Quick! Where does it go?

1. Read

2. File

3. Do

4. Pay

5. Pending/waiting for

6. Communicate

I also have my calendar, project bins, a trash can, and a shred box in the office. So here is what I recommend. Set the timer for 15 minutes and put every thing on your desk in the correct spot. Now what might be on a desk and where might it go? Always think what will be the first action with that item.

note scribbled on post-it note from last phone call – File client info about rescheduling a session- calendar then File notice of a committee meeting – calendar then Project bin info on upcoming workshop I might want to attend – calendar then Pending invite to a party – calendar then Pending ideas for newsletter – File phone message from auto shop – Communicate notes from potential clients – Pending ideas for an article – Do solicitation for a new credit card – Shred credit card bill – Pay article pulled from magazine – Read CD from workshop – Read (yeah I know, but that’s where I would put it)

Now the desk is clear. I don’t need to worry about forgetting items because all crucial items were first posted in my calendar.

What is on your desk? Quick! Where does it go?

Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer

#organization #desktopfiles #office #desk #actionfiles