For those of us still going into the office, getting out of the house and getting on with our commute requires some preparation. The every-carry has evolved ever so slightly during these strange times.
From satchels to messenger bags to briefcases to laptop bags, these have been the staple for many business professionals and entrepreneurs on the move. Depending on your degree of formality there is something for everyone. Even those of you who prefer a very casual approach to work, a backpack will do. Whatever you carry, you do not want to be bogged down and literally feel that the weight of the world is on your shoulders. It is not good for your shoulders, your back or your posture.
Erykah Badu reminds us that it is not good to be the “Bag Lady”, or alternatively bag man so, “pack light”. My everyday carry has evolved as well. I used to carry a lot of things around on me until I took a minimalist’s approach and made work more accessible. I used technology to my advantage. This has come be a lifesaver in making my commute ever more efficient—minimal if you will.
Here the everyday carry (EDC) items I will have in my briefcase in 2021.
Laptop/Tablet – I use Evernote to jot down notes, so I do not really need a pen or pencil or any other kind of stationery. I use Outlook/Google to manage my schedule. I try to have anything that need to be read, scanned instead of printed. These are helpful in reducing the clutter at work and on the go. I don’t need the latest and greatest version of a laptop for what I need accomplish. I currently use a Dell Latitude 3590. And Amazon Fire Tablet 8”.
Power Bank- Inevitably, your mobile devices will begin to run low on juice, at power bank will prove beneficial. I have the Anker PowerCore+ which never leaves me stranded. It charges by phone quickly!
Ear Pods – I am always listening to an Audible book. Lately, I’ve been listening to the works of Robert Greene. You can also check out the Calm app to relax a bit deeply between your next task. My ear pods of choice i the Bose Quiet comfort. Top quality!
Magazine or Newspaper: While there it is always good to have quality reading material, it is also good to have a magazine or newspaper to hide from the person you’ve been avoiding for some time. My magazine of choice is the Harvard Business Review. Being a part of the HBR advisory Council, I am constantly following the works in this magazine which covers many aspects of corporate advancement.
PPE Pack: I pack up an extra set of face masks, hand sanitizer, Lysol wipes and tissue. You know it is Covid-19 season, so its best to be prepared!
Onward,