photo credit: meaduva

Paper, paper, paper! Paper continues to be one of the biggest challenges for many of my clients and it doesn’t seem to be going away.

We as a society can build vehicles, create packaging for electronics that you need a machetti to get into, engineer food in ways nature never intended. We can climb mountains, run faster, accomplish more but why, oh, why does paper continue to stump us?

As a child, I remember my grandmother always saying “A stitch in time, saves nine.” and I never could figure out what that meant. She always told me I would understand someday- and she was right. Although, many adults still don’t apply this to their lives, organizational systems, nutrition, fitness, etc. You need to invest a little up front to save a lot later on. If you want to conquer the paper piles, you will. And, sorry to inform you, there is no pill or magic potion for getting rid of paper. So, for those of you who are willing to make a little investment in a stress-less future, here are some quick tips to help you out.

There are basically two categories of paper- that which we don’t want or need and paper we want, need or are obligated to review. I am going to make you a guarantee- if you simply take a few steps to eliminate incoming paper in the former category, you will see and feel a significant difference in your paper stress.

Some options are more for the do-it-yourselfer- and some are services where someone else does most of the work.

DMAchoice.org- Visit the Direct Marketing Association’s consumer website, and visit the Preference Services section. You will be able to register and remove your name to DMA Member mailing lists. They will also direct you to OptOutPreScreen.org where you can opt-out of pre-screened credit card offers. Don’t worry- all you need to do is call or visit a companies website to receive a new offer if/when you need one.

StopJunkMailKit.com- OK, it seems like a great service but how will you ever find it in the pile of junk mail that comes to your home everyday? Kit’s are only $17.50, they will plant 5 trees on your behalf when you purchase one and they will send you the “all-in-one kit to prevent unwanted postal junk mail”. Unwanted Junk Mail- Isn’t that an oxymoron? Do you know anyone who actually wants junk mail?

Greendimes.com- Did you know that 100 million trees are cut down each year to create the approximately 4.5 million tons of junk mail in the United States? Find this and other interesting stats on a site called GreenDimes.com. As of this writing, they now offer three levels of services ranging from free to $36 for up to 5 years junkmail protection. But after 1 year or if you move, they will continue your service for a fee. And, during the sign up the offer you the option of receiving a free trial issue of a green living magazine- another oxymoron (unless it’s an ezine)- definitely a ‘for-profit’ organization.

41pounds.org is a non-profit ‘Stop Junk Mail’ service. They will stop all of the junk mail for your household, including catalog companies and bulk mailers who are not members of DMA, and mail addressed to Occupant, etc. for five years, even if you move or change your name. And, you choose one of their tree planting partners to receive a donation of 1/3 of your subscriber fee.

CatalogChoice.org- Catalog Choice is a free service that allows you to decide what gets in your mailbox. While you are saving yourself from paper insanity why not help the environment too? So, set up an account (it takes less than one minute…oh, and don’t forget to enter the account info into your password manager) and whenever you receive an unwanted catalog, just tear off the cover and place it next to your computer. The next time you connect to the internet, use your password manager to automatically log you into CatalogChoice and decline your unwanted catalogs. An investment of a few minutes here can save you a lot of aggravation.

photo credit: ShutterCat7

Planner Investment
$$$- As far as dollars go, the paper based planner can definitely be a lower risk investment. And you have the most flexibility. You can purchase a very inexpensive planner at your local office supply store for under $20 or if you consider yourself a ‘paper-snob’, you can browse places like Franklin Covey, Levenger, or FiloFax.

Time- Again, take some time to make a plan. If you need to account for small increments of time, then a daily planner is for you. Consider turning your simple appointment calendar into an overall planning system. This can ensure that you are spending your time doing what is most productive for you.

What You’ll Love
You can find planners in many formats or combination of formats according to how you use it. They come in so many different colors, shapes, sizes and materials. You can also find calendars or appointment books that incorporate a detailed planning system and time management strategies, such as the Compass Planning System from Franklin Covey or the PlannerPad.

There are also planners that facilitate a healthier lifestyle, like the Prevention or Diabetes Management Day Timers. And, of course, there are tons of accesories to choose from like dividers and pockets, photo, pda or business card holders, etc. Finally, since my planning system helps me manage my actions, tasks and appointments or events, I find that planning with paper supports the process of goal writing and project planning.

Challenges
Many people like to view their appointments in the context of the week but if you want to see it in a month format, you need to write appointments in two places. If you have ever done this, I don’t have to tell you what can happen when you enter information on the wrong date or worse, forget to enter it and wind up double booking- ugh! In addition, if you would lose your planner, you don’t have a back up copy. Paper planners are not easily shared- if you are not the only person responsible for scheduling, one planner can be annoying and two can be detrimental.