What Can You Release?

NO’vember marches on. We’ve had our first cold snap and begrudgingly, I have made the seasonal clothing switch.

This fall, I assessed each piece of clothing before putting it away.

Does it still fit?

Do I still wear it?

Do I even like it anymore?

If no, I released it on to someone else. How wonderful to be able to give two shopping bags of clothes for someone who isn’t as fortunate. If you struggle letting go of something, focus on how it will benefit the next person.

If you want to go all Marie Kondo, you can ask yourself if your shirt sparks joy, then thank it when it doesn’t. Completely cool. We could all use a little Marie Kondo’ing in our lives.

Clutter is postponed decisions?.

Every time I put a piece of clothing back it represents a decision not yet made. Easy to see this in your closet, right? The fat jeans are the decision that maybe some day I’ll feel puffy and need them. The skinny jeans are the hope that I’ll finally those last 10 pounds and get back into them.

No shame. No judgement. Reality. Most people will admit they have one or the other or both of said jeans.

But they may not admit this around the stuff in their office –

• the defunct files on the client that we might need someday
• the 20 years of receipts that we might be asked for in an audit
• the boxes of outdated marketing materials that we don’t even hand out anymore.

That’s because paper is highly emotionally charged.

Wait for it…

De-cluttering is a way of saying no. You had to know that’s where this was going.

Where to start?

Glad you asked.

Every paper has only one of three possible decisions:

• File
• Act
• Toss

If the idea of de-cluttering your office is way too overwhelming, set a timer for 15 minutes and quit when it rings. Work quickly through the one pile of papers on your desk. I’ll bet you make amazing headway.

Give yourself a “treat” after the 15 minutes. It doesn’t have to be a cookie or a candy bar, though I really like both.

I kept looking for the homemade cookies at yesterday’s conference. Because if you’re going to spend 7 hours in a classroom learning a software system when tech makes you cringe, well then cookies! They were served during our 2pm break – perfection! The class was fantastic by the way. But that’s a future email.

Seriously, your reward takes only 5 minutes. It can be a walk, a cup of coffee, a game of Candy Crush, a quick chat with a colleague down the hall, 5 minutes of quiet meditation.

What fills you up? Do that.

Tossing is the hardest decision. We all have a fear of letting things go. That’s where the Art of Wastebasketry? comes in.

As you go through your papers, ask yourself the following questions:

1.      Does this item require action?

2.      Can I identify a specific use for it?

3.      Is it difficult to obtain again?

4.      Is it recent enough to be useful?

5.      Are there tax or legal implications?

6.      What is the worst thing that can happen without it?

Give it a try. Tackle just one pile of papers today. Let me know how it goes!

Still struggling? Sometimes it takes an accountability partner. Again, no judgement.

The first time I organized my office using this system, my assistant joined me for the day. I could not have done it alone. Paper was my arch-nemesis. Sometimes it still is. We’re talking progress not perfection people.

This process is way more fun with another person, especially one who has been there and done that.

And guess what? You already KNOW the person who can help! ME!

Say NO to the sh*tshow and yes to the dough.

You in? Schedule a call here.

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Catherine empowers busy professionals to conquer their daily tasks, paperwork, and productivity. A former queen of clutter, she implements proven strategies that get you on a more productive and profitable track.

Combining her design sense with streamlined systems and business acumen, she helps her clients master their time, space, and information.

A recovering type-A Wall Streeter and cancer survivor/thriver, Catherine knows that time is more valuable than money.

Calm your chaos. Reclaim your time.

Founded in 2005, Productivity By Design (also known as Avery Design LLC) is located in Fairfield, CT. Thanks to the power of the internet, she can work with you virtually anywhere in the world. Her clients span the United States and parts of Europe.

Catherine has a Blog, YouTube Channel and her podcast The Uncluttered Office, where she provides more valuable insight on productivity topics.

If you would like to make an appointment to speak to Catherine directly or ask her a question, please click here.