When I first started using my Filofax, I felt like my entire life should be in one binder. I quickly became frustrated (and my Filofax quickly became full to bursting). I realized it was impossible to fit every aspect of my life into my Filofax.
I learned to divide and conquer. I figured out what information I actually needed to have in my Filofax, and what was better off elsewhere. Some things went into files in my home office. Some things went into my Home binder (especially those details that were better off not carried out of the house). Some things stay on my computer.
When I used a Personal size Filofax, I carried it everywhere. What helped me decide what to put in it or not was thinking if I truly needed that bit of information carried with me everywhere I go. Things I didn't need while I was out and about were able to stay home.
Now, I work from home so the deciding factor is what information I need at hand all the time throughout the day. I'm using a Filofax with smaller rings, which helps keep me honest about what I really need, and what I don't.
My Filofax use has changed and evolved a lot over the 20+ years I've been using ring binders. Now I feel like I finally know what I need in my Filofax, and what I can leave someplace else.
How do you decide what you need to have in your Filofax, and what can stay someplace else?
And as always on Fridays, feel free to ask/ discuss anything ring binder related!
Hi, everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm searching for a binder to house my journaling pages.
Currently they reside in Filofax Doodle, which has perfect - sturdy, unbending - structure for writing while in bed and it's only disadvantage is compact size - I can't fit 365 days worth of pages in here (and I need whole year - it's a 5-year journal).
So, the question is: personal size, 23mm rings and unbending structure - does it exist?
Maybe Cover Story binders fit my bill?
New Fan Floral looks promising..
Suggest you consider "vintage" 1980s models in calf or hide leather. They made 'em tough in those days!
DeleteSadly, such experimentation is pricey and without guarantee..
DeleteI'm thinking about putting pieces cut from hard plastic file folders into pockets of spare Filofax Original (famously floppy) that I own.
Tony Perotti organisers in personal Filofax size have very large ring sizes. I have one I used in the past with a full year day to page. I bought mine off Ebay but I have seen them elsewhere on line.
DeleteI have a personal Finsbury that I would describe as extremely rigid. I write on it in my lap all the time.
DeleteFor me, ironically, the development of the smartphone has made this so much easier. Instead of the prospect of carrying a massive brick of a 30mm-ringed Filofax around all day, packed full of data that was unlikely to be referred to, the majority of the information I need to refer to can be held on my iPhone 6s Plus. It had become all-too-tempting to leave my fat Filofax back in the office - where it was no use at all! Instead, I've been able to severely streamline the amount of paper information I need to keep with me and am much more likely to have both my paper and digital organisers in my pocket at all times. Monthly and annual plans, goals and monthly overviews, key information (especially encrypted passwords) and blank paper are the core of my paper based system. Everything else is digital and the two work hand in hand.
ReplyDeleteGreat points, and a good way to go, Tim....
DeleteSimilar situation as I have a 6 Plus work mobile. The extra screen real estate made me not want to lug around an iPad, let alone my laptop.
Mark
Hello Everyone. Completely different topic - Filofax shops in Amsterdam.
ReplyDelete8 years ago I was in Amsterdam and came across a stationers with a huge range of Filofaxes and stationery. They had some really unusual Filofax binders. Can't remember the name of the shop or where it was. Sorry.
I have tried searching online but with no luck. Can anyone suggest good outlets in the Netherlands that I can Google. Hoping they are still around and provide overseas mail order.
Look at Appelboom. Great service.
Deletehttps://appelboom.com
You're probably thinking of Akkerman - https://www.pwakkerman.nl/en/ - but that was a tiny store on the Kalverstraat. They have merged with another stationer's (also small) and have moved into their premises. The Bijenkorf have a pretty good selection - https://www.debijenkorf.nl/product-lister-page.html?SearchTerm=filofax . Having lived in Amsterdam for 20 years and not having come across any other major ones, I think that's yer lot ....
DeleteAppleboon looks very interesting but from Graham's description it sounds like Akkerman before the shops merged. Thanks!
DeleteAkkerman is located in The Hague focusing entirely on fountain pens. With some alliance to Vanderspek as qell. Great service by the way.
DeleteIt's Appelboom.....
DeleteHover your mouse cursor of the green heading 'Leather Goods'
When it opens up more sub-headings below, you will see it says 'Organizers' and below that it says:
Filofax
Montblanc
Succes
;-)
Mark
Has anyone by any chance heard of Raven by KSTK? I came across one of their binders on eBay (sold) and saw that they carry FF spacing A5 but with D Rings! I tried Google, but nothing came up.
ReplyDeleteAfter using my weekly format on grid paper for a month I have set it aside. On the grid paper I wrote the information in different categories and indicated the completion or other action in the boxes. However there are notations of the computer or other area on different weeks. Some tasks of one category are on the first week and other tasks are on the following weeks. I would rather view the details in a more cohesive way.
ReplyDeleteI also designed a yearly insert on lined paper with a large space of the day but did not choose it. On the yearly one I can write the notations based on the hours or groups but I am not writing a schedule on the layout. Symbols and colors are beneficial in distinguishing the notations. I am not interested in that color coding process or symbols and meanings on paper or a device. Knowing expenses of the month still requires finding that information on many days. I have a possible solution for another format on grid paper.