Getting Things Done

CHAPTER 7 | ORGANIZING: SETTING UP THE RIGHT BUCKETS

This is a big topic to devote so little space to, I know, but go
ahead and ask yourself, "Is there any major decision for which I
should create a future trigger, so I can feel comfortable just 'hang-
ing out' with it for now?" If there is, put some reminder in your
calendar to revisit the issue.

The "Tickler" File
One elegant way to manage nonactionable items that may need
an action in the future is the "tickler" file.* A three-dimensional
version of a calendar, it allows you to hold physical reminders of
things that you want to see or remember—not now, but in the
future. It can be an extremely functional tool, allowing you to in
effect set up your own post office and "mail" things to yourself for
receipt on a designated future date. I myself have used a tickler file
for years and can't imagine being without it.
Essentially the tickler is a simple file-folder system that
allows you to distribute paper and other physical reminders in
such a way that whatever you want to see on a particular date in
the future "automatically" shows up that day in your in-basket.
If you have a secretary or assistant, you can entrust at least a
part of this task to him or her, assuming that he/she has some
working version of this or a similar system. Typical examples
would be:

• "Hand me this agenda the morning of the day I have the
  meeting."


• "Give this back to me on Monday to rethink, since it applies to
  a meeting on Wednesday."


• "Remind me about the Hong Kong trip two weeks ahead, and
  we'll plan the logistics."

Then every day of the week, that day's folder is pulled and
reviewed.

*Also referred to as a "suspense," "bring forward," or "follow-up" file.