanks for sharing this.

]]> By: Carrie http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400449 Carrie Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:35:16 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400449 I like to keep the number of things on my "to do" list to a minimum (difficult, I know). I freeze up when I feel overwhelmed. One thing that's helped a lot is paying bills the day I get them. I don't know if that's feasible for everyone, but it does remove a major stressor for me. I like to keep the number of things on my “to do” list to a minimum (difficult, I know). I freeze up when I feel overwhelmed. One thing that’s helped a lot is paying bills the day I get them. I don’t know if that’s feasible for everyone, but it does remove a major stressor for me.

]]> By: Kin http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400316 Kin Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:21:04 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400316 I've been feeling very overwhelmed with my house this week. Today I finally had time to do something about it and I didn't know where to start. EVERYTHING needed doing yesterday. I ploughed through my day, 3 things at a time. I didn't bother making a list of what needed doing, I just sat down, looked around the house and thought, what are the next 3 things I can do: throw a load of washing in the machine, empty the dishwasher and clear the table. 5 minutes tops. Sit down again, repeat. As the day got on, the tasks got longer: fold a load of washing and put it away, finish typing up stocktake list, do the basket of ironing that's been taunting me for a week. 30 minutes. I'm now up to 33 things done for the day, and after dinner I'll continue on like this. When I've got 5-6 things that need doing, a list and prioritising are great, when I've got 500* it doesn't work so well :-) *probably not much of an exaggeration either. I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed with my house this week. Today I finally had time to do something about it and I didn’t know where to start. EVERYTHING needed doing yesterday.

I ploughed through my day, 3 things at a time. I didn’t bother making a list of what needed doing, I just sat down, looked around the house and thought, what are the next 3 things I can do: throw a load of washing in the machine, empty the dishwasher and clear the table. 5 minutes tops. Sit down again, repeat.

As the day got on, the tasks got longer: fold a load of washing and put it away, finish typing up stocktake list, do the basket of ironing that’s been taunting me for a week. 30 minutes. I’m now up to 33 things done for the day, and after dinner I’ll continue on like this. When I’ve got 5-6 things that need doing, a list and prioritising are great, when I’ve got 500* it doesn’t work so well :-)

*probably not much of an exaggeration either.

]]> By: theBadLibrarian http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400313 theBadLibrarian Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:16:48 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400313 If you keep your to do list on your puter, put it in a spreadsheet not a word processing doc. add 3 columns, 'urgent' 'important' and 'trivial', and as you add tasks, put them in one column only. Could help. I also keep a 'permanent to do list' and a 'current to do list'. The former contains things that always need doing, all the time - updating auction listings, marketing, sorting paperwork etc. This saves the 'well, duh' items from littering up the 'current' list. If you keep your to do list on your puter, put it in a spreadsheet not a word processing doc. add 3 columns, ‘urgent’ ‘important’ and ‘trivial’, and as you add tasks, put them in one column only.

Could help.

I also keep a ‘permanent to do list’ and a ‘current to do list’. The former contains things that always need doing, all the time – updating auction listings, marketing, sorting paperwork etc. This saves the ‘well, duh’ items from littering up the ‘current’ list.

]]> By: journeyer http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400041 journeyer Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:06:39 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400041 Gosh! Are you sure you didn't base this article on my life? What you say is so true. A little planning goes a long way. My problem is I tend to get so caught up in doing the things I forget the planning part. I'm getting better though. I've been using Todoodlist lately which is working well mostly. I totally agree with Lisa about the floors - that's exactly what happens to mine :-) We get tickets for fishing without a license in Australia too :-( Gosh! Are you sure you didn’t base this article on my life? What you say is so true. A little planning goes a long way. My problem is I tend to get so caught up in doing the things I forget the planning part. I’m getting better though. I’ve been using Todoodlist lately which is working well mostly.

I totally agree with Lisa about the floors – that’s exactly what happens to mine :-)

We get tickets for fishing without a license in Australia too :-(

]]> By: Karaof4 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400031 Karaof4 Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:51:15 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400031 Filling our days with tasks keeps us from the heart. I've given up "doing soooo much" and found a ballance that works for me. I always ask "what does my heart need most". This usually calms me and makes my life's tasks much more enjoyable. And yes, I do get it all done. I think it's the universe's way of saying thanks for paying attention :-) Filling our days with tasks keeps us from the heart. I’ve given up “doing soooo much” and found a ballance that works for me. I always ask “what does my heart need most”. This usually calms me and makes my life’s tasks much more enjoyable. And yes, I do get it all done. I think it’s the universe’s way of saying thanks for paying attention :-)

]]> By: Nathan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-400011 Nathan Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:31:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-400011 Only in America do you get a ticket for fishing w/o a license...dumb. Great stuff! You rock Trent. Only in America do you get a ticket for fishing w/o a license…dumb.

Great stuff! You rock Trent.

]]> By: Susan http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399999 Susan Wed, 22 Oct 2008 23:04:40 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399999 Good article! I'm always floundering around with too many things to do and not enough time to do them all, feeling stressed. And I don't even have kids. But I have a busy freelance business, dogs that need a lot of care, and a house with ongoing unfinished renovations and a huge yard. And working at home leads to being distracted by home for me. I always found that when I practiced Flylady's habit of taking 15 minutes to sit and think of what needs to be done next, it made a huge difference in how my day went. This reminds me again of how well that works. Good to hear it from another perspective. Thanks! Good article! I’m always floundering around with too many things to do and not enough time to do them all, feeling stressed. And I don’t even have kids. But I have a busy freelance business, dogs that need a lot of care, and a house with ongoing unfinished renovations and a huge yard. And working at home leads to being distracted by home for me. I always found that when I practiced Flylady’s habit of taking 15 minutes to sit and think of what needs to be done next, it made a huge difference in how my day went. This reminds me again of how well that works. Good to hear it from another perspective. Thanks!

]]> By: A Dawn Jornal http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399989 A Dawn Jornal Wed, 22 Oct 2008 22:43:12 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399989 I prioritize and also break it down from least time consuming to maximum time consuming tasks. Cheers, A Dawn Journal www.adawnjournal.com I prioritize and also break it down from least time consuming to maximum time consuming tasks.
Cheers,
A Dawn Journal
http://www.adawnjournal.com

]]> By: doctor S http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399962 doctor S Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:45:53 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399962 This is huge and big weakness of mine. Every week I realize there are certain things I want to get done, I try and prioritize them and plan them out, but I am missing the boat. I need to get more granular and do it on a day by day basis. I will try this out and see how my efficiency changes. Good one again Trent. Thanks! This is huge and big weakness of mine. Every week I realize there are certain things I want to get done, I try and prioritize them and plan them out, but I am missing the boat. I need to get more granular and do it on a day by day basis. I will try this out and see how my efficiency changes. Good one again Trent. Thanks!

]]> By: Ryan McLean http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399961 Ryan McLean Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:45:52 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399961 Hm, you made some good points in this article. I too feel like somedays are just overwhelming, but when I make 4 little jobs into one big job, it seems to make things not so bad. Thanks for the tips. Hm, you made some good points in this article. I too feel like somedays are just overwhelming, but when I make 4 little jobs into one big job, it seems to make things not so bad. Thanks for the tips.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399952 Lisa Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:29:47 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399952 "I can live with a dirty floor for another day." Yup, I do that too and the next thing I know it's been weeks. Sometimes it has to move to the top of the list. “I can live with a dirty floor for another day.” Yup, I do that too and the next thing I know it’s been weeks. Sometimes it has to move to the top of the list.

]]> By: Dave http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/comment-page-1/#comment-399946 Dave Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:21:00 +0000 http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/10/22/how-to-keep-important-stuff-from-slipping-through-the-cracks/#comment-399946 A ticket for fishing without a license? A ticket for fishing without a license?

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