My new favourite productivity tool – paper clip bookmarks

Sometimes you stumble across an item or idea that increases your productivity. Recently for me, it was a gift I was given for Christmas that I understood would be useful, but did not appreciate how it would help my productivity until the last week.

The official name is Multi-Reference Bookmarks, but they are essentially small bookmarks that work like paper-clips, holding the edge of the page. Originally, I had two plans; bookmarks and reference points within my journals as I reread them. For some reason I put a packet in my handbag and it ended up on my desk at work. In a moment of inspiration I realised they would help me prioritise my tasks.

I currently have a long task that I work through using the rules of AutoFocus by Mark Forster. I use these arrows to highlight the three tasks I want to work on during the day, either because they are urgent or important. They are colourful so they stand out, the little cut out means not all the text is hidden and it is clear when I’m on a different page and not working on my key tasks because the edge of the arrow sticks out slightly.

The only two negatives I’ve  found so far are the green and yellow arrows don’t stand out on my list as I use green ink and yellow highlighter to cross out completed tasks, and I sometimes knock the arrows when I put (squeeze) the book into my bag as they are wider than the book. However, these do not detract from how useful (and enjoyable) I am finding them.

What similar ‘stumbles’ have you experienced that have helped your productivity?