One of the most difficult aspects of remaining organized is that nothing stays the same. There are always new rules and regulations, names change, dates change, etc. A great deal of this information comes at you during times when you are doing other things and when you might not have all of your organizing resources at your fingertips. Sometimes you think of solutions to problems or tasks you need to accomplish, but are in the middle of working on something else. The key to gaining control of all this is to establish a system and to take notes that you can refer to later. Don't stop one task and get into another one. Instead, pause what you're doing, take a note, and go back to your original work. Try the following: Always have a small notebook in your pocket or purse along with a pencil or pen that is clipped to it. Put important numbers into the speed dial of your phone and keep a printed list with you. Use a calendar that is transportable, that is, one that you can drop in your briefcase or purse as well as use on your desk. If you must use two calendars, get into the habit of transferring information regularly. Back up your electronic information on a regular schedule. Set a date - for instance, the first Monday of every month, to back up. Keep paper clips in your purse or briefcase. Clip together related data or information. Keep small sticky notes in your purse or briefcase. These can take the place of a notepad in an emergency, and can serve as labels for groups of information, among a myriad of other uses. Always have a small calculator with you. You can often buy tiny, credit card- sized calculators for a dollar or so at discount stores. Establish a place for your important items -- purse, briefcase, keys, cell phone, grade book, etc. -- and always put these items in the same place. This habit can be difficult to establish, but will save you hundreds of hours of searching in the future. Finally, figure out what works best for you and establish regular routines.