Staying Organized at Alt: Daily Review & Other Tips

By Sara Urquhart. Photography by Russell and Hazel.

You’ve invested time, money, and energy into coming to Alt. Make sure you get the most out of it by carving out a few minutes each day to check in with your goals and review conference highlights. This daily review—either first thing in the morning or at the end of the day—will help you record inspiration and enthusiasm while it’s fresh and can provide a valuable roadmap to your after-Alt action. Use brief questions like these to review each day:

• Did I make any progress toward my two main goals? 
• Was there anything that happened today that I didn’t love? Is there something I can change so it doesn’t happen tomorrow? 
• What are 3-5 things I’m most excited about? (Record them now while you still remember them, and use this list later to prioritize when you get home.)

Immersed in a flood of great information, new people, and inspiring ideas could possibly overpower your normal sense of order and memory. Here are a few other tips to help you remember the essential stuff.

• When you’re talking with someone, make a mental note of something unique about that person, like where you were standing when you met, or what she was wearing. It may be a life-changing conversation you’re sure you’ll never forget, but after four more amazing conversations, they may begin to run together. In addition to making a note to remind you of that person, it’s perfectly acceptable (and smart!) to jot a reminder of your conversation on her business card.
• Thanks to Laurie Smithwick for this great idea: when you first check in to your hotel room, take a quick picture of your room number and save it as your screensaver for the week. One less thing you’ll have to store in your brain! 
• And speaking of pictures, when you pack for Alt, take a photo of each outfit with its accessories and make a note of the day you plan to wear it. This will keep you from wearing a great necklace with the wrong outfit only to find the other necklace doesn’t work with your remaining outfit. I’m not the only one who’s ever done this . . . right?
• As you’re taking notes, be diligent about proper credit. Make a note of the date, panel, keynote, etc., so you can cite your sources properly or follow up with a speaker later. Keeping well-organized notes will save you time and hassle.

Comments

[Melanie]

Can I just say that I want everything from Russell and Hazel, including that gorgeous binder? EVERYTHING. Can't wait until next week! xo