Do You Know When to Say When?
November 21, 2007
Issue 5
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Today’s Tip: Do You Know When to Say When?
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Beth Flarida, Certified Professional Organizer, recently shared the following article in response to one of her subscribers.
Question: There are so many piles of papers around my office that I find it overwhelming and distracting. How can I get a handle on all of these piles?
Signed: Brooke E. in Ontario
Answer: The first thing you need to do is sort through the piles and find out what you’ve got. Break them into as few main categories as you can.
Once they are sorted you can get an idea as to whether or not you have overloaded yourself in just a couple of areas or you have too much of everything.
In my experience, the pile that is usually the most out of control is the ‘to read’ pile. We all think we are going to read everything that comes across our desks. The truth is that it just doesn’t happen. You have great intentions but end up being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of what you have to read. You end up walking away from it because it will take too much time just to decide what to read. That, of course, compounds the problem. The pile continues to grow and nothing ever gets thrown away, because nothing gets read.
Here is the answer: give yourself limits. Set boundaries. Only you can decide what those boundaries are (I can help) but ultimately it is your decision.
One way to come up with a boundary is to limit the amount of space you allow for any one category. For example, set aside one place in your office for the ‘to read’ pile. It can be a drawer, a shelf, a basket or any other space that works for you, but has a maximum capacity.
You can allow yourself to use that particular space to its fullest, just don’t let it overflow. When the space gets to the point of overload purge those things that are of a lower priority. This way you will always have the most relevant information close by when you need it. You will also know where to find it.
Imagine that!
This philosophy of boundaries can be applied in the same manner to all of the piles in your office. Once you set these boundaries it will help you to feel in control and you won’t be so overwhelmed.
Happy Organizing!
Contact info: Beth Flarida P.O. Box 17434, Anaheim Hills, CA 92807 www.getbeth.com.
Get more organizing tips from Beth on audio CD, “Organize Your Office and Keep It That Way.”
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