Are there any projects done anymore that, in some way, shape or form aren’t digital? You’d be hard pressed to name just one.
Yet, when starting a new project or task, how many times do you first reach for a pen and paper – for notes, for an outline, to brainstorm? Why? Why not start every function with a word processor, spreadsheet, etc.? Then save that file as “notes” or “background” with the project name.
And let’s not forget that this is the 21st Century where we have software programs and applications specifically designed for taking notes. Evernote, OneNote and Google Keep are all outstanding (in each their own ways) at accomplishing all of this.
The same holds true for all the information that you’ve been gathering. Does it need to be on paper to be reviewed, shared, filed or stored? It’s so much easier to go digital where it will eventually end up anyway.
You’re on the phone with someone who gives you their number. Why write it down? Key it in right away.
Think of the paper you’ll save. Think of the file folders you’ll save. Think of the file cabinet space you’ll save. Think about how much less cluttered your workspace will be without all those notes lying about. As great as Post-It notes are, they can only do so much.
Think about how easy it is to misplace, lose, or inadvertently discard any or all of those scraps of paper. Unless you’re an unusually organized individual, think about the time you’ll waste (not spend, waste) looking for that specific scrap of paper.
Think also of the worst that can happen and how you can make all your information redundant on external hard drives or in the cloud.
It’s one thing to be smart and another thing to be… you fill in the blank.
