Advice on the 43 folders technique

[Marcelo]

Hi all!

The 43 folders technique was one I loved from the first moment (I guess I am not the only one), only to discover that I don't really have much use for it. I only place there my bills and very few other things (I have a corkboard for upcoming events).

I am thinking about going back to my old method, which is placing the bills in my calendar at the appropiate date, though keeping the 12 months folders for long term bills and others.

Any advice, takes or insights from other GTDers?

[kelstarrising]

Hi Marcelo,

Have you considered joining GTD Connect? Seems like you are enthusiastic about GTD and Connect is a great way to get feedback and share experiences with the DavidCo coaches and other members on the GTD Connect Forums. The public Forum (which this is) is great too, just wanted to suggest Connect as well, as there are a wealth of GTD resources on Connect that you won't find anywhere else.

https://secure.davidco.com/connect/free/14days

Kelly

[Marcelo]

Hi Marcelo,

Have you considered joining GTD Connect? Seems like you are enthusiastic about GTD and Connect is a great way to get feedback and share experiences with the DavidCo coaches and other members on the GTD Connect Forums. The public Forum (which this is) is great too, just wanted to suggest Connect as well, as there are a wealth of GTD resources on Connect that you won't find anywhere else.

https://secure.davidco.com/connect/free/14days

Kelly

Thank you very much for your offer Kelly! I am a great believer in open source projects and peer colaboration for exchanging knowledge (great things like Wikipedia, Linux and the internet itself are based on those principles) and I prefer to remain in a forum that does not require paying money to participate in it, but rather your own input to exchange with others's. Puting myself in DavidCo's perspective, which is kindly hosting this forum, the fact that we are contributing content for free, thereby attracting and motivating new potential GTD users as well as fostering a GTD culture -I have the impression this is one of DavidCo goals, and a very clever one indeed, in every sense-, is surely an excellent pay off in itself.

I don't entirely discard the possibility of joining Connect in the future, if I feel it becomes a real need for me. At present it is not.

Thank you again for offering!

[Layla]

Marcelo, I found out something similar - that I didn't have much stuff to put in 43 folders..
So I just have one metal box for bills etc (so I don't have to see them when I don't need to), and put the date on the calendar. It's not completely foolproof though, I need to actually take the bills out on the due date (or the night before) and put them somewhere I see them!
I have some stuff (as much as possible) on direct payment by the bank anyway! It's cheaper that way too..

About GTD Connect - I like the idea of 'open source' projects very much too.. Know that Wikipedia has raised A LOT of money to remain what it is though.. Servers for forums aren't so cheap etc.
So basically to be able to keep it up and offer quality service, I understand the idea for a membership site..
Have you tried the free 2-week membership yet?

[kelstarrising]

Marcelo wrote: I don't entirely discard the possibility of joining Connect in the future, if I feel it becomes a real need for me. At present it is not.

Good strategy Marcelo! GTD Connect is not for everyone, but it does offer content and an experience you won't find in any open source environment. I am confident and proud of that.

Cheers.

[Roger]

I don't put lots of stuff in there, but the things that do go in are very handy.

Right now I've got things in there like "Passport expires" in 2015 and "10th Wedding Anniversary" in 2018. I don't really want or need to lug that sort of information around in my calendar for the next decade.

I also use it in a quasi-Someday/Maybe fashion. Do I want to think about buying snowshoes? Not really right now... I'll throw it in the folder for January.



Cheers,
Roger