Intro to the Everbook System
Just wanted to throw together an overview of how I'm using the Everbook system and why I like it so much. There's not much on it, especially in written form so I thought it might help others who are interested in it.
What is the Everbook System?
It's basically a half page (either us letter or metric) folder system that people keep in a cover of some kind - most often scrap leather but many will do. The idea is to use sheets of paper as you need them instead of using part of a notebook or planner. This also allows pages to be shuffled around as needed.
The folders can ultimately be made to suit whatever other organizational systems you like to use. The most common one I see people use is Getting Things Done (GTD) and occasionally PARA (Tago Forte's system) but it could really work with almost any - including none at all.
What is my Everbook set up like?
I use an old A5 holo notebook cover, my partner got for me many years ago. I pair that with a Rhodia pad I keep banded to the front usually though I can tuck it inside if I'm transporting it in a bag.
Inside use a set up that based on how I organize things.
If it has a task + date - it goes on the calendar
If it has a task + no date - it goes in actions/task list
If it has no task + no date - it goes in notes
You'll notice I have 6 folders though.
Blanks has blank paper - including some sketch paper. It's nice having a sketchbook on the go so to speak.
Notes has my sidekick notebook I made (where I log what I'm reading, watchint, etc) and resources for cleaning, my weekly/monthly review, etc.
Actions has my task list and papers that remind me of tasks I need or want to do.
Calendar has 6 months of monthly calendars at a time. I can also store club calendars or community event calendars or medical appointment reminders in there as well.
Logbook is where I store my daily logs. I still basically bullet journal/rapid log throughout the day. It's ind of my anchor. I store about weeks worth of logs (perhaps more) in here at a time.
My currently has an assortment of things I use to make my tasks lists when I get up in the morning (thought sometimes I make none because you know - disabled).
Why do I like the Everbook system?
I love bullet journaling and I will continue to sing it's praises. But one aspect I found difficult was the in ability to keep collections between notebooks as easily. I also wanted to keep and be able to use more resources than I could reasonably fit in the back pocket.
I had also tried disc bound system. I even have the over priced hole punch to prove it. And what I ultimately didn't like about that was the limitation of the rings - set ups were either really loose or full to bursting and I hated changing them out. I also didn't like that I needed a spacial punch to put things in.
This way I don't need anything like that. I used all resources I already had so I didn't have to run out and buy anything. Some people have start with literally just a folder which are pretty cheap right now in the school supply section. It's a very low buy set up - similar to bullet journal. I like things that are accessible because in the event I lose everything, I only need like $10 to restart it and get going again.
You can also use it as an add on to your current system. My qpp/nesting partner is a hardcore bullet journaling devotee - she's got like 18 notebooks all filled on her shelf it's wild. But even she's seen the utility in adding in a could folders to keep with her notebook.
My plan is to archive using a file box that I'll keep in my closet. I might edit it as time goes on and only keep what I really need to save space. Ultimately, this is not what I'll use for memory keeping (I use junk journaling mostly for that). So this is really to fit a utilitarian spacein my life at the moment.
So yeah - definitely recommend it. It's unfortunately light on resources do if you get into it please sure what's working for you!
