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PILE DRIVERS
Dear Les,
I have so many piles of files, memos and reports on my desk that I could barely find the keyboard to type this message. I keep saying that I will go through this stuff but I never do. They are a big source of stress for me and a little embarrassing as well. We have no interns who can file them. Help!
Gomer Piles
Gomer,
Piles are a problem because they are nagging, in-your-face stressors that just sit there, constantly reminding you that you are behind, overworked, or overlooking something important within them. Unlike an annoying coworker down the hall for instance, piles are harder to put out-of-sight and out-of-mind. These ever-present hassles tend to produce more stress and symptoms than the stuff you can let go of, so you are wise to get rid of them, even if it’s only to some dark and distant storage facility.
Here’s something else to ponder: sometimes piles are just piles, and other times they can act as little walls we hide behind when it’s difficult to deal with personal and work issues. Piles can tell others to, “stay out” and often grow along with indecision and internal turmoil. Miles of piles and other clutter may be symptoms of anxiety, depression and attention issues, and getting rid of them may be made easier by also examining the inbox between our ears.
Here are some strategies to organize and clear your desktop, floor, chairs and other surfaces:
- First, have systems and places to file what you will save from your piles.
- Reserve a time, or two, or three dedicated to pile deconstruction
- Pick off piles in pieces; review, store or trash in sections rather than trying to eradicate an entire mound in one sitting
- Consolidate your existing stacks into three piles: 1) stuff you’re going to use soon, 2) stuff you’re not sure about, and 3) stuff you will probably not need, but just can’t trash. Leave the first one on your desk, make the second one disappear to an accessible place where you can’t see it, and send the third one far away. If a year or two goes by and you find you don’t need nor remember the contents of pile #s 2 and 3, start shredding
- Request electronic copies of documents. If your electronic data gets backed up, you’ll always have access to it. If you get annoyed looks from colleagues who regularly drop paper bombs in your actual inbox, give them the “It’s good for the environment” speech.
- Do electronic banking and billing.
- Scan what you can
- Make the 4th day of some or all months at your office, Pile Independence Day, fire up the bar-b, and go wild.
Les
11/07
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