How to Make a Hipster PDA

The Hipster PDA, created by Merlin Mann of 43Folders.com, is a very practical and inexpensive organizational tool. Practitioners of David Allen's Getting Things Done system will find it helpful in the capturing and processing portions of the system.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A stack of index cards
• A binder clip
• A pen

1. Arrange around 10-20 (depending on your needs) note cards in a stack
2. Clip the note cards together with the binder clip
3. You're basically done creating the device. Here's how to use it!
4. Keep the Hipster PDA with you at all times. With the writing utensil, capture any "stuff" that you want to remember on one note card
5. Move that note card to the back of the hPDA so that you have a clean slate for new ideas
6. "Process" your written thoughts at the end of the day. Decide whether it is actionable, whether it can be referenced later, or whether you should scrap it.
7. If it is actionable, decide whether to do it now (if it takes less than two minutes) or defer it for later, or to delegate it to someone else.
8. Keep doing this and you will have a clear and focused mind at all times!

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase David Allen's Getting Things Done
• Add small printable calendars and other neat items from diyplanner.com
• Don't stack too many together. You want it to fit into your pocket