WORK IN PROGRESS
(Life, Me, You, This Newsletter)
Vol. VI, Issue 17, October 18, 2002 ><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>><<>>
In this issue:
--- Dealing with Hidden Clutter
--- How Old are You, Really?
--- Recommended reading
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DEALING WITH HIDDEN CLUTTER
Do you have cupboards, drawers, and other storage units that have remained unopened for months? Years? The contents of which you have totally forgotten? Do you ever go out and buy a duplicate of something that you know you already own just because you don't have time to track it all down? Would you like to know where everything is so that you can find it when you need it? Would you like to be able to look into a long-forgotten storage unit and NOT wonder why on earth you kept that junk?
I have a suggestion, based one of David Allen's ideas.
Readers of Work in Progress may remember that I occasionally mention organization guru David Allen**, author of "Getting things done" and previously of "Managing Action & Projects." I have the 16-tape set derived from the older book, which I think has now been replaced by a set relating to the newer one. However, as I've said before, it is the only set of tapes that I have ever played more than twice - and I'm presently listening to it for the fourth time, and still learning (or learning to apply) something new.
One of the key aspects of David's system is the "mind dump" part of which involves walking around one's home, office, or whatever space it may be with a clipboard noting everything that needs to be remembered. I've adapted that concept to this issue's topic of hidden clutter.
The first step involves... yes indeed, a notepad and writing implement - or any other device on which you can take rapid notes. Now, regardless of whether you are at work or at home, proceed systematically through your entire space making a note of EVERY storage space you have. Not "storage unit" but "storage unit, shelf #1, #2, #3 etc. Not "chest of drawers" but "drawer #1, #2..." In other words, each separate space, however small, merits a separate entry. You'll see why later. If you are using the system for your home, and if you want to use it to its fullest, include all the storage units - boxes, shelves, whatever you hide things in - in the basement and/or attic, and those in the garage. If you are in your work space, include any "storage areas" which hold your own items, files, or supplies if you are personally responsible for them, even if you don't usually access them yourself.
My guess is that this will give you a far longer list than you had anticipated. You may decide to keep it as a written list, or you might want to computerize. Do whatever will work best for you, after you have read through my suggestions and decided how you will be using the system based on your own work preferences.
Your next step is to decide how often you want to spend time on uncluttering hidden clutter, and how much time you will spend on it during each session. Some people like to work on the basis of 15-30 minutes a day. Other prefer to allocate larger chunks of time less frequently.
Now, starting wherever you perceive the greatest need, start going through one unit at a time. Where you start is up to you. It may be the notorious "junk drawer" that so many families maintain somewhere in their kitchen. It may be a long-forgotten corner of the basement. It may be your desk drawers. Remember the clean-out system - you will need three containers. One is for things to be thrown away, one for things to be given away, and one for things that need to be placed back in the unit after it has been emptied to its deepest and furthest depths.
When you have finished that unit check it off, and write the date beside it. If you have used up your allotted clean-out time, decide which unit you will turn to next, and when this will be done. ADD THAT INFORMATION TO YOUR CALENDAR, however you keep it. This system will work much better if you really do schedule each session, rather than just adding it to a vague reminder list.
There are two ways to look at the overall cycle of visiting and re-visiting all your storage spaces. You may decide that some warrant more frequent sorting than others. In this case, I'd suggest that when you check off each one as done, you also note the next date that you want to return to it. The alternative method is to cycle through your entire list before starting again at the beginning. This give no one storage space greater priority than any other.
Yes, this system does require some upkeep. To get full benefit from it, a bit of discipline is needed. However, if you stick to it, over time you will discover several benefits.
1. You will know where everything is so that you can access it as needed and without delay or panic.
2. You will find things that you had forgotten that you owned.
3. You will not have to waste money buying things that you already own because you don't have time to search for them.
4. You will have far more available storage space because of all the things that you were able to discard.
5. If you live in a country where tax credit is given for items donated to charities, you will probably have a nice tax credit.
Let me know how it works for you - I'd love to know.
** Incidentally, should you want to explore David Allen's organizational concepts further, his web site is at www.Davidco.com
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HOW OLD ARE YOU, REALLY?
No, I'm not being personal. I'm considering the fact that our chronological age, the age celebrated (or otherwise) by our birthdays, is often not a reflection of our age in terms of how we feel physically.
I recently discovered a web site called Real Age that uses a fairly complex set of questions about lifestyle, diet, health history and so on to calculate how your "real" age is in comparison to your birthday age. The questionnaire used is quite lengthy, but it is possible to "pause" it and return later, perhaps after checking on the answers to some of its questions.
A particularly interesting feature is the fact that you can go back and change your answers so as to see the effect of adding or subtracting specific activities or dietary items. How will it affect your "real" age if you start working out five times a week instead of three? If you add more fruits and vegetables to your diet? Quit smoking? And so on. There is extraordinary amount of information available at this site and I recommend it highly. However, just to reassure yourself, you will probably want to read their privacy policy before deciding whether to take their very detailed questionnaire. (I did.)
Discover more at
http://www.realage.com/
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RECOMMENDED READING
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen
"Productivity trainer and consultant David Allen offers a crash course in basic time management and personal organization. While Allen's reading is a little stiff, his enthusiasm for the topic and his passion for systems comes across loud and clear. Allen's message is concise: Organize yourself to free your mind for greater pursuits. And this simple production makes that daunting task seem possible. It's a quick glimpse at setting goals, clearing clutter, and staying focused."
To learn more and/or order, click on
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN%3D0670899240/personalandcareeA/002-8534146-380480
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Copyright 2002 Diana Robinson, PhD., PCC.
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