The New Rules for Getting Organized

Here are eight rules for getting organized-and more important, staying organized.

1. Lighten the Load

Whenever I'm talking to someone who's disorganized, my first suggestion is to get rid of as much as you can before you try to organize what's left. It's far more difficult to get organized when you have more stuff than space. So the first step is to make a sweep through it all and make some hard choices to get rid of what you don't really need.

Some things will make the cut; others won't. The key is to make smart choices. You may have to make several passes through it all, getting rid of a little more each time, until you get down to a manageable level. This process probably won't be fun, but it's necessary.

2. Just Dump It Now

There is all manner of interesting stuff out there, from emails and websites to magazines and stuff for projects. There's way more than any of us will ever be able to get to in a lifetime. So if you don't think that there is a very good chance that you will actually use the item, pitch it now, rather than letting it loiter and get in the way.

3. It Only Counts If You Can Find It

One of the big reasons why people wind up with too much stuff is that they keep too many things just in case they might need it. Unfortunately, owning something doesn't count for much if you can't find it when it would actually be helpful to have it. So when you're considering keeping something, ask yourself whether you will be likely to find it at the relevant moment. If not, pitch it.

Some men keep lots of paperwork, like old utility bills, just in case they need them later. If you ever do, remember that you can always request copies for a small fee, so it may be better to just toss them.

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Showing comments 1 to 10 of 35 | Next | Last

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Reply #34 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 20:11:14

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Looks are part of business. A businessman should never stand out more than his customers. His mannerisms, his clothes, everything about him... Moderation is the key.

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Reply #32 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 20:03:28

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Reply #30 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 19:54:56

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Reply #29 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 19:54:26

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Depend not on fortune, but on conduct.

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Reply #28 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 19:53:52

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Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.

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Reply #26 on : Wed September 01, 2010, 16:44:24

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You have no control over what the other guy does. You only have control over what you do.

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