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Old 05-29-2008, 05:38 PM
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Question Do you write your GOALS and To-Do-List on paper OR on the computer?

I'm trying to figure out the pros and cons between writing long term and short term goals and to-do-lists on a notebook OR on the computer.
If I write it down on a notebook, I'm more likely to read it unlike a computer when sometimes I might forget. Also theres something more "natural" in handwriting than there is in typing. Maybe its the fact that you're more likely to take it seriously and remember what you write than you type.
On the other hand doing things on the computer is good also because you can edit out mistakes, organize more clearly than on a notebook. Handwriting, when you make mistakes or want to make changes you have to write it all over again.
I maybe just over thinking here too much but maybe it could be important. What do you think?
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Old 05-29-2008, 05:44 PM
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At the moment I don't really have a system in place, but for all reference items and long term stuff, it's on the computer, cause that is where I am doing most of my work on my goals anyway.

For day to day stuff I write it down, helps keep the two seperate.

Pn this subject, has anyone read Todoodlist: buy the eBook about paper simplicity ?
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Old 05-29-2008, 05:50 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smarky View Post
At the moment I don't really have a system in place, but for all reference items and long term stuff, it's on the computer, cause that is where I am doing most of my work on my goals anyway.

For day to day stuff I write it down, helps keep the two seperate.

Pn this subject, has anyone read Todoodlist: buy the eBook about paper simplicity ?
I actually have two systems to manage my goals. Theres a student planner with a calender and weekly planner where I write what I have to do everyday. And then the week goals, the long term goals and personal mission statement where I do it on the PC. But I sometimes think it would be nice to have all that in one notebook just to make it more accessible and easier to read.
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Old 05-29-2008, 08:08 PM
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I type my goals and sub goals (steps) on my computer and save it to my desktop so I can look at it and update it at any time. I also print out my goals and put into my Personal Development Planner, which is just a dayplanner with my goals and dream board.
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Old 05-29-2008, 08:43 PM
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I prepare my long term goals at the beginning of each calendar year and I place them at the very back of my calendar for that year. Then my weekly/daily goals go into my calendar on a weekly/daily basis.

Also several years ago I prepared a list of the four top priorities in my life which are the four goals that rule what I do on a yearly/weekly/daily basis. Those I laminated and carry around in my purse

Everything in my life flows from those four top priorities. If I get an invitation/opportunity to do something new, the first question I ask is 'will it further any of my four top priorities?' If the answer is no, I decline.
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Old 05-29-2008, 09:41 PM
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I have to type it, because my handwriting is totally illegible.

I have a Google Doc with my life purpose on top, and my 8 goals listed in bullet points. My life purpose is written somewhat as a poem. I worded the goals in exciting, to-the-point language. I love reading it.

Then, I schedule in my goals via my Google calendar. As in, I put down deadlines and milestones. I also have appts down, and my social life. I don't schedule in by the hours - just stuff I need to do that day (like going to the dentist, meeting a friend at a bar, and a screenplay deadline, for example).
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Old 05-30-2008, 07:55 AM
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I use pen & paper. Recently I bought a very small notepad - A7 size - that I can carry everywhere with me. I write todo things in the front and strategic task in the back of it. I try to plan 2-3 days ahead, so each page represents one day. I love crossing out stuff that is done. Once the day is over or tasks are done I wipe out the page which is cool too

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Old 06-02-2008, 04:11 AM
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Writing long term and short term goals on paper gives me a clear idea of what I am trying to achieve before I take any action. However, it takes me more time to plan and write them out by hand, and when I make a mistake or want to change it, I usually have to rewrite the entire list all over again.

Using a computer for to-do lists is very efficient for me. I can edit, rearrange, and fix mistakes with very little effort, but I find myself having to read a list (or even just a single objective's plan) several times before I have a solid memory of what I wanted to do.

So, I like to use both ways. By detailing my goals by hand and making to-do lists for them on the computer, I get a clear idea of what I want to achieve and an easy to manage list so I can adjust my sights as I go.

Use what works best for you and avoid doing what doesn't. I spend a lot of my time near my computer when working on projects, so keeping your to-do list on your computer might not be such a good idea if you're not around it.
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Old 06-02-2008, 06:14 PM
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Whenever I write down my goals, I always keep a copy on the computer, but I also keep a printed copy so I can write on it. I can brainstorm much faster on paper for some reason, so whenever I get a stroke of insight as to how I want to accomplish a goal, I can scribble all over the paper, transfer those notes to the computer, print off the new goal sheet, and start all over again.

I tried the whole "write goals in a spiral notebook" deal, it didn't work out well for me; I tried keeping everything solely on the computer and that didn't work out so hot either. For me, a mix works the best.
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Old 06-02-2008, 07:48 PM
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I imagine it would be immensely useful to have a common web site where everyone can jot down their goals and find other people who have the same goals and explore opportunities to collaborate, inspire etc. I'd be interested in adding this functionality to my web site (Visualize your goals) if people think it would be useful.
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Old 06-02-2008, 09:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by viscapes View Post
I imagine it would be immensely useful to have a common web site where everyone can jot down their goals and find other people who have the same goals and explore opportunities to collaborate, inspire etc. I'd be interested in adding this functionality to my web site (Visualize your goals) if people think it would be useful.
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Old 06-03-2008, 02:16 AM
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I'm still a big believer in that when you write something by hand it manifests itself in your mind better than typing. Not sure if there are any studies on this, but I know in my case I learn things better by handwriting them.

I went through most of my schooling re-writing chunks of textbooks just so that I really "GOT IT" - other methods such as memorization or other modes of learning did not seem to really embed themselves in my mind.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

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Old 06-03-2008, 04:00 AM
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Default You are you own business.

I treat myself as a business. I am the Pres, VP, CEO, CIO, Employee... (I think you get it). I actually dictate to myself as the superior and inferior complex. I do find it easier on a computer since that is what I do for a living. But whether on computer or paper, I mandate my ambitions as though I am proposing a project. Since my Boss listens to me.( my perceived superior.) I find myself listing to myself and being my best critic. I find my boss (me), demanding perfection; and the employee (me) really wanting to impress the boss. This leads to a self sustained motive to accomplish the goal. I usually meet the goals, and my boss is usually happy. I have not fired myself as of yet.

I hope with all my heart that everyone has more than one voice in there head.
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Old 06-03-2008, 12:26 PM
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Craiz8,

As crazy as it sounds, I actually really like it.

I had been procrastinating setting goals lol, but finally actually did it the other day. I used that journal software. I set long-term goals (between two years to, whenever), goals for this year, goals for this quarter, this month, week, and even day. Well the daily ones aren't going so great yet, but I'm still working on it.
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Old 06-04-2008, 04:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pianoperformer View Post
Craiz8,

As crazy as it sounds, I actually really like it.

I had been procrastinating setting goals lol, but finally actually did it the other day. I used that journal software. I set long-term goals (between two years to, whenever), goals for this year, goals for this quarter, this month, week, and even day. Well the daily ones aren't going so great yet, but I'm still working on it.
That what I use as well. The Journal is amazing. Heres a screenie of what I've done with it.
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Old 06-04-2008, 05:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pianoperformer View Post
I used that journal software.
Thanks for this tip. This looks great. I'm nearing the end of trial for Action Outliner (mentioned in one of SP's older blogs), and it is fine, but this looks like it can do a good bit more while remaining easy to use.
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Old 06-04-2008, 06:14 PM
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Yes I quite like it. What I did was created one of those loose-leaf categories. I created an entry called goals, where I put my long-term goals. I created a subentry named 2008, where I put my goals for this year. then I did quarter #2 under that, even though it's almost over, lol. And under that I put June. Even still I put Week #1 under that, and the day under that. You can take this down to day if you like, but I'd recommend at least going down to the week level.

I then created a schedule subcategory to turn the day's goals into timed tasks. Again, I don't really follow them to the letter because of things that come up, though I'm working on it, but at least I know what I need to do.
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Old 06-05-2008, 07:45 PM
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Quote:
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That what I use as well. The Journal is amazing. Heres a screenie of what I've done with it.
What's PE exercise?
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Old 06-10-2008, 05:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pianoperformer View Post
Yes I quite like it. What I did was created one of those loose-leaf categories. I created an entry called goals, where I put my long-term goals. I created a subentry named 2008, where I put my goals for this year. then I did quarter #2 under that, even though it's almost over, lol. And under that I put June. Even still I put Week #1 under that, and the day under that. You can take this down to day if you like, but I'd recommend at least going down to the week level.

I then created a schedule subcategory to turn the day's goals into timed tasks. Again, I don't really follow them to the letter because of things that come up, though I'm working on it, but at least I know what I need to do.
I was also going to do something very similar. Something like this; Long term ----> Year -----> Monthly ------> Weekly ------> Daily.
But I find it to complicated and too much to read. The best kind is usually the simply kind for me.
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Old 06-10-2008, 06:40 AM
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I keep a note book that i write that kind of stuff in.
I find when writing goals and the like down by hand, its more personal.
If i forget about my goals and flick through my book later down the track, usually i find these goals ive written and it reminds me why i wrote them & what i was feeling when i did.
On a computer, its not your writing... its a font style, size & format.
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Old 06-10-2008, 09:35 AM
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Default I agree with Matt

I use the computer to get an outline together then doodle on it to make it my own.
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