tools Archives - Kelsey Cleveland LLC

We tend to be busy people. We juggle lots of projects and information. It is easy to feel overwhelmed at times. How can we keep track of all the information that constantly bombards us? Evernote can help you get the information out of your head so that you can focus on what really matters.

I can empathize with the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz when he sings “If I only had a brain.” Unlike the Scarecrow, I do have a brain. Unfortunately, my brain can feel like a sieve. Useless information stays in my head while the essential information drains down the sink.

I consider myself an organized person. But I often wish I had a second brain to help keep track of everything and remember certain information. I hate that sinking feeling when I cannot remember something.

How do you cope with the information overload now? Do you jot downs tons of notes on Post It notes or scraps of paper? Are some areas of your work or life under control but other areas always seem to be just beyond your reach?

Wouldn’t it be great to have an external brain to help you stay on top of the deluge of information? I have found that Evernote works wonders for this purpose. I consider it my second brain.

Why Evernote?

Evernote is a cloud-based virtual file cabinet and note taking app. It can help you remember everything wherever you go.

Evernote works well as your external brain. Your notes are available on all your devices (computer, web, phone, or tablet). Plus they are easy to find again.
Use it to capture your text, handwritten notes, documents, photos, and audio.
You can share the information with anyone.
Trusted by over 100 million users.

(I am not an affiliate of Evernote, but I am a big fan.)

What should I store in Evernote to make me more efficient?

The possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Journal/scrapbook
Books to read
Recipes
Movies to see
Notes
- Using tags, you can sort these by dates, project, person and more. You can also scan handwritten notes and save the PDF into Evernote. I use the free iPhone app Scannable, which links to my Evernote account, for this purpose.
Discussion points/questions for co-workers for meetings or when you bump into them
Take out menus
Receipts
Packing lists
Photos of things you alway forget: license plate, parking spot number
Travel plans
Articles to read

Automate your work with templates and checklists

We all have certain tasks that we need to do on a regular basis. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. In Evernote, create templates or checklists for this type of work.

Here are ideas of possible templates or lists that could help automate your life:

Monthly reflection (click here for my Evernote template)
Grocery lists
Holiday preparations (what needs to happen and where to find all that you need)
Birthday party planner
Packing list
Trip planner

Create a note with the word template in the title. I also find it useful to tag it with a templates tag or keep it in a notebook of templates and checklists. I use !templates. Next time you are doing one of these tasks, simply find the note and duplicate or copy it.