I have a secret for eliminating and concentrating, decluttering, and minimizing the chaos of lost things (keys, documents, etc.). It is the habit of touching things ONLY once.
"One Touch" your mail--how? Stand over the garbage can after you retrieve your mail and immediately throw out ads and junk. Then have a file for each week (all 52 weeks), placing the bills due in each week. Pay accordingly.
"One Touch" your email--how? Don't open it or mark it "unread" until you are ready/able to deal with it. Save or delete the information based on its importance.
"One Touch" your keys--how? Have a hook at your house AND in your purse. Don't ever set them down. Set them only on the hook or in your purse.
"One Touch" your documents--how? (This one is a lot tougher...) Have files that, at the very least, organize important papers alphabetically, by year, by child, or by project.
Of course all of these ideas require a disciplined mind and body--you can't allow yourself to fatigue!
Let's try to make our MIN the "ONE TOUCH" rule this week!
Be encouraged,
Becky
I guess I waste the most of my time on the computer. I set timers to get me off...minutes melt into hours before you know it! And email is just about to take me under. I can't seem to get my inbox cleaned out, and then it becomes overwhelming....do you ever just delete everything and forget about it? The last thing I want to do is clean it out...I keep thinking if I cleaned a little every day, I would go through it but it hasn't happened!
ReplyDeleteAny thoughts, ideas??
The Lord has taken me so far these 3 months...it IS getting better and better when it comes to Saving Money, Time and Calories!
Count me in on the Email thing too.
ReplyDeleteI have way too much and yes, am contemplating deleting the whole in-box and starting over.
I also have quite a few Email accounts, because I have our businesses on email accounts.
I have the mail sorting, phone and keys down well but *not* the dreaded Email.
Looking forward to Thursday's call (got the notice about moving to Thursday this week only!).
just checking to see if my new password is working.
ReplyDeleteJust a thank you Becky for taking the time to give us these bits of advice, direction (practical application) and words of biblical wisdom. God started nudging me a year ago or more to get organized...He impressed on me that my time, energy, relationships and money were suffering due to the chaos which had become overwhelming and holding me back in so many ways. I am thankful that you are a part of this journey that is my present MIN.
ReplyDeleteI too read Oswald Chambers each day..along with your QT system. In fact Ithink I have used your system for over 10 years. Oswald Chambers the same.
I am excited to sense that there is a light in the tunnel of my former chaos and unorganized life.
God has been so gracious and gentle. But also loud and clear about learning the things you are teaching us.
Thank you. I am so excited about all of it. A few days ago I had a friend call with an immediate need. There was a calm excitement in my heart as I wasn't bogged down needing to finish up something I had procrastinated doing. I could give this person my attention and clear thinking. This is such a desire of my heart.
I know that the chaos and cluttered living is not holding me captive any longer. Just knowing how to decrease the chaos and clutter is certainly giving me a new hope.
Thanks again.