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

packing your (work) bag - which files go?

For the first time in a while I'm feeling on top of the paper I have to manage - I've got as little of it as possible and what I do have is high impact. At my desk, I'm all over it. But most days I need to leave my desk at some point, and I may be gone long enough that I can't necessarily plan all the tasks I'll work on while away. Here's my question: What goes in the briefcase when you leave your desk? I'm not interested in a lifehacker.com-esque "what's in your go bag?" discussion, though theirs was great. What I want to know is how to you prepare yourself for taking care of business while you're working from your bag. My current list is 1) project folders from all projects active this week (usually three or four of these), 2) reference/content folders for any ongoing writing/presenting/making something projects, 3) "Evergreen" folders - new business possibilites for my company, etc., and 4) one "brain dump" folder with cards and blank paper in the event I need to fire up a new project/project folder. All other stuff goes on index cards for capture or into Ghost Action synced to my blackberry. Someone's out there's got a better rig than me. What is it? Thanks! John 154 Consulting
wreising's picture

Re: packing your (work) bag - which files go?

I would try to define which Project folders to take with you by the Context of where you will be.

Namely, if you are going from the office to home, only take the projects you want to work on at home, and can work on at home. If you have a project that you can't work on with the tools you have available at home, then it should weigh down your bag.

Also, if you have a project that you won't have the energy required when at home, don't bring that one either.

The series of questions to ask is similar to what you would ask yourself when trying to choose a next action to do.

What Context am I in?

How much time do I have?

How much energy do I have?

If you ask these questions with the place(s) you will be traveling to in mind, you should be able to reduce the number of files you choose to carry with you.

 
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