That?

Buying an electronic device, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), and thinking that the next day you’ll be more organized and productive is like buying a piano and thinking that the next day you’ll be able to play the piano. When a disorganized person buys a PDA, the most likely result is frustration. Their days are already filled with enough things to do, and now they have another complex device to learn to use and maintain.

Here’s a general rule of thumb…if you’re not organized before you get a PDA or any other physical tool that helps you get organized, you won’t suddenly be organized after you get the tool.

So what?

The true test of the value of an electronic device or piece of software is… is it easier to use than a pencil? PDAs are great for storing large amounts of data when you’re on the go. If I’m out of town and need my daughter’s Social Security number, a friend’s phone number, or a friend’s address in the city I’m visiting, my PDA comes in handy. However, the core of any good organization system is a calendar. Personally, I find it easier to keep up with my daily appointments with a simple paper calendar and pencil.

Once again, the organizing process begins with turning good decisions into good habits. I have observed that many people who struggle to stay organized ignore this “obvious” problem. They continue to search for the “silver bullet” in the form of a physical tool or device that will solve their problems and ignore the fact that they must eventually change their thought patterns and habits if they are to have any hope of getting organized.

Now what?

Identify the organization clothes you need to develop before selecting the other tools you’ll use to keep your life on track. If you’ve already spent a lot of money on various devices that haven’t lived up to their promises, put them aside until you develop good organizational habits. Maybe they will work for you later, maybe not. Keep an open mind for now.

Never assume that the latest invention is the best invention (or solution).