© Jan Jasper; 2001-2008
"Handle each piece of paper only once."
Someone just handed you some information about a low-priority matter. If you deal with it right now to avoid
handling the paper again later, you'll be late to today's meeting with your biggest client. I don't think so!
"Filing systems should always be set up alphabetically."
This depends. Some files should be set up by topic. Alphabetic files are a big reason that people often can't
find papers after they've filed them.
"Loose-leaf binders are a good way to keep papers, newsletters, etc. together."
If you don't even have time to drop it into a file folder, where will you find the time to hole-punch it?
"A tidy desk will help you be effective."
Maybe. Some very ineffective people have spotless desks.
"If I had a bigger office it would solve the problem."
More likely, it would just give you more places to hide the work you're procrastinating about doing!
This article is available to reprint if you include my copyright notice and identify me as follows: "Jan Jasper, a productivity expert in the New York City
area, is the author of Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, & Technology (St. Martin's Press)."
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About the Author:
Productivity coach Jan Jasper has been helping busy people work smarter, not harder since 1988. Her customized approach guides clients to manage time,
tasks, and information more effectively. She also provides Microsoft Outlook customization for clients. Jan is the author of
Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, & Technology (St. Martin's Press).
She recently completed a North American media tour as the national efficiency spokesperson for IKON Office Solutions,
Inc. She has appeared on radio and TV all over North America and is quoted regularly in print. Jan is an adjunct instructor at
New York University.
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