Paperwork—POOP or Valuable Lessons Learned
The two most time-consuming and mentally draining areas to declutter are books and paperwork. Two weeks ago, we let go of books. This week, we look at three areas of paperwork.
One thing we can do right now to get a grip on this highly unusual year is to control our clutter.
POOP on the Table, in the Corner, and in Boxes
It has been said, paperwork is the accumulation of decisions postponed. That’s one explanation of Piles of Overwhelming Paperwork (POOP). Some of us hold onto paperwork to revisit it later. My plan was to revisit my paperwork after I retire. However, if we heed the call of our ever-changing lives, we may not need to wait until we retire.
We must face the POOP we’ve accumulated. POOP that we’ve long forgotten in boxes. POOP that distracts us from productive work in our offices. POOP that takes room in the closet.
Old Paperwork that Changes People’s Lives
Years ago, my speech communication students challenged me. “How can we learn to speak as well as you? You are a gifted speaker?” They were mostly professionals returning to school. “Thank you,” I replied feeling blissfully complimented. “I was not always as gifted as you give me credit for.” They didn’t believe me. I recall how poor a speaker I was as a student at the university. I saved my professors’ grades and remarks. Cs and Ds at the top. Comments throughout including—monotone, reads too much, no eye contact.
I brought these papers to class and arranged them on a 4 by 8-foot table in front of the lecture hall. I invited students to look at them before the break and take what they wanted. They took everything.
They were surprised. The proof was there. They were inspired. It was possible to become accomplished speakers in their fields.
Illusions of Grandeur
As a nine-book author with two best sellers, I saved my old notes thinking that one day people will be interested in how Brenda writes books. My old notes would be auctioned off to raise money for a worthy cause.
Over the years, I held tight to this illusion. As the years passed, I came to the humble realization that I was not famous enough. Only a few friends and colleagues were interested in my book-writing process.
While I reviewed my long and arduous journey—overnight successes usually take years—I reflected on how much work it really takes to be successful book author.
Be Careful When You Look in the Rearview Mirror
The road of life quickly unfolds before us. If we take too long to see what’s behind us, we may run into an obstacle. I tend to visit my past in bits and pieces. I always learn something. While these lessons can be gut-wrenchingly painful; especially, when I do something stupid, I rarely feel regret. After all, I am learning and applying lessons as I go along in life.
As this unpredictable year comes to a close, you too can feel accomplished by decluttering and freeing space while you reflect on your piles of paperwork.
