Piles Preclude Productivity

In the typical In Box, according to Kiplinger's Taming the Paper Tiger (an excellent little organizing database program for the Windows platform), 40% of what's piled there can be tossed or recycled; 40% can be filed for future reference, and only 20% require action.

That means 4 out of 5 items cluttering your workspace don't need your attention and can be dispensed with immediately without hesitation or distraction.

Where so many managers and professionals get stuck is not declaring what's what. Indecision and inaction leads to piles upon piles of stuff. The useless buries both the important and the urgent, delaying or precluding action on matters that need action.

Most of us pilers (and that's my inclination, too) stack stuff so that it seems accessible. But if you've ever heard yourself declare, "I know it's in here somewhere!" — you're not as organized as you might think. And you likely waste many hours a year looking for things in here somewhere.

The Paper Tiger software boasts that after you enter your piles of stuff into its system the program can find anything in your office in five seconds or less. And after working with the program for several years (both in the office and at home), I can declare that's a true statement. (And I say that having no affiliation with its makers other than as a satisfied customer.)

An investment of a few hours sorting and cataloging all those distracting piles (that give you that little twinge of stress every time you pass by or think of those visible reminders of your unfinished business) can really bolster your productivity and effectiveness.

Use good judgment and a database to stay organized, and you'll be far more productive.

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