<div class="bbWrapper">I just realized I have been implementing another tip I picked up - I think it was from my favorite book around clutter clearing, <i>Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui</i> (I can take or leave the Feng Shui part, but the clutter advice is awesome). <br />
<br />
I'm actually a pretty neat person. Still, I tend to leave stuff out where I can see it, to remind myself that it needs to get done - papers and folders in a to-do stacks on my desk - multiple, open tabs in two browsers for things I want to go back to - seeds and plants on the kitchen counters waiting to be planted - stacks of things waiting to be gone through - stacks of books I want to read - a stack of pictures that need to be hung - and so on. And this is in addition to all of the various lists I keep.<br />
<br />
The book made me realize that this is a constant drain on my subconscious mind and energy. My mind takes it all in, every day, as I am around or walk past these things, which is what I wanted, right - a subconscious nag and reminder to get this or that done. It's like being nagged constantly all day, every day. This even applies to reminders I tend to set up on my calendar to make sure I don't forget to do this or that. Poke. Poke. Poke. I am aggravating the shit out of myself, poking and nagging myself every day with all these reminders!<br />
<br />
So lately, I have done a few things to get all of this stuff out of sight and rely completely on my planning system - aka, the 3 things for today - to focus my attention.<br />
<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Put filing to be done and bills to be paid in a file caddy (whatever those desktop things are called that have a few slots for various papers)</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">When I bring the mail in, go through it right away and file either in the caddy or the round file (trashcan)</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Created a Working file folder and dropped all of my in progress paper things in there, in a drawer, out of sight</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Closed all browser tabs except the one I'm currently working in</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Filed all electronic files from the desktop into folders, leaving only shortcuts to things I access frequently on the desktop</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Put stacks of things that are mini clutter clearing projects into boxes with lids and put the boxes away</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Removed calendar reminders, and incorporated them into my paper planning system</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Put all books on bookshelves, and keep a list of inspirational reading I want to do</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Created any lists needed within my planning system (e.g., list of books to read; list of clutter clearing projects, list of maintenance items; etc.)</li>
</ul>Now the idea is that, when I'm about to work on something, I go get that file or that pile or that book, and that is the only thing on the desk or in front of me, to be done. <br />
<br />
On my office desk, I also keep an open, bound notebook to jot reminders and notes as I'm on calls. I keep an electronic list of what I'm working on (which doubles as a status report as needed), and I close all documents except email and what I'm working on (responding quickly to certain emails is necessary in some of my projects).<br />
<br />
I haven't quite mastered all this yet, but these changes are definitely helping. Posting in case it helps someone else. <img src="/community/imgs/emoticons/em-smile2.png" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" data-shortname=":)" /><br />
<br />
~SA</div>
