The evolution of the personal digital assistant (PDA) has provided incredibly exciting mobility options for those of us who prefer electronic planning. Every time a new model hits the market, I can’t wait to get my hands on one (even though my wallet objects!).

The capabilities are endless—calculator, clock, calendar, address book, spreadsheets, phone, e-mail, Internet, media player, note taking, recorder—and all developed in less than 20 years!

But like any good innovation, there are problems that have arrived along with the newfound capabilities. Those problems include clogged e-mail and voicemail boxes; files lost among the myriad of folders on computer desktops; mobile phone ringtones interrupting meetings, movies, and intimate moments; and an onslaught of electronic marketing ploys. Sound familiar? Instead of enjoying the freedom of the information age, some of us feel like victims.

The good news is that it is possible to stay in control of all the facts and figures flying at you. And actually use them to your advantage. Take a minute to answer the questions below:

1. Do you use more than one filing system?
2. Has your e-mail account ever exceeded its limit?
3. Do you check your voicemail more than three times a day?
4. Is your mailbox at home frequently full of junk mail?
5. Is your mailbox at work frequently full of junk mail?
6. Do you receive magazines you’ve never read?
7. Do you surf the Web on a daily basis?
8. Do you spend important time looking for information you’ve already gathered?
9. Do you ever talk on your mobile phone in the bathroom?
10. Are there more than three ways to contact you?

I have about ten more questions I could ask, but I think this will suffice. If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, I hope you’ll visit this blog often. About once a week, I’ll be adding tips, advice, articles, and information about new solutions designed to specifically address the kinds of problems that can be part of the information age.

Some of the best minds in the business have figured out ways to keep their world under control—they had to! I’m going to share their ideas for managing your time and your daily activity using the latest in software and digital products in the way that’s best for you. There will be a new post about once a week. Hope to see you back here soon!

Also, if you leave just one comment on this post by Friday, April 4th, you could win FranklinCovey Confidant Software, FranklinCovey Address/Phone Software, FranklinCovey Forms Wizard Software, or FranklinCovey PlanPlus for Microsoft Outlook Software. (Only one winner per product.)