I used to be addicted to using legal pads for the purpose of making notes.

I started with yellow ones, and then I gradually converted to white ones. But instead of organizing me, they did the opposite.

I would partly fill them out, and then pile them up on my shelves or smash them into my laptop case, and even lose a few Then, perhaps once every six months, Id cull through them, searching for errant bits of wisdom, book and article themes, and marketing strategies.

Id be left with piles of detached pages that needed sorting, stapling, and filing.

Finally, I discovered the value of carrying a spiral bound notepad with me.

I use one that contains at least 180 pages, which of course expands to 360 when I write on both sides, something that isnt at all convenient or practical with legal pads.

Instantly, I have in one convenient place my daily notes, new phone numbers, travel confirmations, and nearly everything else I need. And I only need one every couple of months.

When theyre filled up, theyre easily storable and retrievable on my bookshelves.

Surprisingly, notepads are taking the place of my laptops, which I also used. But they were a pain, especially on planes, where youre restricted in their use during takeoff and in preparation for landing.

Plus, theyre always running on a low battery, or so it seems.

Moreover, Ive never been told to put away my notepad. Armed with a few pens, I can compose anywhere and capture those fleeting ideas that never seem to make their way into the confines of a laptop.

You should try spiral bound notebooks. For a few bucks, they can make you much more organized and productive!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman
www.customersatisfaction.com