A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Why Organizing Paper is Such a Challenge.

© JustOrganizeYourStuff.comA03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Isn’t this important?

Where should I file this?

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Either a piece of paper is important enough to keep or it isn’t. If it is, file it; if it isn’t, put it in the recycling bin.

~ Linda Rothchild via the New York Times

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Isn’t this important?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Produced By Just Organize Your Stuff, Inc.Copyright © Just Organize Your Stuff, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

For educational purposes only.

Isn’t this important?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

While that statement seems simple enough, if eliminating paper piles were that easy everyone would have their papers organized.

Isn’t this important?

Where should I file this?

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Piling is a form of organizing for some folks.But it’s only organizing if you are piling papers that are worth keeping and you are not delaying a decision.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Many experts will agree that paper piles are the result of indecision.

Isn’t this important?

Where should I file this?

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Many of us find organizing papers a challenge for three reasons.01. Too much information.02. Too little information.03. No system to process the information.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Too much information can cause the “clutter factor.” Basically, too much information can cause an overload, which can cause you to feel indecisive.*

I mightuse or need

this.

*http://www.cignabehavioral.com/web/basicsite/bulletinBoard/forgettingToRemember.jsp

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Too much information will feed a paper pile.How? You FEAR you only have one opportunity to acquire certain information (paper). You MIGHT need it someday and you toss it on a pile.

The pile grows and becomes a source of information overload affecting your ability to make a decision.

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

IF Paper = Information

THEN Lots of Paper = Information Overload

RESULT is INDECISION

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Too little information can cause the “clutter factor” as well. Basically, fear of making the wrong decision because of an unknown impact can cause you to be indecisive. Isn’t this

important?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Too little information will feed a paper pile. How? The importance of an item is questionable. You FEAR you MIGHT need it someday and you toss it on a pile.

The pile grows and becomes a source of information overload affecting your ability to make a decision.

Isn’t this important?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

No system to process information will feed a paper pile. How? A paper is needed for future use but you don’t know where to file it. You FEAR misplacing it and you toss it on the pile.

The pile grows and becomes a source of information overload affecting your ability to make a decision.

Where should I file this?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

FEARWhat the 3 Paper Piling Factors Have in Common

Isn’t this important?

Where should I file this?

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

FEAR of an emotional impact.FEAR of a financial impact.FEAR of a time impact.FEAR of a unknown impact.FEAR of _______________.

Isn’t this important?

Where should I file this?

I mightuse or need

this.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

The simple fact is, eventually a decision will be made. If you don’t make it, someone will make it for you.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Pushing Through the Fear

FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check you need to CONTAINERIZE.

SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing Methods. Research various systems and create one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.

FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important. FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Pushing Through the Fear

FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check you need to CONTAINERIZE.

SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing Methods. Research various systems and create one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.

FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important. FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Pushing Through the Fear

FIRST STEP. Outline a Paper Management Plan and Stick-to-It. To keep your filing system in check you need to CONTAINERIZE.

SECOND STEP. Understand the Different Filing Methods. Research various systems and create one that will CATEGORIZE with your lifestyle.

FIRST STEP. Know What Papers are Important. FAMILIARIZE to quickly process your papers daily.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

First ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? Then prepare to accept it. Then proceed to improve on the worst.

~ Dale Carnegie

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A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

ARE YOU READY TO ORGANIZE YOUR PAPERS?

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

The Three Elements of a Successful Home Filing System.01. CONTAINERIZE. Keep Like Papers Together.

02. CATEGORIZE. Be Consistent and Simple.

03. FAMILIARIZE. Know What Papers are Important.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

Spread the JOY.If you were inspired by our insights email this presentation to your family, friends and coworkers. Anyone you know who could benefit from being more organized.

If you want to learn more about papers and setting up a home filing system view all the insights in this series at JustOrganizeYourStuff.com.

A03-Why Organizing Papers is Such a Challenge.

About the Author.In 2002 Cathy became painfully aware that her whole life needed to be organized and re-prioritized.

The penchant for disorder, sometimes attributed to “creative” types was in complete opposition to her true “duty filler” personality. After spending nearly 15 years in the creative chaos of design firms, Cathy

decided it was time to switch gears and take control of her cluttered life. By combining her graphic design experience and a desire for simpler living, her new career was born. As a result, Cathy now spends

her time spreading JOYS, an intuitive visual method for organizing stuff, and is enjoying the challenges that come with being her own boss, launching a new brand and living a balanced life.

www.justorganizeyourstuff.com

Additional Inspiration

Marilyn Paul, PHD - It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys

Julie Morgenstern - Organizing from the Inside Out

Dale Carnegie - How to Stop Worrying and Start Living