Pocket Note

What is the first thing you do when you arrived in your office or to school? 

Do you make a schedule of what the things that you should be tackling for the day? 

How do you organize your self and make the most out of a day?

HIGH SCHOOL

When I was in high school, there was a talk by a guest speaker (which I forgot his name) once shared about using a planner to organize oneself. At that time, I was not even using anything to organize my thoughts, homework, school activities and etc. I was scattered brain at that time, so I was eager to change myself at that time and tried his technique on how he manage his activities using a planner. 

Since then I bought a simple planner and started to jot down all the assignment, quizzes and activities that I will be doing. Depending on this set up to manage myself, it had really helped me organize my thoughts and activities, most especially when I started college. 

COLLEGE

In college, I studied BS Interior Design, being considered an art student- we have plates (design homework) to be submitted mostly every subject and in different deadlines. So having a planner was a life saver for me and been doing this since high school have helped me easily adjust with college life and to be able to submit my plates on time. 

GRADUATE AND CURRENTLY WORKING

Up until now that I'm already working, I'm still taking notes on the things that I should be doing. The only difference is that in high school and college- weekly planner is enough for me, now I'm using a pocket sized notebook without a fixed date indicated in every page. 

The reason is that I usually write at least 2 pages per day and at most 4 pages, because I saw the need to be more detailed in reporting on my notebook. To be able to answer quickly and accurately to my boss all the things that I have done for the project and so on. 

Then maybe you'll be asking me "Why don't you use a bigger notebook?"  In our field, we also go to our project site or job site to check the status of our project. I usually bring my pocket notebook with me to take down notes, so bringing a bigger notebook would just be difficult for me. 

How I work in our office. I always make sure to take note of anything that I do.
Hand drawn using Lamy Vista Fountain pen and pencil on pocket sketch book. 

Planner and pocket notebook had definitely changed my life for the better. Maybe for some it might not be working, but don't give up in looking for ways to organize your life. It might be that you rely more on your phone or computer to help you organize yourself, then go for it. Having an organized and managed life is a way to living a balance life.