Click on this link to access the Organizing Tips: Pretty Files – November 2010 newsletter

PROBLEM- I look into my filing cabinet and there
appears to be no order. It is hard for me to focus
and find what I’m looking for.

SOLUTION – Use the tabs to help create order.
Use the same tab position for files that go together.
When a new category is created switch to a different
tab position. This picture illustrates left tab, right
tab and then back to left tab, right tab.
HINT- If you have a left tab folder and need a right,
turn the folder inside out.

Often it is really hard to do those little things that
need to be done in order to maintain an organizational
system. A mantra can be useful to help us follow
through. For example, if we don’t feel like putting
the file away or taking our cup to the kitchen,
saying a mantra might be what we need to push
us to our new behavior. Mantras need to be
unique to the person and the situation but here
are a few ideas to get you thinking: a clear
work space means a focused mind, cups in the
kitchen equals peacefulness in the living room.
The mantra can be in your head or it can be posted
in an appropriate location.

Small business owners are sent pictures and
cards from their clients. The owners always
ask, “What do I do with all of these?” One option
is to have a designated space for display of client
thank you cards/pictures. The space can be a
picture frame, box frame, picture carousel, photo
album, or even a bulletin board. But the important
part of this idea is to systematize the process. For
example, with every new picture that comes in, an
old one goes out. Decide on the what “out” means.
Is out the trash, a folder, or a drawer? When that
space is full what will happen then? Once you have
these questions answered / systems developed it
will be a joy to receive cards and pictures from clients.
No more, “What do I do with this!”.