Index Cards

I have used a variety of systems for personal organization, from notebooks to legal pads, and PDAs to smartphones.  I now use a combination of a smartphone, web-based task list, and a stack of index cards.  I carry 15 unruled index cards held together with an ideal clamp (a big paperclip that looks like a butterfly).  I use the index cards to capture information.  Tasks that are not completed by the end of the day are entered in my web-based task list, and the index cards are retained for a month.  If you have a scanner, you can scan the index cards and keep them on a computer.  Index cards may be a ideal choice for missionaries who need a place to quickly jot down a phone number, draw a map, sketch a concept, make a task list, take notes and more.

Reasons why index cards are better than smartphones/PDAs:

  1. Writing on index cards is faster than using a smartphone
  2. Index cards are available in most locations
  3. Index cards are not likely to be rejected on an expense report, but getting approval to purchase a smartphone may be tricky
  4. Index cards are easy to give away
  5. Index cards are easy to let someone use
  6. The use of index cards is more reproducible/transferrable than a smartphone because it does not introduce an economic or technological barrier
  7. Index cards require little training to use
  8. Index cards do not become outdated
  9. Index cards do not create the appearance of affluence
  10. Index cards do not need power or internet
  11. Index cards are not likely to become a distraction for yourself or others
  12. Index cards will not reboot when you need them the most
  13. No one wants to steal index cards
  14. No one thinks you are texting or playing games when using index cards
  15. Index cards can survive being dropped on the sidewalk
  16. You don’t envy your neighbor’s index cards, as you might a newer smartphone
  17. Index cards can be easily destroyed, without fear of data theft
  18. Index cards fail predictably (fire, water) unlike gadgets

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