Home Sweet Home Office

There are many different types of files found in home offices. One of the most useful, yet the one with the funniest name, is the “tickler” file. In case you are wondering – no it is not a joke meant to make you laugh. It is a little file system that depends on constant updating to keep you on track.

The concept is the same but the file itself is setup in different forms. Some use a small box with index cards while others use an accordion file folder with day 1 through day 31.

A tickler file is so beautiful in its simplicity. I want to tell you about the index cards in a small box.

· Gather together 31 index cards
· Mark the top right hand corner with a date using only the number of the day such as 1,2,3…
· Go through your to-do list and transfer each item to an index card
· List the activity date before the due date. A payments needs enough time to pass through the postal system and to be posted once it arrives at its destination
· File each card in numerical order
· Look at the tickler file at the beginning of each day
· Finish the tasks listed on that day’s index card
· Move that day’s index card to the back of the box
· Repeat the last four steps day after day

You can see that the tickler file system is simple yet effective. There is not much expense and very little experience is required. Diligence and dedication is required. Obviously, successful time management is not a laughing matter.