43 Folders

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”What’s 43 Folders?”
43Folders.com is Merlin Mann’s website about finding the time and attention to do your best creative work.

How do you use 43 folders for filing?

Great site... Thank you.

HOWEVER: I am very surprised how difficult is has been (at least for me) to find information on how to actually use a filing system that is composed of 43 folders. All I know is that you have 12 months and 31 days. But for a site that is eponymous with this system, I would expect to see a prominent link on the home page that says something like:

--> How To Implement A Filing System Using 43 Folders

I just purchased the book "Getting Things Done" as a result of this site--but as far as I can tell this book makes no mention of a system that uses 43 folders. In fact, Mr. Allen seems to suggest that a 26-folder A-Z system is adequate.

Can anyone point me to a link or two that would instruct me how to use the 43 folders? How, for example, does it get "integrated" into the GTD system? I understand I can place items in a folder, such as "15" for April 15th, but how does that tie in to a Project or Action? Must I have two filing systems, one from A-Z and the other 43 folders, making 69 folders in all (no jokes here, please)?

Searching Google did not help me. I saw only links to your URL, and from there I can't find the information I'm looking for...

Thanks in advance... I'll be checking this board often for replies.

Jon

SteveC's picture

I suppose doing things that...

Jon500;9109 wrote:
I suppose doing things that way will make it unnecessary to "look ahead" each day (peek into the next few numbered folders). I suppose you can do that if you have time, but in theory you would be fine only to look into the numbered folder that corresponds to the current day.

That is one of the greatest features of a working GTD system. You don't need to 'peek' because you know that you will be reminded at the appropriate time or context. Doesn't just apply to the tickler file. If you have an '@ email' list, you don't need to even think about it if you're not at a computer.

Very relaxing :)

Steve

 
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