Purge Your Overloaded System.

Clearing out what you don't need to retain is an emerging discipline among winners in society today. Merging and purging is essential because even with all the new technological tools, paper will continue to mushroom for the foreseeable future. When I speak to groups, I tell them that once they let go of all the unnecessary papers and clutter they're keeping, they will experience great rewards.

Merge And Purge Or Be Doomed

Consider all you encounter in the course of a day, week, month and year: faxes, memos, reports, newspapers, newsletters, bulletins, magazines, bills, calendars, promotional items, and all manners of sundries. How would your life be if you merged and purged on a regular basis, as these items came into your life? You would have far more time. Why? Because accumulations, by their nature, rob you of your time. First you receive them, then put them somewhere, look at them, move them, attempt to arrange them, perhaps file some items and discard others, and then move things yet again.

You know you're hanging on to too much stuff, and that it's slowing you down. When are the best times to merge and purge what you've retained? Try these guidelines:

* Anytime you approach a birthday is a good time, particularly a zero year birthday. If you're about to hit 40, this is one of the great times in life to get rid of the stuff you no longer need. Age 30, age 50, and age 60 also work well.

* As you're approaching New Years is a good time, especially if it's the change of a decade--a zero year such as the year 2000. When the end of the year approaches, I find it easy to rip into files and get rid of half the stuff I know I'm never going to use again. I clear more room in my files, enabling me to be more organized and ready to face other things that compete for my attention.

* Merge and purge right after you've filed your taxes. If you procrastinate, and a growing number of people do when it comes to taxes, don't worry. After you've finished filing, there are all kinds of benefits. For one, you can get rid of most receipts and documents from the tax year, three years prior to the one you completed. The law says you have to keep the forms filed, but not the nitty-gritty details (If you've been audited, or you anticipate a problem, that's a different story).

* Spring-cleaning has traditionally been a time to clear out the old and make room for the new. The arrival of fall works as well. Having the crisp, cool air return is a stimulant to get your desk, office, home, and car back into top condition.