When you get something (postal mail, e-mail, assignments, general work, etc.) you can:

1. Do something with it
2. Delete it
3. Delegate it
4. File it
5. Do something, but not right now

I have this list typed up and taped to my desk. It serves as a nice reminder to not let piles of work build up on my desk..just do something with it!

The key is the fifth item “5. Do something, but not right now.” - these are the things that pile up on your desk and distract you each and every day.

My solution to this: I have 12 folders in my office - listed January thru December. If I have something that I need to do something with - but it’s not important and is something that can wait a few months - I put it in the appropriate months folder. It’s now filed and organized…

Let’s say it is the first week of September - you grab your September folder and review the contents. Take action on items or refile items to future months.

This keeps your desk organized and your mind clear.

How can you “5. Do something, but not right now.” with e-mail? That’s a little trickier - but I have a great solution. See this post.