At the end of May I received my new Moleskine diary. It runs from July 2008 to the end of December 2009. Here’s an image that I used back then:
Look at those red fingers. Either I had sunburn, or I’m crap with photo editing software.
As you can see, the left hand page is divided horizontally into seven sections. The top one is basically unallocated, the next five are Monday to Friday, and the last one is divided vertically for Saturday and Sunday. The right hand page is narrowly ruled.
I’ve adopted the following system.
I use the top section of the left hand page for all-week reminders. For instance, if I’m on holiday that week, then I write it in there.
I then use the other sections on that page for appointments and tasks that need to be done on a certain day. I also use it to keep records of things like important letters sent or major purchases made on that day.
On the right hand page, I keep a todo list for non-urgent tasks. I start from the bottom of the page and work my way up. To the left of each item is a space for a tick (when the task is completed), cross (if the task is no longer necessary) or an arrow (if the task remains unfinished at the end of the week and needs carrying forward to the next week).
The space at the top of the right-hand page is then free for general notes and ideas.
This system is working out really well for me. Maybe you can use it as the basis for your own system! Oh, the pleasure!