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Organizational Systems It has been over 4 years since my brain injury. On October 14, 1990, I fell down two flights of stairs and hit my head on a steel door at the bottom of the stairway. I was comatose for six weeks. The most challenging aspect of my recovery has been my memory. I would like to share with you some of the helpful organizational skills that I have developed over the past 4 years.
The first skill that I wish to write about is my extensive use of note pads. Just before I write to someone or make a long distance phone call, I 'jot down' the various topics that I wish my letter/conversation to express. Then, when I have written/ discussed a topic, I will put a check mark next to it. I feel that using this system allows me to cover more thoroughly all the various topics that I had noted. Secondly, I have developed a very efficient system for storing my previously written letters. For every letter that I remembered to save a copy of, I have bindered an actual copy of that letter. I have made an index of the contents of my binders. I have also made a concurrent list of all the people that I have written to since my injury. This makes an easy cross referencing system. I will first check my name list, then my binders to see if I have remembered to save a copy of that letter. Using this system, helps me from repeating my thoughts should I write to someone again. The last skill is my use of a 'Daytimer,' i.e., my daily dairy to record medications, appointments and other important events. I will review my 'Daytimer' three to four times a day. I have developed symbols to highlight the various entries that I write in my 'Daytimer.' Basically, when I have accomplished something that day, I will show that I have done it by putting a check mark besides my entry. When I have not done something that day, I will enter a circle besides my entry that indicates that I will be carrying that entry over to 'Tomorrow's to be done list' in my 'Daytimer.' My final step before I will say my prayers and go to bed is that I will tally my various symbols to determine what I accomplished that day. I will enter my fraction of accomplishment near the bottom of my 'Daytimer.' Using this system of organization, I go to sleep with a good idea of what I have accomplished. I usually end my day with an optimistic thought, as well as anticipating what I have planned for tomorrow. |
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