Streamline Your Options

"Too many choices can overwhelm us and cause us to not choose at all." - Sheena Iyengar

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

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New Path Productivity LLC · New Path Perspective Blog: Streamline Your Options

This article is the second in a three-part series about managing information and reducing clutter in your office. The first installment detailed the six essential tools that set you up for success.
 
Four words from organizing industry pioneer Barbara Hemphill explain many individuals' struggle - "Clutter is Postponed Decisions®."
 
When we hear the word clutter, we typically envision piles of paper and unread magazines. But we can experience digital, mental, and emotional clutter, as well. Anything that keeps you from the life you want is clutter.

Quite often, clutter results from an onslaught of information and demand for our time and attention.
 
We have paper all over our desks, hundreds or thousands of emails, growing task lists, booked calendars, and accumulating articles, magazines, and newsletters, both hard copy and digital.
 
The problem becomes painfully apparent when we start missing deadlines and appointments, arriving unprepared for meetings, and seeing quality time with family and friends shrink. We feel guilty, anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed.
 
But, there is hope!
 
The "decision" aspect of clutter is postponed decisions® doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, the more choices we have, the more paralyzed we can become.
 
Barbara Hemphill has condensed the decision-making process down to only three possible options, known as The File-Act-Toss System™.

• File - when you need to keep it.
• Act - when you need to act on it.
• Toss - when you can discard it.

 
After assessing your options, place the information in the appropriate element of The Magic 6™. It works with paper and digital — snail mail, paper documents, magazines, calendar invitations, email, and electronic files. As these forms of clutter diminish, mental and emotional clutter tend to reduce, as well.
 
What clutter is keeping you from enjoying life? Start with what's right in front of you. Set a timer for 15-minutes, and use The File-Act-Toss System™ to narrow your options. You will be amazed at what you accomplish in a short time. As the fog lifts, your momentum increases, and you will see that small, consistent actions produce significant results.
 
The next installment in this series will help you navigate making decisions when you don't feel confident.
 
How productive is your environment? Complete your personal scorecard now at www.newpathpro.com/scorecard.
 

Clutter is Postponed Decisions®, The File-Act-Toss System™, and The Magic 6™ ©2005-2021 Productive Environment Institute | Used under license to Kathy Muzik