Back to the Basics: The Hipster PDA

Merlin, at 43 Folders, shows how he creates and uses his “Hipster PDA”, a unique combination of file cards and binder clips, to organize his action items.

Using the Getting Things Done methodology, the Hipster PDA is a great way of organizing your stuff and getting back to the basics.I’ve long been a fan of analog tools, especially the pencil and paper. I feel more grounded when working with them, and I like to see the evolution of my ideas, which get zapped when working on a computer.

In addition, the feel of paper, and the smell of a freshly-sharpened cedar pencil are envigorating, and they help me flex my neurons when I need to.

Far from being a Luddite, I’m all in favor of any way of simplifying things we do that have been complexified by technology. Any suggestions for other ways to simplify life?

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