THE C.A.C. METHOD

By Gail Porter

CATEGORIZE

Use categories to make items easy to locate. Determine categories of folders in your filing cabinet, your E-mailbox and your computer directories. List your tasks by categories in your PDA or planning notebook. Arrange your books on your shelf or bookcase, your clothes in your closet, and even personal items in your handbag by categories! You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

ALPHABETIZE

Arrange the categories in alphabetical order to further speed up the process of finding what you need. The computer, of course, automatically arranges your folders and documents in alphabetical or chronological order for you. So if you choose consistent names for your folders and documents you will have a very workable system with little effort. When organizing your file cabinet or bookshelf, intentionally arrange your folders and books in alphabetically order according to the first word of the label or title of the book.

COLORIZE

One more step that will save you time is to color code the labels, folders or containers to indicate what category of items are stored inside. In a short amount of time your mind will help you quickly find the specific item you need from your office, home or computer because the colors serve as visual reminders. For your computer folders, you can have fun by substituting a different icon than the usual file folder icon. Simply right click on the folder icon, then properties/customize and choose a colored icon that represents the type of information contained in that folder.

Some ways to apply the C.A.C. Method:

Mail Overload?

Why Not Try a Notebook?

Overcome Your Filing Phobia

Preserve Your Photo Opportunities