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04/26/2008 00:12
undertoe
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Throughout it all, I've been able to maintain some (if loosely coupled) career. With a big family, career and other commitments, I have to have a system to keep track of it all. For years I used the Franklin Covey planner. Then in 2004 I discovered a new system called Getting Things Done. Then there was this other new thing called "Do It Tomorrow". Then another new notebook that let you track.......

So, long story short, I have over the past four years switched systems so many times that I'm now changing the tools and methods I use on an almost weekly basis. I can't make myself stick to one thing. There's always a new notebook, planner, software, concept that I want to try, or an old one I want to go back to. I've tried really hard to make myself stick to just one, but I when I do this I STOP using it and hardly get anything done.

Currently, everything is a MESS. Project lists here, tasks over there, notes in software, reference articles on the web. It's just a bad bad, non-functional mess!

Questions: Is this common among Bipolars? Are any of you going through this? Any advice, tips or tricks on sticking to ONE thing for longer periods of time? Anything suggestions would be greatly appreciated (especially by my wife and wallet!)

undertoe

I was never good at short copy.
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04/26/2008 03:35
carmen33
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Hi, Undertoe, don't really know that I am the one to be answering this, as I will try a system and then it gets laid down somewhere, I can't find it again and then it fades from memory. Done this so many times I just don't bother anymore, two things I have found that works, is a small carry in your pocket date organizer you can get them in two year packs for writing down meeting times, appointments etc.. they only cost a dollar or two.. and if I have to do a budget for expenses for a week, then i do it up on the computer and print it off, and it gets stuck to the refrigerator..lol..

As for it being a bipolar thing? don't think it is strictly limited to us..


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04/26/2008 03:36
carmen33
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you can also try a cork board or a chalk board for your home computer room/office.


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04/26/2008 08:00
southern10
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Hey undertoe,I get like that also....I cant stick to one thing at a time..concentration is poor for me,lol... But I dont think its a bipolar trait either....I agree with carmen to get a chalkboard or maybe try to get the post stickers and write down everything on there......

Post edited by: southern10, at: 04/26/2008 10:01

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04/26/2008 09:44
norma
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Underrtoe...I use a calendar at work and make sure I write everythin I need to get done on it. I also use the calendar in my laptop to remind me of things...I like to make lists...writing things makes me remember.
"In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan


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04/26/2008 10:11
undertoe
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I'm a list-freak! If I don't get it written down it doesn't happen. I just can't seem to stick to one list keeper. I'm constantly changing the way I do things because I'm just never happy with it. Thanks for all the tips guys! I'm moving all my info (which is fragmented across different systems at the moment) to a notebook today and I'm going to try hard to not change this around for the next few weeks. Wish me luck!

undertoe

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04/26/2008 16:08
norma
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Good luck....and another tip that helps me trememdously...if i make it a habit to take of some things immediately if I can instead of putting them off. If I habitually do that they don't pile up and that gives me time to do long range projects (which I tackle a little at a time religously, instead of all at one time)
"In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan




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04/26/2008 16:09
undertoe
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Thanks for the tip, Norma!

undertoe

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04/26/2008 19:53
Gypsy
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I have 4 kids, 2 cats, and a dog. I also have bipolar.

I have to keep track, and have a system. I do my chores in the same way every week. I do better in the morning. I have to pace myself.

I make lists of my bills. I also make a list of the things I need to do for the day and keep it where I can find it. I keep all of the important things, I need to turn in in my purse. I write all of my appointments on my calendar. I could never use any electronic organizational system. I have to have things where I can see them.

I also make lists of my priorities. I tend to get them mixed up at times. I also do crisis intervention. I make a budget, and write down my income, and bills, so, I don't get to thinking, I am rich and can buy anything, I want. I manage to get things done, and the bills paid, so, that is pretty good. Don't forget to schedule fun, and rest in there, too. I learned, that this last week. I ran my friend around to do errands, and was busier than, I am used to. I had very little time for me, and my chores. By the weekend, I was a wreck, and went manic. It wasn't fun on me, or my family. Easy does it, but, do it.

God Bless,Gypsy
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04/26/2008 20:24
norma
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Another thing I do is like Gypsy said about the paying of the bills first then know what I have left for other things, is I make myself do the things I don't feel like doing first. That way the time I have left is for things I enjoy and I look forward to them as a reward.
"In the time of your life, live-so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but, shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it." William Saroyan


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