I always indulge myself for my birthday and encourage my life coach/executive coaching clients to do the same. I consider it a personal holiday and a chance to recharge the 'machine.' Tuesday, March 2 is my birthday so I'm going to take off from writing my weekly post and do something fun.
However, I don't want my space to go blank so I'm using, with permission, a piece I think you'll all enjoy.
It is an article by my wife, Riv Lynch, a professional organizer, from her monthly 'Tips and Tricks' newsletter. I enjoyed it so much I thought I could get away with indulging myself and at the same time be able to give a 'gift' to Huffington Post readers at the same time. You can find her at Sacred Spaces if you'd like to find out more.
Post-It Addiction
ad dic tion [uh-dik-shuhn] - noun. the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. Origin: 1595-1605; a giving over, surrender. (Random House, Inc. 2009)
Everyone knows what Post-It Notes are. They are those great little self-stick note papers. You know what I'm talking about. Those canary yellow notepads (now available in a variety of colors and shapes!) that can be temporarily attached to documents and other surfaces. Everyone has Post-It Notes. A lot of people use them. Many people love them. Most people abuse them.
With the utmost respect to its inventors, Arthur Fry and Spencer Silver, I'd like to propose adding "Re-positional Addiction" to the much anticipated 5th edition of DSM V: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The Post-It note is not "bad" in itself, on the contrary, it's a fabulous product with the best intention; to help its users stay organized and efficient. Unfortunately, it has been used, misused and abused.
In my business, I have seen Post-It Notes spread out on walls, desktops, refrigerators and cabinet doors. I have seen them piled one on top of the other, with the intention of reusing them again and again. I have seen Post-It Notes with notes with reminders about other Post-It Notes! It has even appeared on YouTube. Two of my favorites: and
Deadline Post-It, Extreme Sticky Note Experiments
In my mission to create a sacred world one space at a time, I have encouraged my clients to go 'cold turkey' and let go of Post-It Notes. But, it's an extremely challenging, heart-wrenching proposition for most. Therefore, in the spirit of compromise, if YOU are a Post-It Abuser, and are unable to give up this misunderstood invention, here are 4 steps to conquering the Post-It Note or Re-positional Addiction.
- Remove all Post-It Notes from visible areas mentioned above.
Sort through the notes and only keep those that are current and necessary. Purchase a notebook, any size, and whenever you "feel the pull" to use a Post-It, after you write in it, put the note inside the notebook. This way the notes are contained within a set border and will keep the rest of your living and working space clean and clear. Once the item on the Post-It is complete, pull it off and recycle.Now, as your advocate, I am inviting you to join me in the following declaration: "I, (fill your name here), do solemnly swear I will treat my Post-It Notes with the purpose for which they were intended. I will treat them and the space around me with respect. When I am faced with the possibility of abusing the Post-It Note I will contact my friends and family and if necessary, my advocate for support". Good luck and happy posting!
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