The $3 Fix To Your Productivity Problem

[@AmyTV]

🗃I hope you love the freeing feeling that index cards have been for my mindset. It's truly a gamechanger and I can't wait to show you how it progresses into amazing productivity levels in the next episodes of this series: LIFE:ORGANIZED. Are you subscribed to the channel so you get the episodes first? 🥰

[@juliahill7456]

Amy! The tablet in your kitchen! After seeing the display in your videos I went down a rabbit hole and found great satisfaction. Presence is ...well what can I say -everything. It's our household favorite and now my favorite gift to share with friends and family. Maybe you could share in a video. P.S. I'm an index card fan and always have been. This is a great inspiration to expand usefulness- kids and adults benefit from the simple helpful tool. BTW you look FABULOUS!

[@utoudoh]

1. Fleeting Thoughts 2. Vision Board 3. Task List 4. Project Brainstorming 5. Book Notes 6. Idea Capture 7. Affirmations

[@nuclear_reactor5x5]

just ignore all context?

[@thomasattanaro5093]

20 years ago there was a system called Hipster PDA; 3x5 index cards clipped together and carried in your hip pocket. Followers soon created and shared templates for to do lists, project planning, schedules--you name it. Died out, replaced by the Moleskine craze and smartphones. The more things change...

[@ShaneKnysh]

Hipster PDA + 43 Folders was the most effective system I've ever used. Merlin Mann heavily influenced my backpack for over a decade.

[@trenchrock]

I LOVED the hipster PDA. Miss it so much

[@InnerGiggles]

I like to use flashcards for everything, so thank you so much for bringing this up. I’m going to look it up and learn the system that you used to use. 🫶🏼

[@piecesofmind9853]

Always love seeing mentions of the hPDA ❤.

[@skhootman]

@@ShaneKnysh I like hPDA + BuJo. I carry around the index cards and then spend some time with the Bullet Journal adding and refining information as I go along.

[@mommybreakdown]

The teacher in me appreciates a good index card moment ❤

[@Jaimiedee]

I love this idea..... But once you do this and you have a bunch of index cards, what do you DO with them? You keep mentioning "processing them" but how do you process them? When do you "process them"? What happens if you don't? I could see myself loving writing everything down on index cards, but I could also see myself swimming in piles of them, not really knowing what to do with them once they're written down. I have a back log of things that need to be "processed" and I'm afraid that adopting this habit will add the the physical clutter I already struggle to keep up with.

[@myusikah]

I think the cards are part of a bigger system. Lots of people take some time to figure out what they need/want to do next. Like, some people do it at the start or end of a week to forecast the upcoming week, or they take a little time at the beginning or end of a day to just figure out the next day. Processing it can look different, depending on what the thought on the card is. If the card has an activity, you can figure out when you need to do that by. If the card stack has a bunch of parallel processes that add up to a big project, when it's time to work on it, you could select one at random and begin working on it! Once I've done what's on the card to a reasonable amount or to what feels satisfactory, I rip it up! I like to do this to remind myself that actions are fleeting and that it's more about the impact of them that matters. I don't like to feel bogged down by tasks I don't complete. If they really need to be done, I write them down onto next week's card and rip up the old one, so I'm not keeping a ledger for how long I've procrastinated on that task. I feel like executive functioning is a whole lot of life skills I was never taught, so now learning them as an adult is really hard :/ but we have flexible brains that can be rewired to new patterns with some consistency and a bit more effort! Good luck to you ❤

[@oxigen85]

I can also totally see myself drowning under a whole mountain of these... I have an "incoming" list in my to-do list app, every random thought can be entered there within a second, and then moved to the correct list. This feels like that just on paper.

[@TonyThomas10000]

They used to call that the "Hipster PDA"! I like to take 20-28 lb. paper and cut it up to make 3 x 5s. Cheaper and lighter than index cards. Right now, I am using graph paper ones.

[@ekstravideo]

Yep. @merlinmann has entered the chat

[@InnerGiggles]

Please share how you use it. 😊

[@TonyThomas10000]

@@InnerGiggles Notes, lists, outlines, article ideas, random thoughts, quotes, diagrams, etc.

[@feelinguru-vywiththepaingu9808]

Holy moly. I used to have a habit with index cards. Why did I stop? I couldn’t do any work for more than 6 months due to illness. I've been rebuilding my habits for the past several years. This is going back incto my habits!

[@Sharonprincess1]

After using so many planners that never worked, and adding the same thing in the blanks week by week, this is my new system. I use it for cleaning task cards, homeschool schedules, visions, and lists for for food items to help pan the week, recipes, and even daily routines. Simplicity is so nice.

[@Hellhound448]

I carry post it’s with me at all times and have a pen in my hair! I started doing it about 10 years ago to keep track of things in my head, make the grocery list, recall birthdays coming up…the list is endless. My life changed within a week!

[@Chanel31113]

Where do you keep all these post it notes so you look at them and don’t miss any?

[@lindabaker667]

I have used index cards for years. I also use colored index cards to indicate priority or importance. I color code my calendar as well. Keeps me focused.

[@InnerGiggles]

Thanks for the tips!

[@LilCraftyNook]

I’ll never forget, in high school English class, we were turning in our index cards for the paper we were writing. The teacher, Mrs. Ramey, had told us to write one idea on each card. So, I had a huge stack. One of my classmates was turning his in at the same time and commented, “Wow, she has so many!! (he had about a 1/3 of mine)” She smiled and said, “That’s what you’re supposed to do!”😊

[@pneumanaut1]

Yup- that’s how I wrote & organized every one on my papers in university. I think I’d go back and do the same now if/when I return to do my masters.

[@the.sapling]

And?

[@pneumanaut1]

@@the.sapling And .... this is not a new idea? it's a re-working of an old idea. For those who have been around the block a few times, this is not an ah-ha moment or a new discovery. But, it is a reminder, a revisiting, a re-working of something that once worked well and still does. However, there are those who have yet to go around the block, so this might be a discovery for them. (Or maybe those who never used them the first time so they are now being told that this actually IS a good tool to try?) Not sure which one you are. Or maybe one that one that I didn't mention.

[@the.sapling]

@@pneumanaut1 was talking ab OP's story not the idea presented in the video. ofc using index cards isnt new!

[@pneumanaut1]

@@the.sapling ahh … clarity on that could have helped & saved me the time. Also, with the identification of a sapling aka young tree, I also thought, without further information, that perhaps your youth might have contributed to confusion to lead to the question “and” for further explanation. Ah well … moot point. Clarity could have gone a long way. At the very least, to whom was the “and” directed to. Obviously now, not me, even though it appeared directly after my comment. Same confusion often happens with pronoun use when used incorrectly.

[@mlcoffey2]

I have been doing a variation of this for about 5 years. Its amazing to be able to write down all ideas that fly through your head. I then go through them and can place them in my planner in the months or weeks that will be appropriate to getting them done.

[@nikkireigns]

I must try this! Thank you!

[@lilyofthelabyrinth]

This series came at the perfect time!!! Thank you so much for this video. It felt like a huge permission slip to go back to the one method that hasn't failed my challenging ADHD yet- simple note cards. Much love & gratitude!💌

[@brittany_wmsb]

I love this idea! I tried it for Christmas gift shopping thanks to a tip from The Lazy Genius and it made the whole experience immediately less overwhelming. I also write myself a notecard for every flight I take bc I’m a nervous flyer. One side is things to do on the plane and the other is affirmations and bible verses. I can’t wait to try these other ideas out starting tomorrow! Thank you!

[@KTfromJersey]

I NEEDED to hear this today. I am feeling so excited and motivated to do this. A notebook is just too overwhelming too look at, and too big to tote around. And I forget to look at specific apps. This is perfect.

[@al1_queen994]

Btw! I know you just said you like better those cards. There's still small pocket notebooks if you want to go back to it. It's about the same size as those cards :)

[@MaryDeanDotCom]

Even better, get a beautiful, antique recipe box, or card catalog drawer, and make your own database. Buy a pack of dividers, and pretty soon you will think of more and more uses for it: Recipes, House Tasks, Flash Cards, Hobbies, Sewing Ideas, Maintenance Routines, Plant Care, Woodworking Ideas, Movies to Watch (add brief review), Neighbors, Health/Fitness Stats, Trip Ideas, Packing Lists, Birthday Dates + Gift Ideas, Cards to Make, Music to Learn… etc.

[@dominiquecharbonneau2714]

Just wanted to say : I'm really impressed ar how your content evolved over the years, and as a long time follower, I want to say thank you for keeping things fresh and interesting! Listening to your channel is a constant reminder about how I can challenge myself in new ways. Love the cue cards trick and love your channel :)

[@shirsmi5533]

Well… this is going in my PHONE NOTES. I ‘press the share button’ and copy the KZbin link to my Notes. Titled this one INDEX CARDS. Then I can re-listen to this video and copy other links on this subject. BTW, I subscribed. I’m 72 and still learning lots of new ideas.

[@diana7676]

I send it to myself from the share button

[@annakariol]

I use my phone notes as well. I love it because it's always with me. I can even combine them. My notes app is used for everything I do!

[@annakariol]

You can save videos into Playlist within KZbin. I have a "hair" folder, "planner", "plumbing" ,etc. I know exactly where to go if it something comes up & I know I have a video for it.

[@tashainjena]

I do this similarly in a notebook. I just scribble my ideas willy-nilly on a page, then when I have a chance, organize them into project managers, etc. I will lose notecards. I need a big, noticeable notebook. I just have to give myself permission to scribble and not make my list perfect.

[@stephaniealex1852]

I was thinking the same thing- why not a small notebook, pages can be ripped up when done

[@FrenchFriesNBrie]

This is me: losing the cards or them being scattered about. I use a tiny notebook called my side quest log. It has helped me to stay focused because I can jot down the many random thoughts I think without chasing squirrels in the middle of the current task

[@oxigen85]

The to-do list app I use has an "inbox" folder where everything can be entered within a second. Then I sort/delegate them when it's convenient.

[@LucyLCast]

I mainly use index cards for affirmations or inspirational Bible or book quotes. Occasionally will use them to put down ideas. I keep it limited to these things but I have been considering starting a “commonplace” for some time now! I love pocket notebooks but more as a scratchpad. I prefer index cards for more permanent ideas but afraid it might get unwieldy if I go all in! I would love to see the “how I read a book” video. That WAS a good idea.

[@beverly9572]

Love all this - but really really love your sweater!

[@Naomily]

This idea sounds so good - it’s easy, accessible, and I can see it making a difference for me. I’m currently in a random scraps of paper habit, which generally end up getting lost. But index cards, clipped together or in a case, with a clearly defined purpose - I can see that making a difference. I want to use it for cleaning/decluttering organizing too. I can have a card for the areas I need to handle, with potential notes, approaches, and tools on the card. I’m looking forward to this series, especially since I’ve gotten so much from this first video. Thank you!

[@KaySellsVA]

I’ve been wanting to get back into GTD and this gives me the perfect reason to do so NOW! ❤

[@SINGINGSALAZAR1]

Thank you Amy!! I always find what I need from you when I’m looking to get my self more organized!

[@suzisaintjames]

a couple of weeks ago (March 1st) I started writing my tasks on a small note pad (3x4) as I was procrastinating printing my planner pages. And it works great! Small, portable, you can prop it up any where and it's not so precious that you can't mess it up. I hate this system for all the same reasons. I spend some time looking for that pad and it's usually under something. And now that I have several pages, I have to sort through the the pile of sheets to find the one I need. 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫. As I'm watching this video, I keep thinking that's what the BuJo is for! To keep these bits of paper (these thoughts) in one place. I love working with one piece of paper per era (a day, or week,... more than that, there's too many things marked off and no room to add new things). Maybe my brain is telling me I need to change from daily to weekly. As I like to have a few notes daily... what I ate, what I got done that day,... Also, a place for random thoughts and task list for non-scheduled events. Hmmm, gotta go design a new planner page! Thanks for giving me a place to problem solve! 💖🌞🌵😷

[@shirsmi5533]

I use index cards all the time. And they also work as a fan when having a hot flash / power surge. 😅 Great bookmarks. Keep in my purse to review key points. My daily ‘to do’ list. I list my 3 or 5 things a day. Great for quotes and slip in a picture frame or mirror. Affirmations to empower me. Notes for bill paying for different accounts. Recipes. Grocery lists. Law of attraction ideas. Decluttering lists. Menus for week. Learning something new. Goals… breaking it down into small thoughts. Running errands and organizing my route for efficiency. Questions for doctor. Clips or rubber bands. You can get different colors for subjects. Old shoebox or a cute decorative box to store. Make your own tabs. Passwords. Best advice is what you said…. Throw them away when done. Book notes or ah ha notes And they are inexpensive! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@roslynnpieters4969]

I recently purchased these oversized Post It notes but didn't like how they fit in my A5 rings planner so they're catching dust in my drawer. They aren't as long as Index cards but will definitely do the trick to capture thoughts and lists and all the things while sitting in bed every night (coz that's when I remember to do stuff the following day). This looks like something that will definitely be a game changer.... Especially since I'm not particularly emotionally connected to how neat I have to write or what colour pen I have to use. ❤

[@nancydoak3285]

❤ Lefie. Her videos on index cards are worth watching.

[@sherrytuggle1974]

I love the ideal of the note cards & power of the pink. Thanks for the ideal!! ❤😊

[@nicolegeorge5750]

I bought a pack of index cards and a little box for my desk before I went on maternity leave. Now that I’m back to work this was my reminder to pick them ip again.

[@DarlenePeckham]

Wow, this is great. Reminders of the thoughts I WANT to think!

[@Blue_Caribou]

This. For years I struggled to use up the leftover A4 lined paper I used for note-taking at school and uni - I felt so wasteful trying to use it for to-do lists or anything as I never had a project big enough to *need* that much space. Just before christmas I rendered down two whole 15 yr old notebooks into A6 size notecards that I hole-punched and bound together with treasury tags. The stack sits on my desk... and I've used probably a quarter of it already. Monday morning, grab a sheet, write down the week's to-do list, pin it to the laptop with a dab of blue-tak. Daily to-do lists on different sheets, shopping lists, brainstorming, gift idea lists... Sh&t gets done, and I don't need another notebook to do it with!

[@AmandasMind_]

This is super interesting and I will be trying this out for myself , and I’m super excited for the notion video I’ve used notion on and off for a couple years so I’m super interested to see how you set it up . Thanks for your hard work!

[@thesuperjill]

Waiting patiently for how to process the cards in the Life OS video! :)

[@agingaudaciously]

This is brilliant and simple and feels LIFECHANGING! Thank you

[@ThinKtakeNotes]

i don't like carrying a bunch of stuff on me, but I use a bullet journal at my desk, and then I use cards when im on the go. when I get home, if something arises, ill note it on the card, and then import it into my bujo or whiteboard.

[@TBIJourney]

I just subscribed because I want to learn these skills. Thank you for untangling my poor mind 👍

[@teresarose1038]

Thank you for this powerful video. I always used index cards for different things and I got away from it and I thank you for the reminder to get back to it quick to help get rid of a lot of anxiety in my job situation. Your last few words almost made me burst, out crying. I do love my life.

[@MsNeriska]

Love this. Back to simplicity. Looking forward to the new series. Thank you and good luck with baby number 2 ❤

[@terriwilliams3874]

I use colored index cards, which makes it easier to sort (e.g. pink for health goals/ideas, green for financial, etc...).

[@angelicaribeiro3905]

I love the idea of using index cards to help us organize our thoughts! Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@CmeNow1115]

Can’t wait to see and understand what yo do with the plethora of index cards.

[@Marianita195]

I do this but with those colored paper squares (they look like post-its but without the sticky side). Super useful haha

[@flipsidementorship3090]

I like this. It reminds me of a brain dump but instead of taking a specific time to write down everything in your mind its kind of a write as you go. You think it, you write it then and there

[@CrisOnTheInternet]

As someone who struggles to start things, this is game changer, I have my sticky notes scattered and that doesn't help. I could have a box to put the index cards instead 😊.

[@denarobinson4062]

I do all of this in my bullet journal!

[@rustypancrazio792]

Awesome video!! When is the next one coming that shows what you do once you have all these cards?

[@OnlineTherapistGroup]

Did the audio just get super fast around minute 5:30???? Or was that my computer??

[@brysonwest93]

Not you... I hear it too

[@bibiblue1469]

I love it and I’m starting to use my card right now 🎉 Thank you!!

[@phunt8551]

Can you do a video in how you category and file the card, please?

[@cuteek]

Love that power of pink idea and the vision board cards! Going to see if this works for my lil ADHD brain 🧠 ☺️ Thanks Amy

[@lesliepalmer7407]

I love this! The simple act of writing something down so I don’t have to remember it will help my mental state. Thanks!

[@denisemcdougal6445]

Valid point, idea cards not distracting.

[@PeacefulProductivity16]

I've been using the index card process for almost 10 years. The idea for a book - index card. Need something next time at the store - index card. Realize the next action on a project - index card. I blend this whole process with my GTD process. Then, I use the Sunday Basket process from Lisa Woodrow (also great for GTD) to go through them all once a week and put them together. The brain is not built to hold information but to analyze it.

[@105Kelly]

Loving this idea, a great EASY place to start, when the getting things done system feels a bit overwhelming

[@julie61805]

I know this video was good because you took me from “I never want to see another index card again” post college to “yeah - some of this might be useful. Hmmm” in less than 20 minutes. 😂

[@RetroNerdGirl]

I am a index cards girl myself. Love these tips.

[@shoshanakirya-ziraba8216]

I do the Ivy Lee Method. In a small note card sized notebook. 😊 I never get overwhelmed with tasks

[@Bertha-Bryant]

Yay! Index cards are the best

[@deborah5578]

you must of read the sidetracked sisters this was the system they presented I used in the 80'2 and 90's before I moved into a covey planner.. I had a set of cards for house, doctors, kids etc and used a recipe box I still use the same concept only in a planner

[@AmyTV]

I have no idea who they are but now I really want to read this!! Is that a book name?

[@meganhamersley3712]

Sidetracked home executives is the book. I actually just started using their system this month and love it so far

[@janikadillon]

@@AmyTVFlyLady was inspired by The Sidetracked Sisters’ index card system. I think she writes about them in her books.

[@savinya5367]

I have the book. I have the cards. I have the large card holder and the dividers.

[@Sunnivah13]

You are totally right. I bought a bunch of more expensive meaning GOOD quality post-it sticky notes in a bigger format than I normally had and in a bunch of colours.. but now I dont use them from time to time and the dont serve mainly as a nice decoration item in cheerful colours on my desk, no: I USE THEM ALL THE TIME AND FOR EVERYTHING! I write, stick it, trash it, write another thing, stick it and because it's the real good sticky notes THEY STICK TO EVERYTHING! I write notes and stick them INSIDE of my agenda, can rip them out again and avoid erasing what I wrote, I stick it on the fridge for remembering what to buy, I prepare myself for work, write the most important things to do on a bright pink one and stick it on the front door so that everyone sees.. my life is better now. Just because I have those sticky things that actually stick and which are big enough to actually write something down. I will just hop over to amazon and buy some more, your video and my comment just made me realize how much I like this new concept. Thanks!!

[@DTrainsWife01]

This is really great but I think it can also be accomplished with the reminders app in my iPhone. Literally just say hey Siri, add blah blah blah to my reminders. And even better, “hey Siri, add blah blah blah to my Bianca’s second birthday list.” That way all of the notes are already organized. I don’t think I’ll sort those note cards ever. Reminders app! So many great tools like tags and alarm notifications.

[@nataliecheney3177]

This would be great for writing down your dreams in the morning., Which become snippets after 30 minutes of being awake.

[@TheCoruscateProject]

Started doing this today. Game changer

[@sarahpetrie6219]

What a lovely video! These are really great ideas, simplicity is key!

[@cachetrenee]

I Personally Appreciate the Fact That You're Not Trying to Write the Note Cards "Perfect" Cause I Struggle With Things Being Perfect 😭

[@MJHButler]

Ok, this is so wonderful I actually feel a little bit badly that I received this information for free!!

[@33goodwitch]

Lol, I just made my Google calandar time blocks a physical pen and hilighter page in a note book because paper works better for me to see what time I have, also it is just fun. It is like a productive adult coloring page 😊

[@tjones3819]

This is so so helpful- thank you!

[@anamitjot]

Thank you for your videos! It's very inspiring. I‘m reading now „GTD“, so your videos come in the right time! ☺📚 Thanks! Ana mit Jot 💝

[@bumblebee_ms]

I LOVE this, Amy. I have mini notebooks (and a pencil) in every room, bag and my car, so I can brain dump at any moment. My ADHD brain has too many ideas all the time (except when I have a mental block). I might try the index cards.

[@timeandtideplans]

Yay! Index cards are the best 🙌

[@ABeautifulHorizonTV]

I thought of you! 😁🙌

[@timeandtideplans]

@@ABeautifulHorizonTV 🤣 right!? I got so excited when I saw it in my sub feed 🎉

[@thegraincreativeco9227]

I thought of you too!! Literally changed my life. The BEST.

[@peterpiper5300]

This is the first time I heard you say you have been using index cards. Where did you put your index cards before? That index card case from staples looks recently bought.

[@theorderedhome]

The simplicity is great!!

[@matterof_fact]

This was amazing thank u

[@mikezen99]

How to I integrate index cards with my GMGL planner? Any advice please? They seem to be used as a brain dump which I can use in my planner?

[@MrNoufa10]

A good video, like usual^^ Btw, I noticed you have a book written in arabic in your background, Amy. Do you really understand Arabic? [I do] (The book's title is basically: "Good morning, good life" in arabic)

[@lizwithavoice2775]

I love your videos. I’ve been a fan for the longest. Congratulations on motherhood 🎉❤

[@pdg23]

this was so awesome!!! loved these ideas

[@maureenbmcclurg]

What's really cracking me up about this is that as I start this video, I have the same white Sharpie pen and a stack of index cards (my house maintenance guide) on my desk in front of me. It literally looked like a mirror of the screen with your video above... 🙃🤣

[@emmaponymous]

Edit: yes! How do you read a book 2024 version. The book notes-- it's so important to write down the source/citation. I've seen this trend away from quoting sources in order to put ideas or concepts into one's own words. While it helps with learning, I keep seeing it used to not credit one's sources, so I really appreciate that you do. It's not just about giving credit where it's due, it's about free and open inquiry. 🤓

[@sheliabradshaw9124]

You need a Sunday Basket by Lisa Woodruff

[@50--11]

Thank you.

[@lynnweston8870]

Great idea

[@DTrainsWife01]

Oh my….you have my attention!

[@Scottlp2]

Index cards probably work better because things you write down are more “real”. Then putting things in electronic form. Thanks for reminder

[@jebbiekanfer8843]

In college I put all my bibliographies on index cards. That was back before google.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

13:22 page number!!!

[@pwood6532]

$3 😮...$1.25 AT DOLLAR TREE. I rec the jumbo sizes..much better than the small ones.

[@rebeccamapes1157]

Great video!!!

[@tnijoo5109]

Notebooks… kind of make you feel less scattered, instead of hundreds of pieces of paper. Idk.

[@nicolesmith1309]

Hard to sort, though.

[@bestlaidplans2024]

5:44 No need, it's not until September 😅

[@ajqueen31]

Grade school?! I used index cards for college in nursing school!

[@yfaalasel-o3c]

What are the biggest productivity challenges you face in your day-to-day life?

[@nmahrens328]

I learned a new way to say my last name and it sounds cooler forever ditching the old way and using this 😅

[@AmyTV]

Ahhhh omg how do you say it???

[@AMcDub0708]

@@AmyTVassuming like the boys name Aaron (with an s)

[@nmahrens328]

@@AmyTV genuinely only seeing this comment because of your newest video you mentioned it might be said differently and I thought maybe it was someone else nope me 😅 I always said it “errands” and would tell people like your running errands. But I knew someone where their last name was Ahren and they said it A-her-n so that’s often how people would say (adding the s) it prior to me correcting them

[@MrNoufa10]

[On: Index cards as the solution.. and how to manage them]

[@shelbys1335]

I carry a notebook for this exact reason

[@memphistnliving]

I personally use index cards and it works like charm

[@gondala]

I don't know why.. when you talk about birthday, I always hear "bianca's suck in birth day"..😁

[@nilmanifernando3711]

Let's see if this works for me 😊