Staying organised with Rules
Do you need assistance to keep your Inbox organised?
Outlook and Gmail offer you a feature called Rules / Filters respectively. Rules and Filters can help you by:
To assist you in Outlook, I have created a video which will show you how I file incoming messages from Tim Ferriss (author of “The 4-hour Workweek”) to a folder called Tim. To do this, I’m going to create the folder first and then create the Rule. If you already have a folder to place your messages into, then skip the “creating a folder” step. |
 Staying organised to have fun |
Step 1: To create my new folder
- Position your cursor. For example, I’m selecting the Inbox as I want the new folder to be placed below the Inbox;
- Then from the Ribbon, select Folder tab > New Folder icon;
- You will now be prompted for the folder name (Tip: keep your folder names succinct); then
- Click on [OK].
Step 2: To create the Rule:
- Working from where these messages will be located (in this example, my Inbox), I’m going to click on one of Tim’s messages.
- To have the Rule generator do all of the work, [Right Mouse] button on the message then select Rules.
- There are several options here and I’m going to select “Always move messages from …”
- Outlook will now ask you to “choose a folder” to where these message will be moved. So I’m going to select “Tim”.
- Now click on [OK].
Outlook will now run through your Inbox to pick up and move any other messages that match this Rule. This may take a few minutes if you have a large inbox.
I hope you find this feature helpful and that it assists you to organise your inbox a little better.
PS: Let me know if you would like a video to assist with filters in Gmail.
Technology – your travel partner
The Balance team, led by cruise director Deborah Hutton, is about to take off on an exciting river cruise through France. To help you get organised for this or any overseas trip, here are a couple of technology tips to help you travel safely.
- On a note app (I recommend Evernote) create a separate note (or photo) for each of these items:
a. Your passport
b. Your travel insurance
c. Emergency numbers
d. List of your travel items – clothes, shoes, hats (I also recommend taking a photo of these items arranged on your bed before you pack them).
e. Your travel itinerary/tickets
I recommend Evernote as it will synchronise these notes with your tablet and your computer. If an unfortunate event happens you will have a copy at your finger tips (also available via the internet) as well as on your home computer so family and friends can help you if necessary. - Record a “missed called message” on all devices that doesn’t quite tell the world you are on holidays but says something like “I will be in and out of range for the next couple of weeks. If urgent please send an email message to me@playtime.aaa or call nnn nnn nnn”. It’s important not to advertise that you are way from your home if no-one is there to protect it.
- When you arrive at your departure airport, turn all your devices (phone and tablet) to airplane mode. This will save battery and ensure you aren’t hit with roaming charges when you land.
- Calling home – don’t even consider it from your mobile phone unless you have:
a. visited your mobile phone provider and purchased an overseas travel package;
b. gone to Australia Post to get one of their mobile travel cards;
c. purchased a SIM card when you land in France/Europe; or
d. set-up a chatting app (such as FaceTime, Skype) when in WiFi range.
For options (b) and (c) check before you leave that your phone is unlocked (this means you can place another SIM card in it). If it is not you will need to pay your phone provider to unlock it.
Lastly, place all your cables and a power adapter in a pencil case. I also suggest putting a tag on the zip with a number clearly marked on it so you know how many cables you have to collect when packing each time.