In preparation for my next group class, Paperwork Organizing, I’d like to discuss why paperwork causes so much clutter. Are you interested in getting a handle on your paperwork? Please join me for my 4 week course starting in March. Sign up here.
Are you someone who has an overabundance of paperwork? Maybe you have stacks of paper all around you- on your desk, in the living room, by the front door. Or maybe you’ve boxed it up neatly so you can go through it at a more opportune time. Let me assure you, you are not alone! There are very good reasons why organizing paperwork can be so hard. In this post, I’ll talk about some of the subconscious reasons why it’s so hard to deal with your paperwork, and give you some tips on what to do about it.
Tip: Plan to organize in short bursts. Don’t try and do it all at once. Time yourself and see how long you can go with focusing on organizing. Shoot for 3-5 minutes of uninterrupted bursts. Take a break. Stretch, get a glass of water, listen to a song, and then get back at it. Work yourself up so that you can organize for 20 minutes at once. By doing this, you’ll be creating new neural pathways in your brain so that it’s easier to stay focused while you’re organizing. Don’t just try charge ahead and beat yourself up for getting distracted. Consciously separate your breaks from your focused organizing bursts.
Tip: Get really present with yourself. You may even want to take a selfie or look in the mirror to see yourself as the beautiful, mature, grown-up that you are. Feel your feet on the ground. Take a few deep breaths to activate your para-sympathetic nervous system. Notice the weather. Feel your energy expand throughout your neighborhood, your city, your state, your country, and then the whole world. By getting centered and in touch with your feelings and who you are now, you’ll feel more secure and ready to let go of the past. Being stuck in the past is a recipe for depression. Tuning in to the present and getting excited for the great things that are coming your way is an excellent way to get yourself motivated to work through your paperwork.
Tip: Grief is hard, and it can’t be rushed. Follow your intuition, and do things at your own pace. Work with a grief counselor, therapist or energy worker who can help you process these events in a compassionate space. I’ve got someone who’s truly excellent with this type of work who has helped me and many of my friends and clients process some major events. If you’d like her info, please send me a message.
There’s still a lot more to say about why organizing paperwork is so hard, so stay tuned for next week’s article where I’ll post Part 2.
When it comes to organizing paper, why is it so hard for you? Please share in the comments.
By Jean Prominski, Certified Professional Organizer
Don’t forget to sign up for my organizing classes here
Download my free 5 week journal The Seattle Sparkle Method to Get Organized and Stay Organized
Sign up for my free 4 Day Color to Declutter Challenge.
Become part of a like-minded community by joining my Facebook Group, Declutter and Organize with Seattle Sparkle.
Ready to book a consultation? Complete this form.
For artwork to energize your home, order through jeanprominski.com or on Etsy.