Monday, September 27, 2010

Information Overload

As professional organizers, we often work with people who struggle to let go of magazines and newsletters, typically because they haven’t had time to read them or believe the information might be useful again. I have come to the same conclusion many times - there is so much information out there, and it’s simply impossible to take it all in, even if you limit yourself to topics that are of great interest or use to you. Knowing what your ‘go-to’ information sources are (think quality, not quantity) and not kidding yourself into thinking you need to read the rest can help you avoid information overload!

Time-Saving Tip #10: Downsize Your Inbox - limit your incoming email and mail to items you need or want to receive.

Let’s face it, there’s only so much information we can take in and process. With so much information out there, you will do yourself a huge favor to put some limits on what you let into your mailbox or inbox...especially if you’re someone who feels obligated to read potentially useful information...you know who you are. We all inevitably end up on mailing lists we don’t want to be on or that seemed like a good idea at the time. Next time you get something that falls into that category, go ahead - click the unsubscribe link! If you don’t love it and read it right away, it’s probably not worth your time.

When it comes to snail mail, if you find yourself spending lots of time getting rid of junk mail (or worse, not getting rid of it), it might be worth your time to spend a few minutes getting yourself off the major mailing lists that are contributing to your mail clutter. For more information on reducing junk mail, check out our post Less Paper, Please on our other blog, Get Organized and Go Green. Also take a look at your subscriptions - if you don’t have time to read and enjoy all the magazines, papers and newsletters you get, you are wasting money and paper. Consider paring down what you get delivered - you can always access information on-line or add back in others down the road. And if you find yourself backed up - either with paper or electronic FYI material - cut yourself some slack, declare information bankruptcy, recycle or delete what you haven’t gotten to and start fresh with the new material. Spring gardening tips won’t do you much good in the middle of fall anyway!

Bottom Line: Save time and money by limiting your mail and email to what matters most and cutting out the rest!

2 comments:

  1. I like to donate my magazines to my local hospital. It makes me feel better about it because I'm reusing.

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  2. Great idea, Hollywood! Thanks for sharing. Senior centers and nursing homes are also often happy to have magazines.

    ReplyDelete