Ep 385: Digital Spring Organizing

Hi Friends,

Digital Clutter, or as I like to call it, “invisible clutter” is one of the leading culprits of time management and  productivity struggles.

Today we’re looking at 4 pain points caused by digital clutter and how to combat each:

1. Distraction: Just like physical clutter in our surroundings can be distracting, digital clutter in the form of unorganized files, emails, or notifications can divert our attention from important tasks. Constantly switching between tabs or apps to deal with digital clutter can disrupt workflow and decrease productivity.This lack of focus can lead to decreased cognitive performance and reduced effectiveness in completing tasks efficiently. Our Solution: Turn off notifications and set designated times for checking emails and messages.

2. Overwhelm: Let’s face it, there’s more information coming at us, then our brains are able to consume. When faced with numerous emails, documents, or browser bookmarks, it becomes challenging to prioritize tasks effectively. This can result in decision fatigue and procrastination, ultimately hindering our productivity. Our Solution: Time block your day, close tabs you’re not using and remove unnecessary apps, files or subscriptions from your devices.

3. Decreased Efficiency: Searching for files or information in a cluttered digital environment can be time-consuming and frustrating. Without a clear organizational system in place, we waste valuable time sifting through folders or scrolling through emails to find what we need. Our Solution: Rename Files for easy retrieval ,save storage by using cloud based tools like Google Drive or Dropbox that allow you to easily share and collaborate.

4. Increased Stress: The presence of digital clutter can contribute to stress levels. Knowing that you have unread emails waiting or trying to play “whack a mole” to achieve a zero inbox can create a sense of anxiety and can negatively impact both productivity and your overall well-being. Our Solution: Regularly declutter digital files and emails. I use a program called Clean.Email that does it for you!  

I’ve been using them for over a year and have reduced the number of emails in my inbox by thousands-yup you heard me right!  

You can try it for FREE using our promo code: https://cleanemail.com/organized  (feel free to share this code with your friends!)

There’s no denying that digital communication can be both a blessing and a burden, but if we continue to practice strategies and use tools to keep organized you’ll be able to focus on what’s most important.

HAPPY ORGANIZING

-Laurie

P.S. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and looking for some specific strategies to help you or your family live a more organized life, hop on my calendar for a 1-hour strategy session.