I use a detailed and systematic way to handle email. Whether you stay constantly connected to your messages or restrict checking your email to three times daily, each email that comes across your screen or smartphone is an opportunity to manage your tasks in the same style as the sticky note approach. I love using email as a task management tool. A sticky note gives me control over task management by reminding me to respond immediately and effectively to small tasks. That includes making sure I have addressed all the tasks on these notes. Before I leave for the day, I unclutter my desk. That way, I keep my desk and work area clear.

Once I complete a task on a sticky note, I just throw it away. I know I’ll get back to it as soon as I can while I devote my full attention to the task at hand. If I’m working on something and a separate thought pops into my head, I can easily offload it onto a sticky note to keep my mind free. What goes on a sticky note then? Quick, single tasks that need my attention immediately, or as soon as I have the time.

It demands my attention and serves as a constant reminder to get to work on what needs done now. When I put one on my laptop, computer screen or desktop, it stands out prominently. The Sticky NoteĪ sticky note represents something that needs immediate action. If you haven’t thought through your task management process, grab a sticky note or two and start there! Here’s how they fit into my process of getting things done. Whether you use such notes or not, what they represent is important: a basic level of systematic task management. As rudimentary as they are, they are an important part of my more sophisticated process of getting things done. But they are still an important link to overall productivity. If you try to restick them too often, you’ll lose them forever. These little adhesive notes do have their limitations, though. In fact, I first wrote down the inspiration for this article on a sticky note on my desk! In a world of technology and digital task management, there’s still no replacing a sticky note to capture important information and keep me on task. It’s such a simple yet brilliant idea: a small piece of paper with a reusable adhesive backing so you can stick it anywhere. But there’s just something about a sticky note. Office supplies aren’t usually exciting or inspiring.

Digital sticky notes