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The 80/20 Rule is Your Friend

80/20 RuleOne of my favorite concepts in life is The 80/20 Rule.

What is it?

The 80/20 Rule, a.k.a. the Pareto principle, stems from observations made by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1906, including the fact that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. Or, generalizing to other situations, roughly 80% of consequences come from 20% of the causes.

But why do I like it so much, and why it is your friend?

Because it can help you make decisions…and not worry so much…and get stuff done!

 

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3 Tips for Clutter-Free Business Networking

Rather tidy, color-coordinated, networking clutter.

Unrealistically tidy arrangement of color-coordinated networking clutter.

Are your desk and office cluttered with promotional items? You know, the stuff you bring back from business networking events, seminars, expos, conferences, luncheons, and meetings? Don’t know what to do with it all? Here are my top 3 tips for controlling networking clutter:

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Have a Garage Sale…If You Must

http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-garage-sale-sign-image19727236Love ’em or hate ’em, garage sales (yard sales, tag sales, whatever you call them) are here to stay.

Here’s why I hate ’em: (more…)

Are Your Bookshelves Full of Friends? Or Strangers and Houseguests?

Just a few of my favorite books.

“Friends, Acquaintances and Strangers” is a popular method of de-cluttering, introduced by Judith Kolberg in her book Conquering Chronic Disorganization.

This game can be played with any category of clutter, but I most often use it with clients whose bookshelves are overflowing. (Not to mention their floors and other surfaces.) Readers are loath to part with their precious books! And, as a reader myself, I can totally relate. But readers desire more space, and peaceful surroundings too. What to do? (more…)

Plan, Don’t Procrastinate (Read This Now!)

Trust me, I can procrastinate with the best of you! Lately I’ve been tackling some tasks that I’ve put off for so long that, in the midst of doing them, I’ve actually exclaimed to myself, “I’m doing it! I’m really doing it!” It feels so good to finish something, doesn’t it? And it’s rarely as painful as we think it’s going to be.

So, how can we make it easier to “Just do it”?  A little planning goes a long way: (more…)

How to Create More S.P.A.C.E. in Your Life

Org from inside outS.P.A.C.E. is the system I use to organize anything and everything — a room, a closet, a junk drawer, a calendar — you name it! This acronym was coined by Julie Morgenstern, whose book Organizing From The Inside Out is such an industry classic that I often find copies of it in my clients’ homes!

Here is a brief summary of the S.P.A.C.E. organizing model (in my words): (more…)