Goal and Task Management using Index Cards

The simplest way to plan and track your goals and tasks

For planning and tracking todos, my first boss out of college got me started with Index Cards. I've tried lots of different software systems, but I keep going back to the cards for their simplicity and focus.

Here are my key cards:

1. This Year's Goals (review monthly)

2. This Month's Goals (pull items from card #1, review weekly)

3. This Week's Goals/Tasks (pull items from card #2, review daily)

4. Today's Goals/Tasks (pull items from card #3, review hourly)

I draw a checkbox next to each item on the card. When I complete the goal or task, I check the box.

Any uncompleted tasks, I have some options:

1. Add to the next day’s (or week’s or month’s) card.

2. Delegate it to someone. (Probably should have delegated in the first place!)

3. Just omit it if no longer important. Cross out the task on the old card to record that decision.

The best part? When a card is complete, draw a big X across it and throw it like a frisbee or ninja star into a shoe box. Score!

Try it out! See what works for you and adapt to your liking.