The Big Little Card

“Simple is the ultimate sophistication.”  ~ Leonardo da Vinci

My parents believe in 3 x 5 index cards. Growing up in a time when there are no personal computers or smartphones means that the capture of important information is likely to be in non-electronic form. The combination of pen and paper, notepad or file card becomes an essential tool for creating a record that can be recalled or used for organizing some aspect of their personal or business lives.

My parents use all of the tools available, but notecards are their favorite.  Believing in these little cards, they use them every single day for a variety of purposes. No grocery store trip is made without at least one card filled out in advance.  Sometimes, it is a scheduling tool used to delineate the things to be accomplished on the current agenda. At other times, it becomes a ‘project card’ for an ongoing mission that will require weeks to accomplish. In each situation where the cards are used, it provides an efficient method of organization. It works.  It is simple. It is low-cost.

Visible is a card, propped up on a shelf in my parents’ kitchen that is our “Fishing Preparation List.”  After a few trips where we left behind some significant item, my mom grabs a 3 x 5 card and starts a list. It takes a few trips before we discover all the items needed.  When finished, the card becomes a tool allowing us to have an effective and efficient fishing trip. In a time when electronic tools are not available, the little notecard becomes a simple method of organizing our memorable and fun fishing ventures.

Efficiency, an advantage of such organization, improves because there is no need to return to the dock, or more inconveniently, all the way home, to gather a forgotten item.  Time is saved. The effectiveness is distinct in something as simple as making sure we have the invaluable Landing Net onboard so that the big fish do not get away! Over time, the list includes everything: bait, rods ‘n reels, anchor, food, drink and ice are just a few.  Most of the items are used on every trip. Some equipment might be needed only occasionally, but when needed, adhering to the list will make a huge difference.

It takes less than 30 seconds to review the list. I hear Mom audibly checking the list minutes prior to departure to ensure all needed items are onboard. Those 30 seconds save us 30 minutes of backtracking.  Moreover, those same 30 seconds confirm we have the right rods, reels and Landing Net for a great and carefree outing.

Perhaps, unintentionally, the simple tool of a 3 x 5 card is my parents’ educational gift to me on the subject of organization. I later would study this concept in a number of management classes during college. By that time, I will be convinced of the importance of efficient organization, having been taught also in the classroom of experience, using that small card. Another concept that will remain with me for life is the powerful philosophy of simplicity. Keep it simple.  All of us have heard this statement many times.  The notecard tool works for organization with the bonus of simplicity.

As the calendar draws closer to November 1, 2015 – the day that marks the 40th anniversary of Hackbarth Delivery Service – I recall one early moment of great significance. Using a simple tool of organization, (taught in the classroom of Al and Lucille Hackbarth), I record in type the core principles that I adopt for my life on a 3 by 5 card.  I laminate the card, sealing in the words of my pledge. In a fateful unforgettable moment, I insert this simple tool into my wallet, not fully appreciating the meaning of my action.  That little card would soon become large in my life.

That card survives a number of wallets and remains with me for over 15 years.  These are critical years. At times we face serious challenges, a few with the company at risk. There are many times when giving up would be oh, so much easier!  There are moments when the message represented by words on that small card, seem to provide the needed encouragement.

No day passes by without my glancing at the plan efficiently documented on this card. Whenever I open my wallet to make a purchase, or to provide my license, there is that consecrated little card and the principles to which I am wholly committed. It is no exaggeration to proclaim that the message of the words affect every single aspect of my life. On some days when I am seemingly challenged to my limit – when I do not know where to turn – the message on the card seems to make a difference.

At any given moment, with these principles indelibly stored in my memory bank, I have the ability to recite them, at will, forward and backward. I know the exact placement of each principle on my card.  And when I wake up, I know which principle might be most important for this particular day, or for a specific project.   I review my list every month, evaluating personal progress.

Even with perfect ability in recalling each principle, I still find purpose for retaining the card in my wallet.  It is my simple approach for conscious awareness of my own personal plan.  It is a daily reminder to act on my beliefs.

Now, years later, the lamination starts to show points of deterioration.   In its tattered form, representing years of triumphs as well as failures, it becomes a more powerful reminder of what I believe and the encouragement to always heed and demonstrate those beliefs.  It is just a simple card, containing a group of words.  But, in its deepest meaning, it has become my daily formula for success in life.
Today, looking back over the years, I see a number of decisions that made and continue to make a difference in my life. Having a strategy is crucial. Building your plan on a foundation made of life principles is critical. And using simple tools, like a 3 x 5 card, that are easy to grasp and implement, provide a daily process for success.

Today I use cards whenever I speak, sharing the inevitable benefits with my audience. I always send home with each person one card, encouraging them to insert in their wallet or place somewhere they can access it easily every single day.   Most are unaware of my “3 x 5 card story” and why it is so personal to me.

What can you extract from this story? The same concepts I teach when speaking:

Create and adopt a ‘Personal Daily Success Formula’ using life principles as the foundation.

Use a simple tool (electronic app or 3 x 5 card) that reminds you daily of your plan.

Act every single day!

What do I use in the current modern world?  Life has somewhat changed for me. I confess that I daily use my computer and a number of apps on my smartphone for a variety of tasks. I am involved in social media.  I select and use a variety of modern tools that are efficient and effective.  And, I still use one really old and reliable tool . . .

3 x 5 cards.  I cannot give them up. The personal history for me is too significantly important. Even the emotional connection provides a great incentive to strive harder each day.

What do you use?

Do you have a plan for success?

Is it in writing? I

Is it based on life principles?

Have you adopted a simple tool to assist you?

Do you look at your plan daily?

Today I will . . .