1. CREATE A SYSTEM FOR INCOMING MAIL AND PAPERS
SET UP:
-Get 5 file folders.
-Find something, such as a box, cabinet, accordian file, to hold the folders that will allow you to see the tabs at the top.
-Create labels for each folder:
* ACTION -papers that need immediate attention (bills, parking tickets, invitations that require an RSVP)
*TO DO -papers that require action, but not immediately(getting tickets for a show, contractor's proposal for reviewing)
*TO READ -magazine clippings, catalogues you want to save
*TO FILE- anything you need to hold onto (tax donations, reciepts, paid bills)
*ANOTHER CATEGORY you have a lot of papers for (child's school)
PICK UP A PILE OF PAPER AND START SORTING UNTIL YOUR 20 MINUTES IS UP.
(If setting up the system and filing takes less than 20 minutes, use the remaining minutes to tackle something in your ACTION file)
TIP-Make it a rule to touch a piece of paper no more than two times. Opening the mail counts as 1. Next, act on it, file it or throw it away.