“Good Enough”: Simple Paper Management

I recently heard someone say that neatness doesn’t mean organized.  I couldn’t agree more.  When I think of neatness, I think of clear countertops and not a shred of paper anywhere to be seen.  This same person said you can be organized without being neat, and even a little messy as long as the mess doesn’t get in the way.  So true!  Some of the most organized people I have known are not the neatest people I know.    Why?  Because they are different.

Let’s all take a deep breath.

Keeping paper under control is one of the biggest reasons clients have called me.  There is so much of it.  Today I want to give you permission to give yourself a break.

I’ve written about perfection (on my other blog) as it has to do with organization.  They are NOT the same.  Perfection is an impossible dream when it comes to organization, and many people chase after it, with guilt and shame on their shoulders.  What happens?  They don’t get much of anywhere.  Somehow this ideal seeped it’s way into our culture and has refused to budge.  Well, I’m calling out.  Perfection is a motivation killer and a plain impossibility.  Sometimes your system has to be “good enough” and not overdone.  Simplicity can be beautiful, not to mention downright practical.  Here’s some examples:

- Set up a filing system with plain manila folders and a pen
- Have a basket for mail, and go thru it before you retire for the evening
- Keep an envelope in your purse and go thru receipts once a week
- Have one folder for all tax related paperwork.  When it’s time to file, you’ll know right where everything is.

Cut yourself some slack and focus on boundaries.

It’s ok to have a little stack of paper, as long as you have boundaries and you don’t allow it to get out of hand.  If frantically looking for bills or paperwork you need is a constant in your life, it’s probably time to set some systems up.  Systems are really just boundaries.  That’s it.  They are a way to set off a reminder when something is about to get out of hand.  If you hate color coding, by all means don’t do it.  If you must have custom file folders with hand stamped labels , do that.  Organizing your paper isn’t about perfection, it’s about choosing a way that works for you and using it.

(photo by Pink Sherbet Photography on Flickr)