By DaLona Niland
If you’re like most people, the overwhelming tide of paper is the number one challenge you face in getting organized. Most people become completely overwhelmed by the piles of paper and mounds of files overflowing their allotted workspace onto every flat surface under their dominion. These clients often report a sense of being swept along by the riptide of the paper flow and begin to feel as though perhaps they need therapy!
But I say to you, “No! You don’t need therapy! You need RESOLUTION! You, my friend, need to do that which will cause your co-workers to scoff as they drift along in their own undertow; you must talk to yourself. Indeed, you must ask yourself questions and answer them!” Now as you question my own sanity, may I remind you that I am the professional and am to be trusted; like a therapist but cheaper. The following six questions are your life preserver should you choose to grab it. You’ll be swimming while the scoffers are sinking.
You need to ask yourself what you really need to keep! It’s certainly sensible to be forward thinking and that’s why we tend to keep everything because only God knows what tomorrow brings…we may NEED that paper next year! But by answering seven questions, we can make reasonable decisions whether or not this particular document warrants hanging on to.
- Did I ask for this information?
- Is this the only place I can get this information?
- Is this information up-to-date enough to be useful?
- Can I identify specific circumstances when I would want/need this information?
- Are there any tax or legal reasons to keep this?
- What regulatory bodies care about this document?
- What is the worst possible thing that could happen if I don’t keep this?
At first answering these questions for each item may not come naturally, but before long you’ll be talking to yourself like a regular lunatic. At first you may need a little assistance to wade through that which you’ve horded over the past century or so, but then you start afresh and it becomes a frame of mind that you grow into as you begin to relish the freedom from anxiety produced by trying to keep your head above the paper riptide.
Idea: perhaps you’ll consider cutting out these seven questions and taping them to your computer screen or somewhere equally visible as a reminder throughout your day to carefully consider what you really need to keep.
The final step is determining the most efficient retention system for the documents you deem necessary. Fortunately, Organized by Design, right here in San Antonio, has a solution for you!
Live Your Life on Purpose