A Tickler File may not make you giggle but it can save valuable time. Easy to set up, it can be a useful tool to manage action tasks that are related to events or dates. It is a perpetual system that can systematically organize things that are several weeks or months into the future. You can use the Tickler File to remind you when periodic reports are due or to register for upcoming conferences. It works to store travel plans or event tickets. You can use it to send those birthday cards on time as well.
You will need 43 file folders. Label the folders 1 through 31 and January through February.
In a file drawer or convenient file holder, arrange the numbered files in numerical order, starting with today's date. Since today is the 20th, the file numbered 20 would be in front. Following it would be 21-31.
Next insert, the file labeled with the next month which would be April. Behind that, place the rest of the number files starting with 1. Next, put the rest of the monthly files ending with March. There are variations of the system. The important thing is to find the configuration that works well for you.
The system works if one continues to use it on a daily basis. File far out items in their appropriate monthly folder. As the month approaches, put items in the folder of the day in which the action needs to be taken. Giving yourself an extra day or two will ensure you do not miss deadlines.
What has been your experience with a tickler file? Let me know by responding to my blog.
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