A GON Reader Asks:

Hi Maria,

I need motivation to keep getting through boxes of paper.

This fabulous GON reader 'Ask Maria' question was submitted by:

Pam Leach

* * * * *

Maria Gracia responds:

Hi Pam,

Thanks for your question. It sounds like you have a lot of boxes of paper to rummage through, so I can understand your frustration...and likely feeling of overwhelm.

Here's how I would tackle this project.

1. Leave the scene. Looking at tons of boxes can be very daunting. Your mind automatically goes to 'I'll never get this all done' mode. And with those thoughts racing through your mind, you probably never will get it all done. So, my recommendation is to take ONE box and sort through it in an uncluttered environment. This may be your kitchen table, a spare room in your house...or maybe even the local library.

2. Do the '2-step.' As you go through that box, your only goal should be to get rid of as much paper in it as possible. Don't worry about categorizing at this point. You should end up with two piles: 1) Keep and 2) Shred/Recycle. Keep in mind that your Recycle pile, in most cases, should be a lot bigger than your Keep pile. Remember...if those papers are being stored in boxes and you haven't had to look at them in months/years, there's a good chance that most of it can be recycled. If you're not sure what to keep, I suggest you check out my resource: My Oh-So-Organized Filing System. It includes guidelines describing types of papers you should retain and types of papers you can get rid of.

3. Get it out of your sight. Shred any papers containing personal information and then recycle the entire pile.

4. Make your accomplishments 'visibly done'. Place the Keep pile in the box. Mark the box 'Done! Ready to File' and put a big smiley face on the box as well.

5. Keep going. Move on to Box 2 (you can do this the same day, the next day, or the next weekend...as long as you have a consistent scheduled day and time) and repeat steps one through four above.

6. Next steps... Once you've gotten through all of your boxes, you're ready to file. BUT, don't worry about this now. Get through Part One of your project above first. Then write back to me and I'll help you continue.

7. As for motivation, handling and completing the sorting portion, one box at a time, will give you a sense of accomplishment...as well as the action of marking each box 'Done! Ready to File.' For added motivation, reward yourself after you're done sorting each box. Perhaps buy yourself a new digital novel you've been meaning to read, or take an hour to savor a quiet cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. Choose something you really look forward to. It can be the same reward for each box or you can set a new reward goal for each one if you so choose.

You can do this!

Maria

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All people have clutter to some degree. You may have a little. You may have a ton. MOST people are somewhere right in the middle.

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Plus, clutter is sneaky...it doesn't only show up in the pile of shoes you may have in your closet, the overload of toys in the toy room, the boxes of stuff in the basement, or the stuffed-to-the-max drawers and closets in your home. Clutter can actually invade your life in FOUR forms...

1. Physical Clutter
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There is only one way to get rid of clutter...and that is by using a proven- effective clutter-removing system. Only then will you be able to face clutter head-on and have the clutter-free life you deserve.

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Family Circus Comic This one has an Easter-theme...too cute!

Easter is my featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme.

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Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
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'Life is about accepting the challenges along the way, choosing to keep moving forward, and savoring the journey.'
--Roy T. Bennett


I'd love to hear from you.

Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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