Sticky Business

Before you instinctively reach for another sticky note, ask yourself these questions:

• Could you enter the information in your paper-based planner, electronic organizer or contact management program instead?

• Will a note stuck to the side of your monitor remind you to take action . or get lost in the clutter?

• Could you write information on a sheet of paper within an existing file instead of adding a sticky note to that file?

• Before you write a note, ask yourself whether it's simpler just to complete the task you're reminding yourself to perform, thereby eliminating the need for the note.

• Do you need to keep sticky notes within reach? If not, make a clean break-take the notes off your desk and resist the temptation to overuse them.