Beyond Folders : tools, organizing tips

Living Without Your Computer

Community Manager — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:54:00 GMT

In our 24/7 global world, where even our phones our smart, going without the connectivity and computing power of our laptops, PCs and tablets seems unthinkable.

Technology journalist David Lake went computer-free for 20 days and lived to tell the tale. Lake's computer-free diet taught him that the pangs of computer withdrawal are real, the absence of the Internet creates oodles of free time, and it's hard to find a typewriter repairperson.

Could You Live Without a Computer?

For many of us, work and computers are inextricably linked and going without is impractical. But could you put down your Blackberry and back away from your Facebook page for 24 or 48-weekend hours? And does taking a break from technology enhance, or compromise, one's productivity and efficiency?

Deprived of email, texting and Facebook, would you write a letter to a friend or pick up the phone to call? When You-Tube goes dim, would you head to the movies or visit the library rather than your Kindle iPad app? How about abandoning Wii Fit for a brisk walk outside?

Experts agree that downtime at work is necessary to reboot productivity. So would technology-breaks further recharge the batteries? Every individual is different but New York Times journalist Mark Bittman found that his self-imposed weekend technology-breaks over a six-month period restored a "thoughtfulness, a kind of calm" to a life that otherwise runs at breakneck speed.

Do you ever "unplug" from technology for set periods of time? How does technology-free time change you day-to-day? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

by Bradley Eggers

Refresh Your Office, Reboot Your Productivity

Community Manager — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:07:00 GMT

Office blahs got you down? Feeling ho hum at work? For a quick pick-me-up, try transforming your office space.

Whether you call home, a cubicle or the corner suite the office, we all clock many hours a day at work. Experts say your day-to-day environment can have a profound effect on your attitude. And if "familiarity breeds contempt" - or at least the blahs - then a change, even a subtle one, can create a sense of vitality and energy. A new look for your office can give you a new outlook at work!

Ready to reboot?

Create breathing room: A simple clean up may be enough to do the trick. Toss old newspapers, magazines, coffee cups, unused office accessories and clutter in the trash. Look around, the view is better already!

Let there be light: Fluorescent lights provides visibility, not atmosphere. If your office policy permits, add a task lamp to your desk. Look for one in a fun color - bright yellow, hot pink - or add a decorative lamp with a shade casting a warm, soft light.

Seek inspiration: You work for a reason: to provide for your family, for money for hobbies or travel, to further your career. Use pictures to remind you of what matters most or what inspires you. Perhaps it's a travel poster of a longed for destination or photos of your children or pet. Screensavers of nature shots or family vacation photos can also perk up your mood. Rotate these images periodically for a fresh source of smiles.

Nature's Bounty: Fresh flowers are a mood enhancer but there's no need to spring for costly bouquets. Think holly branches in the winter and daffodils in the spring. Even clear bowls of pine cones or seashells are beautifully decorative and wonderfully free. Take pains to brighten your space, you spend enough time there to make it worthwhile.

Move it!: If possible, rearrange the furniture. In a cubicle this can be difficult to do, but even within a cube, you can often shift your monitor or move your filing cabinet. In a larger office or at home, try repositioning your desk to afford a different perspective. Again, depending on where you work and what's permissible, a fresh coat of paint, new wall art or rug can also do wonders in giving an old office a new look.

Does your work space affect your productivity? How do you create a nurturing work environment? Share your thoughts here and on the Beyond Folders Community's Facebook and Twitter pages.

by Carly Fadako

Best Old and New Organization Tools

Community Manager — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:31:00 GMT

Life requires organization. Fortunately a host of tools can help. We've assembled a must-have list ranging from the simple notepad and pen to the latest iPhone app. Read on and study up, it's time to get organized.

Old School

Not all organizing tools are high-tech. Consider that lowliest of office items, the waste basket. Tossing unneeded items is Organization 101.

Other so-simple-yet-so-useful items include:

A stack of 3×5 index cards. Use for lists, notes. Easy to file or toss. Cheap and portable.
A notebook and pen. As old-fashioned as it gets. Find a size and style that works and buy in bulk.
A Filofax. Keeps your calendar and contacts close at hand.
Post-it notes. Highly visual reminders when used sparingly.
Label maker. Defines where items belong.
Shredder. Eliminates sensitive and/or unnecessary documents.

New School

Take advantage of technology. Digital note-taking, to-do lists, mind-mapping, and personal organization tools all make being organized just a click away.

PDAs. Provide calendar, address book, to-do lists, documents/applications such as Word and Excel, clock and can sync with work calendars.
Scanners. Go paperless; scan must-keep documents/biz cards then toss.
Digital note taking and to-do lists. Backpack, Task Toy, Remember the Milk, and Ta-da lists are just a few examples of mostly free, easy to use eLists.
Personal organizing tools. Again, too many options to list; Google Calendar, Ecco Pro and Time & Chaos are a few standouts.

For more information on leading digital note taking, to-do lists and time tracking tools, read Blogging Bit's comprehensive article 40 Best Personal Organization Tools To Boost Your Productivity.

Too Cool for School

Technology adds a "wow" factor to staying organized. Tools so innovative, you didn't even know you needed them, keep popping up on the technology landscape. Here are some funky (and functional!) tools:

JotNot. An iPhone app that turns your phone into a scanner.
reQall. Turn your phone into a personal assistant. Dictate your to-dos, reminders, appointments and ReQall translates your commands into actionable tasks.
do.Oh. A to-do list with a twist-a zany poll-making this web app a fun use.
RoamBi. Excel docs and phones don't mix well. RoamBi takes spreadsheet files and turns them into "visualizations" - pie charts, bar graphs, flip books and other designs made especially for a small interface.

Do you have any favorite organizing tools we overlooked? What is your must-have list? Share your thoughts here and on the Beyond Folders Community's Facebook and Twitter pages.

by Carly Fadako