Productivity Tips for Visual Learners

Are you a visual person? If the contents of a drawer cease to exist for you as soon as you close it, it's a good bet you are. Visual people are also likely to be surrounded by piles, due to their terror at forgetting something if they don't see it. Read on for tips especially for the visual person.

Visual people are constantly pulled by the following contradiction: You are easily distracted and paralyzed by visual clutter, yet you keep things out as reminders of what needs to be done, which leads to piles. The key is to create visual reminders which don't lead to visual clutter. Some ideas:

1. Use open shelving.
2. Create a File Index and post it where you can see it.
3. Use a paper planner. Keep it open on desk when you work. If you must use an electronic calendar, keep it open on your computer desktop as you work.
4. Note to-do's in planner or on ONE "To-Do" list.
5. Color coding can be helpful, but keep it simple; use Avery adhesive dots on file tabs and no more than four or five colors.
6. Consistency of appearance is important, since the visual person is easily distracted by visual inconsistencies. For example, use all the same length tabs on your files, and all the same color magazine files on your shelves.
7. Use clear containers so you can see what's inside. Keep smaller opaque containers in your desk open for the same reason.

A File Index is an alphabetical list of each file by name and location. As you process paper, simply look at your File Index to see if you already have a file where that paper should go. Conversely, to find a paper, simply scan your File Index to see where to look in your files. This is MUCH FASTER than looking at every file to find the one you want and will also prevent you from creating duplicate files. For a visual person, a File Index is a lifesaver, as the list becomes your visual reminder of your files. In addition, it helps someone unfamiliar with your files find what they need fast.

A File Index can be created in a word processor, or you can use a database. For info on the database I use, follow this link: thepapertiger