Use W-A-S-T-E to decide whether something’s worth keeping:
• W — Worthwhile. If the item isn’t worth saving, toss it. If it is, move on to the next four questions.
• A — Again. Will you use this item more than once?
• S — Somewhere else. Can you find it somewhere else or borrow it if you need it?
• T — Toss. Will anything happen if you throw it out? If you need it for tax or legal reasons, for example, keep it.
• E — Entire. Do you need the whole thing, the complete catalog, for example, when you only want to order from one page? If not, keep what
you need and toss the rest.
Use R-E-M-O-V-E to clear off your desk:
• R — Reduce all the distractions on your desktop, such as knickknacks or this morning’s mail. Put them on top of a file cabinet or bookcase
instead.
• E — Everyday use. Only keep things you use often on top of your desk.
• M — Move items to the preferred side, whether you’re a “righty” or “lefty.” Put the phones, pens, pencils and pads within easy reach. Put
the telephone on the opposite side so you can write with your preferred hand.
• O — Organize like items together so you can find them easily.
• V — View your time. Keep an organizer and clock on your desk.
• E — Empty the center. Clear off space in the middle of your desk so you can work on the project at hand.
You Can Do It!