I am a Certified Professional Organizer. When most people think of that term they immediately think of Martha Stewart......well Martha Stewart I am not. Don't get me wrong, I really am organized it's just that I don't live in a magazine. I don't have everything color coded and perfectly labeled. I don't have all my papers filed immediately and I certainly have not had time to hand make all my Christmas decorations.
I am a Certified Professional Organizer but I have a confession to make. I am a bit of a paper stacker! I am stating publicly that I have papers stacked around my house.
EXHIBIT A
The above photo shows a stack of miscellaneous papers that I have not had time to take care of or attack. I am not even sure what is in the stack, I just know that it needs my attention or it would have not made it to the stack. So, see, I am a purposeful stacker! I don't just throw any kind of paper in the stack, I have to know it needs further attention or follow up.
Now, many organizers will tell you to put this stack of paper in a file folder with the label TO DO. I am here to tell you if any of my papers go in any kind of file, they will never get done!!! For me, most filing is for when things are completed or I only need to go back to the file for reference purposes. I don't know why my brain works this way but it just does and I know many of your brains work the same way. The beautiful thing about this stack is that it is sitting where I can see it, it is all in one neat stack and I will take care of it because I can see it.
Now, many organizers will tell you to put this stack of paper in a file folder with the label TO DO. I am here to tell you if any of my papers go in any kind of file, they will never get done!!! For me, most filing is for when things are completed or I only need to go back to the file for reference purposes. I don't know why my brain works this way but it just does and I know many of your brains work the same way. The beautiful thing about this stack is that it is sitting where I can see it, it is all in one neat stack and I will take care of it because I can see it.
Many of my clients feel like they are less than organized because every single thing in their house is not in place; nothing could be further from the truth. Sometimes you have to have a little mess to be organized. Sometimes you need things in your field of vision in order for them to not be totally forgotten. Sometimes you need a small paper stack to remind you that you have some things that need your attention!
I am not advocating stacks and stacks and stacks because that means you are not stacking purposefully! I am merely saying that you can give yourself some grace and have a stack or two of papers. The key is to not let the stacks continue to stack but schedule some time to actually "attack the stack".
Exhibit B
So, now I have to quit blogging and go attack my paper stack......and I would suggest you do the same!
I am such a visual person as well. If the stack gets put somewhere else it gets ignored. My stacks are my to do pile. If it is out of sight, it is definitely out of mind.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely out of sight out of mind. I am glad I have a like minded soul on this earth.
DeleteYes! I agree that I need to go ATTACK THE STACK!
ReplyDeleteGo for it!!!!!
DeleteI too have a paper stack, but I try to go through it weekly and I always sort my mail when it arrives and separate out the bills/payables.
ReplyDeleteMaggie, that is the key. Consistently touching the stack so it does not become unmanageable and bills do not go unpaid or lost.
DeleteI've found that the best way to attack it is to plan it around something that's also relaxing. My husband and I will go through the junk mail and such twice per week while catching up on TV shows during the week and football games on the weekends. That way we get to relax AND be productive at the same time. :)
ReplyDeleteMeasi, that is a great idea. I do that often, by myself, when I am working on filing.....one of my more dreaded tasks. I will be posting about that later :)
DeleteYes, for me it's definitely "out of sight, out of mind". So I'll admit to a stack or two. And maybe a couple of piles of things besides paper. But I REALLY AM going to get to them soon! :D
ReplyDeleteGetting to the stacks before they get out of control is the key!
DeleteGood luck!
I have to agree completely! I'm a paper stacker. They go into a file once they've been dealt with. Right now I'm looking at the stack of bills that will need some attention soon. Unfortunately I also tend to stack other things too. I will eventually get to those stacks because they'll drive me crazy after a month or two or three. lol
ReplyDeleteStacks of bills are never fun to attack :) Attack a little bit at a time before they get out of control! Good luck!
DeleteI'm definitely a paper stacker. The thing is, no matter how much I attack those stacks, there is ALWAYS a little stack left over! *sigh*
ReplyDeleteAnn- Marie, I am going to be posting about the left over in a post about To-Do lists. The same principle will apply to those stacks. Be on the look out for that post in the next several days. Remember, there is ALWAYS something to do and you are alive to do it!
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