Message #31530

[spitfire78]

I have 3 bins on my desk - hold, to do, and incoming.  Any new items that I haven't even looked at yet get put in the incoming bin.  As I look at it, I either take care of it right away or put it in the "to do" bin for later.  The "hold" bin has items that I have taken as far as I can for now and am waiting for someone to get back to me.  I don't put anything in the file drawers until I am done with it and it is ready for filing.  As you noted, it is too easy to get caught up in the stuff right in front of you and forget about what is in the drawers - "out of sight is out of mind".  These three bins have served me well.  A few years ago I felt I was having problems with things falling through the cracks and I came up with this system.  These bins allow me to see instantly the status of all my work.  If the incoming bin is filling up - it is time to go through it.  When the phone stops ringing, I go through my to do bin and start getting things done.  When all of that is done and I have time I periodically go through the hold bin to see what is in there. Then,  I do follow-up phone calls or e-mails to the people for whom I am waiting. This system works well for me.  I'm eager to see what other ideas people have.  I am always open to suggestions on ways to keep things flowing and to keep from forgetting what needs to be done.