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Becoming Paper Proficient

Decision Making

27 Feb

A happy holler to the homeschooling former procrastinators who have joined us! It was fun being with you at Capital Baptist Co-op!

Yep, I evicted all the squatters (piles) but two – and those I pared down significantly. (See Evict the Squatters! February 20, 2017). One pile is “to read” and the other is my desk pile of assorted things to do. I need to deal with both of these in some way that works for me. We’ll tackle the “to read” pile in another blog. Not procrastinating, just prioritizing!

I’m pile averse. Therefore, I must become paper proficient – skilled in handling papers. Some we generate, some are incoming. Either way, to put off developing this skill is to create a greater burden and aggravation for ourselves and others.

If you’ve also evicted the squatters at your house, you, too, are ready to figure out how to handle the “papers just passing through.” They are different from “keepers” such as scrapbook items that go to their assigned places.

Step one is Avoid and Eliminate. Do not let unnecessary papers into the purse, car, or house in the first place. Say “no” to unnecessary receipts and fliers. Discard backpack trash upon arrival. Toss the door knob hangers. If it weren’t frowned upon, I’d place a trash can by the mailbox. Toss or shred unwanted mail immediately. Put the necessary mail in its assigned spot.

Step two is Find or Devise a System for the “papers passing through” so they are stored, accessed, used, and moved along/tossed without homesteading at your place or becoming squatters.

Step three is Use the System! Herein lies my difficulty – probably because I’ve never had a suitable system. I’ve devised a good many but not been successful in using them.

I’ve been researching how to deal with paper. Above all, an approach has to work for the one who uses it. I like simple because simple takes fewer brain cells, less time, and is more likely to work and to serve me long term. Easy makes me happy so I do it.

One proficient method is the tickler file. I had heard of that but did not understand it well. There is good help for proper set up and use of a tickler file at www.homestoragesolutions101.com. You’ll find clear explanation and pictures there. Scroll down for numerous tweaks from other users including moms, teachers, business people.

When we were juggling more people and activities here, I would’ve employed a tickler file as initially explained on the site. Now, my needs are different. This week I’ll tweak the tickler and let you know how I’m doing. I’m downright excited because I’m desperate to become paper proficient. Are you? Let’s not delay that any longer. My desk is now totally cleaned off and I’m determined to safeguard my delightful new space.

This week take a look at the tickler file; set one up or devise a version that serves you. Share what works!

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2 Comments

« Evict the Squatters!
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Comments

  1. Elena Schuenemeyer says

    March 24, 2017 at 2:10 pm

    I’m starting my first 15 minutes right now! I’ve learned to bring that mail in and deal with it on the spot. When the kids were younger, I felt like I just didn’t have time. Piles accumulated, which ended up in a grocery bag every time company came and pretty soon I had 5 or 6 bags in the garage of mail and paperwork. Surprisingly, there were only one or two items in each bag I kept! Thank you for the encouragement! You’re the best!

    Reply
    • Beth Sterne says

      March 24, 2017 at 6:33 pm

      You have described the old me, Elena. Sisters in more ways than one! I still have to guard against “bag piles.” What do you mean by your first 15 minutes? You encourage all of us!

      Reply

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BETH STERNE
Welcome! It's great to have you here. I'm a follower of Christ and a learner of new ways. By His grace, I am gaining victory over procrastination. This is where I share struggles I face and lessons I'm learning. Join me and other sisters as we put off procrastination and put on peace.

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“Beth’s presentation on procrastination was truly eye-opening. I knew I had a problem with procrastination, but never thought twice about how it impacted my relationships and showed God that I wasn’t onboard with His plan. I began to see each instance took away from being fruitful; I was living for myself! After this revelation, I have been working on procrastinating less. I can see places opening up in my life for more peaceful moments, more time with and for friends and family, and more time for God’s plan to unfold. It’s amazing to know there’s more to life for me than a life full of “should haves” as a result of procrastination.”
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“After Beth came and shared about procrastination, many realized that it is possible through the Lord's power to stop putting off what God has called us to do. One mother finally started a blog and another posted a ladies; tea for her church months in advance so that ...she would not put off having it. Although I thought I was not someone who procrastinates, I realized I had some relationships that I needed to work on. Procrastination, I learned, is not just about getting things turned in on time, it's about listening to God and doing what He says to do when He tells you to and obeying God's Word.”
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"Beth’s procrastination talk led me to understand procrastination as a heart issue in need of God’s restoration not just a change of my ways. Beth’s personal experiences helped me discover practical ways to attack my own procrastination. As a result I have become a more loving wife, mother and friend who is able to use the gifts God has given me more fully. I highly endorse this talk and would love to hear it again and again."
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Beth Sterne - Put Off Procrastination
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise! It has
no commander, no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
... you have put off the old man with
his deeds, and have put on the new
man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him.
Colossians 3:9-10

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