Archive for the ‘too much to read’ Category

Organising interesting articles, files and reports

Thursday, January 31st, 2008


I received an email about a really interesting and very common problem so I thought I’d post.

Hi Marcia…

Do you have or know of an article about how to get rid of files that – not mainly waste space but – waste time and energy, because they clutter up your mind? I tend to archive and save lots of files and interesting things and end up not knowing what I have, checking files regularly to see whether they are still interesting. I don’t throw them away, because I think they might be of interest eventually. I’d be interested in any ideas and articles about that. – - David

I certainly relate and I know a lot of you do too. We surf websites, download stuff, free ebooks, reports, articles and keep them all on our computer (or printed and stuck in a file somewhere) for the elusive ONE DAY!

Here’s what I wrote to David…

Hi David

Thanks so much for writing.

With regard to computer files, I used to suffer from exactly that problem – downloading and saving everything and anything that looks interesting.

1. First of all, make a quality decision to only download files and save articles that you need right now to reach your goals.

E.g. when I first started my business, I saved EVERYTHING to do with sales, whether direct sales, internet, etc. Since I actually don’t do direct sales, I have since deleted all those ebooks, reports and articles on direct sales and only kept SOME of the internet marketing ones that relate to marketing as a service professional.

2. Then, I suggest that you start implementing a one in, one out rule for those files. Everytime you keep something new, something old must go.

3. Also make time on a regular basis (either 10 mins a day or 30 minutes a week) to go through and read all these things you’re keeping. Then, if they are really WOW and you must keep them, fine – file accordingly. Otherwise delete.

Since I started making regular reading time (about 10 – 15 minutes a day while I eat my lunch) to get through my own saved computer files, I am actually…

1) getting through my ebooks
2) cleaning out my computer
3) learning what I intended when I first downloaded the files ;)

I have a whole ebook dedicated to offices, papers and computers called 7 easy steps to organise your office which you can read more about at http://takechargesolutions.org/oyo.html. Otherwise, I send out a weekly tips ezine which you might also be interested in – go to http://www.organiseyourbusiness.com/ to sign up.

Hope that helped you!

(c) Marcia Francois

Marcia Francois is a time management and organising coach who empowers small business owners and other busy professionals who want to make the most of their time. You’ll get simple, practical organising and time management secrets to help you work less and enjoy life more! Visit http://takechargesolutions.org/?page_id=21 if you want to Organise your home.
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