SETTING UP YOUR LIFE PLAN NOTEBOOK
AN ORGANIZED APPROACH
tba, in process, just some editing
[I set up mine in one master document in Google Docs (free), where I am referring to the master life plan table of contents and inserting the sections I want to work on (or pull in from the various places I had them before). It has the advantage of being able to automatically generate a table of contents with each section listed, where one is able to just click on the line item and jump right to the section. See How To Use A Google Doc.]
SET UP OVERALL NOTEBOOK, USE PIECES DESIRED, INSERT OTHERS LATER
Put the complete table of contents in the front of the notebook and a copy of the detailed list in each section of the notebook that has additional subsections, so you can find the subsections easily.
Some may choose to do only portions of the overall life plan now. That is no problem, as one can go back and add other sections easily later if one is using the master numbering system.
USING THE PAGE REFERENCE NUMBERING SYSTEM
The numbering system (e.g. 332) should be used on a page you fill out or type up. Put it in a consistent location on the document, such as in the footer or header or right before the text (i.e. below the page title, to the left, by itself).
One reason to use the same numbering system, even if you have unused portions, is because it allow you to be able to insert a page into the notebook in a defined place without having to keep referring to the table of contents.
Another reason is that the numbering system allows you to insert new sections that you haven’t used before into a logically referenceable location.
YOU CAN SEPARATE OUT INTO SEVERAL NOTEBOOKS IF YOU WISH
Some people will want to separate out pieces for convenience of reference, since some parts of the Life Plan are referred to less often or because one does not want others reviewing the goals and steps portion to see the personal items.
Examples of possible separate notebooks:
Goals and Plans (or with the What I Want section also)
The Foundation (or with the Where I Am and/or Who I Am sections)
Or any combination you like, once your initial notebook starts to get too full.
THE ESSENTIAL MATERIALS
Tabbed dividers – Either:
1. For ease of use, the pre-labeled number dividers that are easily available in the stores.
2. The ones that can be written on, if one prefers that method for reference.
A good quality notebook binder (with pockets in the front and in the back), with an easily used place to label the notebook for easily seeing it even when with other notebooks on a shelf.
Note that such personal notebooks could have labels with a unique color of bolded type, such as dark green. Then you can pick out the personal notebooks from the others.
A three hole punch, of course.
NOW GO TO CREATING YOUR LIFE PLAN
Creating Your Life Plan includes how to set aside time and how to type it and organize it in the computer, plus other helpful suggestions.
