How to Create and Use the 43 Folders System

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14 жыл бұрын

Are you sick of forgetting to-do items and losing paperwork? Stop looking for some high-tech solution. Try the 43 folders system at home and at work. Chrissy Scivicque, the Managing Editor of OfficeArrow.com, is going to show you how use the 43 Folders Tickler System and how you can create one for yourself.

Пікірлер: 103

@CA2SD 3 жыл бұрын

2020 - came across this and this makes sense without feeling overwhelmed

@Juliamay67 6 жыл бұрын

I use technology in my home but I have just been offered a job in a busy education office. This looks like a perfect system because, at least at our district, most things are still hard copy. Thank you for a simple explanation.

@sonogramgrl 8 жыл бұрын

Whether this is old or not, it's still a very good idea. Seems like a way to keep your head above water in an office. Keeping from drowning in paperwork!

@jamesbondtraining 4 жыл бұрын

No business in this world can survive without the tickler filing system.

@Zodija 9 жыл бұрын

Excellently explained. Brief. Articulate. Not peppered with extra verbiage. Great system and great vid. 5 stars!

@downbntout 7 жыл бұрын

David G. Allen had a 44th folder, which I renamed the 'Not Now' file. To be reviewed quarterly, it's a place to capture ideas that 'Someday Isle' do. I add a page for items with a specific horizon, like for when 'Someday Isle' retire, or one for vacation ideas, or for 'In Case This Business Gets Acquired'. Each item in this 'Not Now' file is dated, and when I look at how ridiculously old some ideas got, I decide they were from a me that didn't have today's information, and I erase it. Hope this helps.

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

David Allen calls it Someday/Maybe

@springroll38 4 жыл бұрын

I've added a link on my blog so others can learn about the tickler file too. Thanks for making it clear, brief and easy to understand.

@hatebulak 13 жыл бұрын

I started this last week & it really works. Thanks!

@justinrodriguez9358 9 жыл бұрын

NO WAY I just stumbled upon this video, and today is January 20th... CRAZY!!!

@fredericogarza 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking time out to show this to us! -Frederico Garza

@divinew3 11 жыл бұрын

Thanx for sharing this system on KZfaq. I think it works best as a back-up system for someone with a computer keeping in mind that computers may break down sometimes or work slowly when you need the info in a hurry. The list is endless, it will be years before we have a completely paperless society. The system needs to see the future to be more effective.

@Day2DayWithMcK 11 жыл бұрын

I like this system. I don't really have enough at this point in my life (I'm tapering my life down) to merit a filing cabinet - but I am going to do this with a binder. Project protectors (plastic sleeves) for the dates and binder-folders - if necessary- for the months. Thanks! This system will work and FINALLY keep me organized!

@gadfly1974 10 жыл бұрын

Great summary. I'm transitioning within the next year or two to a new role at work. This will be so helpful. Thank you!

@alexvelks 9 жыл бұрын

Estaba leyendo el libro 23 habitos Anti-procastinacion y mencionan este sistema, y mira encontre este video, tus consejos son valiosos, gracias por compartir, ya me suscribi, ¡Saludos!

@CoryTyler 13 жыл бұрын

Thanks Chrissy! I read David's book but was still unclear until I saw your video. Thanks!

@pasinduwickramanayake4289 6 ай бұрын

This's an old video but the info is gold 👌 thanks 👍

@ar8647 8 жыл бұрын

Excellent video - a clear explanation of the system. Thank you!

@veryangrystorks 11 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you found a way to keep up with things! I'm still trying to make this thing work for me, and I don't even have a diagnosed cognitive problem. I'm just inefficient and goof things up a lot.

@licoreen 11 жыл бұрын

THANKS! I am going to try this out first thing tomorrow. I have the kind of job where I need to send 60-70 birthday cards in a year, attend monthly/weekly meetings, plan annual events, make sure independent contractors get paid... I just have such a variety of duties. This looks like it could really help.

@navinbhaitangal7519 4 ай бұрын

Happy to see this idea, hats off to u for making a life easy

@petmomful2260 8 жыл бұрын

I just set up this system at home. I was tired of having papers sitting around waiting for action, or the right date. Now I have a place to put everything until the day it is needed. I also put notes to myself in there, such as "Pay bills," on payday, so I do not forget, or things like, "Send Birthday card," or "Cat needs vaccines." Now I just have to remember to check it daily. I put it in a file box in my office; no big deal. Seems to work great. Not all of us are completely digital.

@DialogueHearttoHeart 10 жыл бұрын

wow so awesome and helpful! thanks for sharing going to use this idea...

@angelsantiago8138 4 жыл бұрын

Great video.

@Chrisaaanini 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@TomEugelink 12 жыл бұрын

Good system. Resembles the thickening backup system; where you have a individual back for each day of the week mo-th, then on friday you make a week-of-the-month backup (1-4) and on the last day of the month you make a month backup. In this way you can go back a full year, but with increasingly big steps, by just using 20 backup media.

@rerite2 12 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You one smart lady.

@colint1970 13 жыл бұрын

@ ChristianinHollywood ... File the documents on the day you need to action them. Fo example, if you need to post a payment or a birthday card, file it on the day yu need to action it: this will depend on your needs, but remember to allow for weekends! I generally file cards a week before. However, an agenda for a meeting or an invitation to an event would be filed on the day itself. If you have work that is not time specific, it doesn't go in here, but your finished report could go in here bet

@gamalieldeguzman9687 3 жыл бұрын

I love this

@BartSchuck 10 жыл бұрын

Coming from a guy who has worked numerous clerical and professional technical jobs (now retired), this would have been useful back some 40-50 years ago, and in fact, it was--my boss & I both used it. Now with digital calendaring, digital task managers and more, this is no longer pertinent today. Even on a personal level, if i have physical docs, they get scanned and stored either on Google drive or Evernote and then linked within my digital calendar so I can pull-up, and if needed, print a copy.

@AliAbbas-fb9tm 10 жыл бұрын

If you read the GTD book, many things cannot be scanned and many times you don't have time to scan every single file. The 43 folder is for actions that you need to do on a specific date, it is not a reference system. Evernote and Google Drive is for reference material, but if you need supporting documentation on a certain date then you put in the tickler file system. Also the steps involved to digitize is considerable, you have to go to scanner, scan, save, upload to evernote/google drive, go to outlook, create calendar item... vs. go to cabinet and put in a certain date/month. Much faster/easier and same thing. You can digitize after that task gets actioned or becomes reference materials.

@Crassenstein 9 жыл бұрын

thanks fr sharing yr techniques .

@goat9199 6 жыл бұрын

Many government and finance documents have to be the original triplicate docs with physical signatures. It sucks, and I am much more technologically inclined than the average, but the world is not yet fully digitized.

@ragestarshine5735 6 жыл бұрын

I think it depends on the person. This system would be useful to me because I'm easily distracted on a computer and I also tend to ignore computer reminders. But something where I have to physically check and move and remember will be infinitely better for me.

@shawnsmith1865 5 жыл бұрын

Your analysis sounds correct in the saving of the steps. Makes perfect sense to me. To SCAN after the task is done to "Document" it better.

@FromChicago2LA 10 жыл бұрын

@Bart Schuck and@Suzy Koch, I need both digital AND physical files. I scan a lot of stuff, but sometimes, it's simply much faster to drop certain docs in a physical file than to scan them. Unless I plan to keep a particular document for a long period or it has long-term archival value, it makes more sense (time-wise) for me to not spend time scanning it.

@Aaron-uh2rc 5 жыл бұрын

It is a great idea. What I struggle with is how to merge physical and digital folder systems. I have physical papers that need to stay physical (although some can be scanned and shredded). I suppose I could create both systems. The other issue is how to manage a physical folder system when you telecommute part-time. You don't really want to carry a file box or two every day.

@152Arda 11 жыл бұрын

I am an Evernote user. I like analog notetaking. I bought a few moleskines and I use them. But I found this specific technique too analog. Well, pen and ink is fine but you can scan and categorize them online too.

@shaunaymos7673 4 жыл бұрын

useful, thx... though I am converting tons of work into digitized form. I use a neat app to manage my files.. Google for FolderChanger.

@chrisadams5124 3 жыл бұрын

True, but I have a tendency to ignore digital stuff since it's distracting. Plus, with physical stuff, it is harder to ignore because it's in your face.

@Figlets 11 жыл бұрын

I'm an Evernote user, so I feel the same way. Too much paper to sift through. IMHO, as long as multiple backups are done (quick, easy and just to be triple safe), it beats the daylights out of *any paper filing* system. Of course, I keep a file of things that *have* to be kept as originals, and some things I just prefer to keep on physical paper, but that is one file folder. Whatever works best for each, and in my case Evernote has rocked my world as far as organization is concerned!!

@countybunkin6591 8 жыл бұрын

thanks but I have started a new system where I use my action filed in the three-ring binder with the dates and months so behind each date I have a blank sheet of paper and I use color-coded Post-it notes for my to do and my places to go and phone calls and things I need to do on the Internet or computer so those forecasts are color-coded and I just simply put Post-its on those pages and it makes it really easy as far as the paperwork I have an accordion file which is alphabetized and I stick everything behind there

@_SimpleSam 4 жыл бұрын

I know this comment is old, but I have been considering a system exactly like this - curious if you could provide more details and exactly how you manage it?

@shawnsmith1865 5 жыл бұрын

good way to make your files work for you, rather than drown in them. I am going to adapt it for a "work specific" system as I use it for my daily items as well.

@CedRockStarr 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks :)

@mistygg1 12 жыл бұрын

I have a mental disability and I use this system not to forget daily things I need to do. I really does work...brush teeth, etc.

@ErwinvanHolten 11 жыл бұрын

So you pick folders out of your tray first thing in the morning? What if something requires further preparing shortly before specific event? Do you put it in folder for the particular day ánd a reminder a day ahead or so? Very clear and neat. Thanks!

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

Yes... if you have a meeting on the 15th and you want to review it the day before, you put the items in the 14th folder

@barbra429 8 жыл бұрын

do you know how a tickler file could be setup using a cell phone...I saw a couple of tutorials using Google Calendar and one using Evernote but was hoping for some other way.

@RawVeganLoverGirl 10 жыл бұрын

That exactly what I use my diary for. Whenever I have a piece of paper to use on a particular day, I staple it in my diary on that day...easy. and I dont need 43 folders :-)

@petmomful2260 8 жыл бұрын

Your diary must really be thick. I have so many papers waiting for action.

@SumanKher 8 жыл бұрын

Pretty old style method at a time when everything is digitised. I bought the updated version of GTD and I hope that is relevant

@user-yx4sn4xc4r Жыл бұрын

Спасибо!

@Autumnalstar61 9 жыл бұрын

This is the United States Navy "Tickler File" System that has been around since at least 1980.

@shelliallen2161 8 жыл бұрын

+Autumnalstar61 Yep - and it still works!

@jcepri 7 жыл бұрын

I think I got it. the only thing Is do differently here is If I get a piece of paper I need to deal with in February, I'd probably just put it in the specific day's folder vs just in the February folder. that way I don't need to do that on February 1st.

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

You wouldn't be able to do that because you only have one set of 1 to 31 folders. For example on January 1st, there are no folders behind the February folder to put your item in

@ChristianInHollywood 13 жыл бұрын

What about when something requires preparation in advance? If I am only reminded of an event on the day it happens, how can I prepare for it?

@KeremPARLAKGUMUS-uc4xb 6 жыл бұрын

so you are not using seperators, right? i mean you can put a paper in 22 file, right? But for example im february you can not put anything in it right?

@mgtowmonkeymanreborn7281 9 жыл бұрын

How about bills due? Do you put them ahead a couple of days?

@shelliallen2161 8 жыл бұрын

+Ricardo J Great for bills! I put them in a couple of days before I need to pay them. You can't say you "forgot" and you can't say you misplaced it.

@petmomful2260 8 жыл бұрын

That is a great idea. I put my bills in a file labeled "Bills," and put a note in the tickler file for the day that is payday, as a reminder for me to pay them. I have been forgetting birthdays and anniversaries, so I have a list of my families birthdays, etc, that gets rotated thru the file as the dates approach, giving me enough time to make or buy, then mail, the card. I just set up this system, and I think it is really going to help me. I also have a "Pending" file, for things that are waiting to be finished, or get an answer. That way I do not have papers sitting around waiting on my desk or kitchen counter, and getting lost.

@mgtowmonkeymanreborn7281 8 жыл бұрын

Cool. Helpful. Keep up the good work :)

@countybunkin6591 8 жыл бұрын

How do you locate a document if you need to change the date of the task?

@mrtomlinson4551 8 жыл бұрын

+countybunkin6591 Simply look under the old date. e.g. If your meeting is moved from 12th to 28th, simply look in folder 12 and move the piece of paper(s) to folder 28.

@mgtowmonkeymanreborn7281 9 жыл бұрын

How do I store all my other important documents? policies, diplomas

@mrtomlinson4551 8 жыл бұрын

+Ricardo J Not in here. This is for documents you will need on a specific date in the future.

@ladybugz519 7 жыл бұрын

How do you ensure that you don't double book appointments?

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

This shouldn't be used for appointments. You should still use your calendar to schedule your appointment. But the physical materials you need for your appointments could be put in the folder for the day of the appointment

@PathwayRanchTX 13 жыл бұрын

@colint1970 hehe, I thought I was the only one!

@foleymo 12 жыл бұрын

Yeah. She mentions that in the first 40 seconds of the video.

@razvanrogozb2b 12 жыл бұрын

OK, I may be crazy (plus, I haven't watched the entire video), but isn't this the system from GTD?

@alialsoudani1172 5 жыл бұрын

THURSDAY MAR 12

@krishnaprasad658 4 жыл бұрын

Madam pls post the video how to organize files in the system in a easy way so that we don't have to waste time in searching

@zochbuppet448 9 жыл бұрын

I'm looking for something for personal use. this is for large offices and seems like overkill even tough its a great idea. It takes up a full drawer. this in a Binder sounds good what about the digital stuff. Dont believe the lies/ forecasting of technology. ...read up on AOL/Time Warner and the big eff up.(but we knew at the time) In forecasting with technology its impossible. for the past 15 year (since 1999/2000) I could of been very happy in a job in publishing/ graphic etc but we were told that it was going to be obsolete due to the paperless office, and paper books and materiel as obsolete....I'm still waiting. Instead I've spent the lst 15 years going from job to job/ area to area.

@mrtomlinson4551 8 жыл бұрын

+Zoch Buppet I suggest using an expanding file with sections labelled with the months of the year. File BEHIND the section divider. Keep a small clip on the current month, but anything up to and including the clip is for NEXT YEAR; only sections AFTER the clip are for THIS YEAR. This way, you'll easily see where you're up to when you open the folder. At the beginning of the month, sort everything for that month into order and put it in the space BEFORE January, which is for the CURRENT month. Anything you receive during the month for that month, simply place in order in your current month papers. I hope this is helpful.

@dmdeblois 11 жыл бұрын

did you really say "How can we trust anything you say now?" Gees Louise, Charlie, Put your files in the appropriate size container and you'll get by without the extra folders, ya silly goose! If you're a busy person, the quantity of paper alone will keep your folders supported.

@colint1970 13 жыл бұрын

Dang iPad's auto correct! For … you … its!

@seagullrock 10 жыл бұрын

Welcome to the 1970s. That's when we started using our "review file" at work. But we did it in just 15 folders. Monthly folders are overkill. If an item were to be used or reviewed on, say, May 15 and another on November 15, they went in the same folder. We were smart enough to tell the difference between the two months. If you don't need to take up a whole file drawer, buy some 3-hole-punched pocket dividers (two pockets per divider), label them 1-31 (30 and 31 were combined), and keep your stuff in a notebook.

@Techmotionfitness 10 жыл бұрын

Ever heard of a CRM system?

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

What is it?

@cursedtiki213 6 жыл бұрын

Why would you do this in the age of smartphones? Add a reminder to your electronic calendar.

@brendalg4 5 жыл бұрын

Because some people believe that you should not have anything except actual meetings on your calendar. Also your calendar on your smartphone cannot hold physical pieces of paper

@kobrowsky 10 жыл бұрын

Next on office arrow: How to urgently notify the police of robbery using pidgeons.

@TheFigurehead 11 жыл бұрын

Not much use if you work on multiple sites! I think I'm allergic to paper folders. Need to get yourself Outlook luv, you can attach all your docs and info to it, set-up reminders etc.

@zochbuppet448 9 жыл бұрын

"throw away the glasses and get some excitment ;)"...yeah girl i'm under 30, part of the new gen. Show us some of them bubbies, stomp around on a desk while talking about office management

@instantsiv 11 жыл бұрын

I've tried various apps to stay organized and they all suck compared to pen and paper. Trees are a renewable resource unlike leveling mountains to mine coal and polluting the atmosphere generating power to charge your phone.

@ruthlessadmin 11 жыл бұрын

The problem with any organization system, and why they fail is *remembering to use it* and/or having it readily accessible at all times so they'll remember later to use it. Enter 2013: smartphones, tablets and computers are vastly better at this task. They don't kill trees, they take up less space, they can store infinitely more information, AND they can sound alarms and display messages to remind you /not only/ about the things themselves, BUT remind you to remember to use them! Just sayin'.

@philipcarpenter6718 11 жыл бұрын

I feel betrayed.

@philipcarpenter6718 11 жыл бұрын

Don't you need extra folders to hold up the interior folders? That would equal more than 43. How can we trust anything you say now?

@goat9199 6 жыл бұрын

My boss? Nope!

@re030theSecond 12 жыл бұрын

Wow. That's a bit... full on. I mean, if you don't like the system, don't use it. Also I find it incredibly hard to take a comment from someone called "penisculatus" seriously, just saying.