Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

I have my own filing system on my computer but as I am getting more and more stuff, sometimes things are hard to find. Or I can’t quite remember the name or it takes me 6 clicks to get to the specific file.

My sister Susan told me about a quick and easy way to find anything on my computer which has saved me lots of time!

It is simply to use the search function on your computer, even if you already know where to look for your files.

On a PC, go to Start, and you’ll find the search box at the bottom. Type in as few words as possible. This is another tip because you are more likely to find what you need and quicker.

So, for example, if I am looking for an article I know I wrote but I can’t recall the exact name, I may just put in one word of the title. That will bring up all my documents, images, emails, etc. with that word in it. Usually the file I’m looking for is easy to spot and just one click away.

I’m sure the Mac has something similar.

I have recently starting using Springpad and I love it!  Since I have online businesses and do a lot of computer work, I am constantly finding resources, websites, and items I would like to save.

Well, my old method was to print things out.  And depending on what it is, I still do.  But I was getting buried in paperwork and then I had to file it!  More work, more time, and more paper!

With Springpad, I can bookmark a site, or a page, or clip something, and save it online.  I especially like that I can easily add tags so I can search or find it later.

Let me give you a couple of examples of how I use it.  I might be working on a project, and come across a site I would like to explore later…because I’m trying to focus on the project at hand!….I can “spring it” and add appropriate tags and a description if I need it.

I have used it for creativity and time management sites, cool artists, craft or home projects, recipes, website designs I like to help me re-design my jewelry site, virtual assistants or affiliate partners, research for articles, and lots more.

If you are planning a trip, you may want to save several hotel sites, or siteseeing activity sites, restaurants, etc. that you can reference later without writing down all the information or printing it out.

SpringPad also has specific folders for books, recipes, wine, music, movies, businesses, contacts, etc. if you want to use those.

They have a button that you can drag to your toolbar that makes it really easy to just click and add the page or site you want to save.

Keep Track of Your Lists

I haven’t used this feature yet but you can also create lists such as shopping lists, task lists, or checklists.

Add Events, Coordinate with Google Calendar, and Set Alarms

You can add appointments, events, or set an alarm.

You can access your information from anywhere online.  You can send other people your finds by email.  You have an option on each entry to make it public or private.

You can access your bookmarks and lists from your mobile phone.  And there is an IPhone app for it.

I may have to move into the 21st century and get an IPhone or Blackberry.

I haven’t even begun to explore all it’s uses but what I’m using so far is great.

If you have other ideas for how to use Springpad or use other services that you really like, please add a comment and share your experience.

A time saving organizing resource you might like….

If you do much online like I do, you might be interested in this program I use to keep my multitude of passwords organized.

At first, I thought I had a good system but the more I am doing online, the more passwords I have and I was taking too much time looking for them.

I was resistant to get a password program and now that I have it, I can’t imagine going back to my old system.

As a matter of fact, when I was without it and looking up stuff, I realized how much time it saves me.

It not only stores the passwords but the takes you right to the login page you need. So if you are uploading your blog, logging into Twitter and Facebook, paying bills online, part of a membership site, etc., it can really save a lot time!

It is called Roboform, and you can download a free trial copy. I think you can keep something like 5 or 6 passwords in the free version, and then if you want to have unlimited passwords, you can get the pro version. I use the Pro and it’s about $29.00 and worth it.

It saves me a lot of time! You just remember one password to get into your Roboform and then it will also save the sign in page for the site or program so you just click it and open it up. You don’t have to look up or type in the site, then click on the log in – it does all of that with one click and you’re ready to go.

The link above is my affiliate link, so if you get the paid version, I’ll get a small commission. I only recommend things that I use or like myself and that I would recommend to my friends and family.

Check out the free version and see if you like it.