It’s a simple technique. Even easy. Maybe you learned it in kindergarten, or, from your Mom. It’s a strategy that stands the test of time. And works for me and my clients of all ages in my 16 years as Personal Money Manager™. (And while I work exclusively with clients’ paperwork (no attics or garage organizing for me), this technique works with all kinds of clutter.)
I Call it the “Numbers Game”
Here’s how it works: You have a pile of papers, a mess of unopened mail—even a sink full of dishes. Then pick a number. Any number. Maybe 3 or 5? Please keep it in the single digits.
Finally, commit to tackle that number of papers, envelopes, dirty dishes--you name it. And stick to the commitment you made to yourself. Alternatively, commit to a time limit using your phone or kitchen timer. Set it for 10, 15, maybe 20 minutes. (One phone option is a visual timer app.)
Why does this strategy work for me and many of my clients?
I Have Some Theories
One is that that this technique gives clients “permission” to jump into a project without first expending time planning the project or committing to seeing the project to completion. Daunting and overwhelming for many. Instead, a client is simply taking the first steps--dipping their toes in the water.
Also, while it’s not perfect and the desk (or sink) is often not cleared so quickly, 1) they’ve kept a promise they made to themselves, 2) they struck while the iron (their motivation and energy) was hot! They may even be surprised to see that they’ve taken a big chunk out of the problem. Or maybe even solved it to their satisfaction. Read more along those lines in this blog post.
A Real Life Example
A few years ago, I was working with a busy entrepreneur who was quickly growing her one-person business into one with lots of moving parts. The daily essentials were getting done but she felt she was neglecting bigger and important projects that were bouncing around in her head.
My first suggestion was to do a “brain dump”—write down all the deadlines and “to-do’s” she was storing but reluctant to tackle. Then we could look at each one and plot step-by-step strategies to get each project done.
“It’s too overwhelming,” she pushed back. “Writing it all down, laying out the next steps, committing to such a long list of “to-do’s.” I just can’t.”
She had come to Personal Money Manager ™ to lessen, not add to her overwhelm. We needed an alternative that felt right to her.
The “Numbers Game” to the Rescue!
For our next meeting, she chose one project to jump into ASAP, committing to nothing more than a time limit for her first session. Meanwhile, I became the keeper of the “back burner.” I noted and started organizing her big project “to-do’s,” guiding her through them as her time and interest allowed. I also helped her decide which sub-tasks or whole projects could be delegated or even safely abandoned. (Look here for more on the Urgent-Important Matrix.)
This wasn’t the game plan that I originally had in mind for us. But, over time, important projects got done and my client saw progress and results that motivated her to keep going.
How might the “numbers game” work for you personally or professionally? Give it a try (or suggest it to someone you know who’s stuck) and please let me know what you think.
That’s all for now. I’m going to move five items off my deck to get ready for spring!
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