We’ve made it to the final lesson of our Step-by-Step Home Organizing Party–Lesson #9! Below is a brief outline of this week’s podcast, and if you want to officially sign up for the party, please go to https://LearnDoBecome.com/party. There, you’ll get access to all the bonuses, and you can go through all the lessons at your own pace!
In today’s podcast, I cover the eight questions you need to ask yourself when processing anything into your system to ensure nothing is falling through the cracks. This is the same processing method we teach in our Steps to Everyday Productivity (STEP) program to process ALL the ideas, papers, thoughts, goals, tasks, and “stuff.”
Once you have a seamless system in place (a STEP Command Central) to hold everything for you, your brain will feel calm. No need to carry a “mental load” of all the to-do list items when you can put it into a system where it will be safe. You’ll never have to think about those items until it’s time to work on a specific task; and at that point, you can find anything you need within 30 seconds!
As you use these questions to process, please remember–the goal by the end of this processing is to be able to answer these two questions:
- “When will I see this again?”
- “How is it going to get done?”
8 Processing Questions
- Is an action required? (If not, archive it.)
- Can I do it in two minutes or less? (If so, then do it.)
- Does it belong on my Routines List? (If yes, add it appropriately.)
- Do I need to add any projects to my tiered list? (Make sure ONLY 2-3 are in “Current.”)
- Is there a deadline? (If yes, note it on your calendar.)
- What is the Next Action? (Appropriately note it/delegate it.)
- Are there any associated Support Materials? (File them appropriately.)
- Am I TOTALLY clear on when I will see this and complete it?
Here at LearnDoBecome, we want you to have a solid foundation so that you can live a life full of meaning–one where you wake up each day excited and go to bed content.
My dream is to have a STEP Command Central on every desk. Why? Because I honestly believe that if I can fully live MY mission–and help you get organized and clear all the piles in your life, you’re going to be able to fully live YOUR mission.
And that is world-changing right there.
For the tens of thousands of you already in our STEP program, this system is all explained there, step by step….
And if you’re thinking, “I could use a system to manage my stuff,” our free training will change your life. Seriously.
We’ll teach you how to create both a Current Projects List and Next Actions List so that you have the tools you need to tackle the ‘piles’–mental or physical! We are ecstatic for you to join the movement: click here to sign up!
If you have attended our free training, but you missed out on the offer and want to see our current best offer, you can find it here!
Thank you so much for joining us in our Step-by-Step Home Organizing Party! We’re so grateful to have you here with us at LearnDoBecome!
Related Resources
We have TWO bonus videos that you can watch while you’re processing your piles–with ideas for capturing miscellaneous tasks and projects, as well as real-life processing examples! Just sign up for the party to get access!
Related Posts
I keep running into this question, and may have even asked it before 😄, but… where do I put an item/task the is NOT a routine, but NOT a project? It’s just a one time task? Other than on my calendar, where would a task like that go, AND, where do I keep the list of those types of things?? This stresses me out more than anything else!!! Thanks
Hi, Christina! Thanks for asking. 🙂 A one-time task will go on your next action list if you are working to get it done this week. If you’re not working on it this week then it will go on a next-in-line list or a someday list. (Someday could be next month, next year, or in the far distant future.) I hope this is helpful. Thanks for being with us!
It seems that often there are lots of “next in line” tasks. The folder or list or file (whatever) becomes huge! To put one of these tasks into “someday” seems even scarier. I guess my missing link is sitting down, making time, getting back to the “next in line.”
Marilyn, yes! It sounds like the Weekly Review might be your missing link. Among other things, during the Weekly Review, you will be preparing a new Context-Based Next Action List and checking your Current Projects list. This keeps “next in line” and “someday” in view. I hope that helps!
Remind me again, please, on the file system April mentioned – other than Evernote. Thought it may be on the show notes but not seeing it. Caught the episode while walking. Thanks for the assist!
Thanks for asking, Lezlee. Asana is the name of the other program mentioned. You can learn more at Asana.com or by searching here on our website. Thanks so much for being with us!!
She also mentioned “Freedom Filer” which is the paper filing system
Where can I get a printable “8 Processing Questions” list?
Thank you.
Hi, Joanne! Thanks for asking. There is a printable version of the 8 Processing Questions in the Getting Started section of the STEP program. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have trouble finding it. You can reach us by email, email(at)learndobecome(dot)com. Thanks for being with us here at LearnDoBecome!
When I am going through a “huge” pile of papers (I mean say 50-100-500 + pieces), after the first question, I find there are usually a huge number of things which need to be filed. It stops the flow too much to go and file (or make /find a file) or scan (takes even longer to scan, name, place in correct digital folder) each thing, so I make “to file” folders.
But then …. you may guess! New folders, then boxes of folders “to file.” I suppose at least I would have cleared out trash, recycle, or particularly “action” items if any on such a pass through sort.
That makes sense, Marilyn! Know that you’re not alone on this. 🙂
I have two things for you to consider:
1-Are you processing near your filing cabinet? This could reduce the time needed to file the papers.
2-Are you open to streamlining your filing system? We love the Freedom Filer to help with organized filing. Check Module 3 for a discount code!