I want to share my thoughts about a concept that I find more and more online and in books, organizational, self help, and how-tos. That is to succeed, you need three things. trust and success and (hidden item to be found later). Seems contrary doesn't it? how can you succeed (the very thought implies a failure somehow) if you need success to begin with?
Well, given that you're a person, a grown up or nearly so, and you DO manage to feed yourself, clothe yourself and get yourself where you need to be, school, job, etc. You already have some success right there. What else works for you? pen and paper? your cell phone? cloud documents?
Something is already comfortable, familiar, and productive. Find it and define it. This is, I believe, just as important than defining what doesn't work.
Seems like everyone has a system these days and instead of putting in the effort to pick one and make it work, they flit from one to another to another, spending much time and supplies setting up a new system, only to forget it or not trust it to hold what they need, or to be able to find it later. Even once you do the grunt work of labelling, sorting, making space, it just seems like too much effort.
I too, balk at putting things out of my sight, fearing I won't remember them later. I too, have set up systems that promise organization and relief from overwhelming piles and guilt.
I too, have just as quickly abandoned them for my secret stash of post it notes, for that worry zone inside my head, and the worry zone of my inbox (always bigger than you think it is)
So sit down and find ONE THING works for you. For me, it's my Rolodex. I'll explain why later. But think about what works for you, think about why it does. Is it handy? Is it elegant that you enjoy using it? Is it somewhere that you know you go back to, to find what you need to know? Is it there when you are calling or looking thru the internet? Do you just have it already and feel you need to use it to justify what it cost?
Whatever! None of that matters. Only that you DO use it already. Tada! Success. There's our first facet. It may seem small and insignificant, but it's something you should be proud of. You've taken a step in knowing yourself better. The more comfortable you are with what David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, and Ready for Anything, calls your "trusted system" the more likely you are to use it, without even thinking about it. Unlike arbitrary systems that impose control from the outside, you don't have to first think about using the system, then remembering what you wanted to put into it.
Okay back to my Rolodex. The reasons why it works for me are:
- It's already there by my phone and computer.
- It doesn't take up too much desk space.
- It takes two seconds to whirl thru and see if I already have what I need.
- If I have to look to see if I have it, I'm already there at the spot where the info should be filed.
- Rolodex cards are small and easy to grab. They take the place of my scratch pads, post-its, 3 x 5 cards.
- they only hold what I need. I use my Rolodex for both the people I need to contact, and those I don't want to contact; product information and serial numbers; for passwords and websites. If I had to escape a burning room, I'd pick up the Rolodex first.
- I can easily index the cards. shh I said the secret word for the third item we need.
- I've used the same Rolodex for over 15 years. It hasn't yet filled up so full I can't wedge in another card.
So, go forth and find your trusted system. Whatever it is and you've taken a step to feeling more confident and in control. Talk to you again tomorrow!
~ Ann Grey, Writer ~
"Everything is worth writing about and nothing is worth writing about. ~ J. Amsbary
