I have dreamed of going paperless for years, but things seemed to always get in the way of me finally reaching that goal. We now live in a much smaller place, and I have decided to
JUST DO IT!
I figure:
IF NOT NOW, WHEN?
In today’s world, it has never been easier to go paperless.
First, the thought of getting out my printer and doing the tedious task of scanning each document was too overwhelming. Second, I knew I had to find an easier way. So I googled some excellent articles on going paperless and listened to some how-to videos.
Now, with an app on my smartphone that scans papers effortlessly, I can just take a photo and, with just one click, save it where I need to.
I have decided to use google docs for keeping all my papers. Plus, google docs do not take up room on my computer’s hard drive – it is all stored on the “cloud.” It takes a password to get to it, and I can take all this info with me wherever I go. I have an ipad to take on trips and can easily access all my papers on there. I have become a very light packer when I travel.
My first step was to collect all my papers and put them in stackable bins. I labeled them by weeks to accomplish. Everything is out of files, notebooks, and containers. I then made a plan of attack. I decided to do one stack of paper a week. I set up a working area next to my living room tv so I would not feel isolated or bored. I knew this way I would be more likely to stick to the job and finally accomplish my goal of becoming paperless.
It will most likely take me a couple more months to be completely paperless. But I am now driven to do it, and with a January 2022 deadline and the accountability that I have with my readers, I am pretty confident I will reach my goal of being paperless! I am sure it will be worth all the effort! If it takes longer, I am okay with that.
I realize I will have to change some bad habits to maintain a paperless lifestyle. For example, instead of taking notes on a ZOOM call and just throwing the paper in a pile, I will have to type those notes into a google document right away. Likewise, when I get a receipt at a store, I will remember to take a picture of it with my phone app. In addition, I will have to start keeping my lists on my computer instead of paper. I will also have to stop subscribing to things that bring pieces of paper into my mailbox. And whenever there is an option to go paperless, I will need to do it.
I also realize this is a significant lifestyle change for a paper hoarder like me, but I know I can do it.
Like I have said before,
You are never too old, and it is never too late to become a NEW YOU.
And in my case, I will be a PAPERLESS ME! How exciting is that!?
As far as I can tell, the top three benefits of going paperless are saving time, space, and sanity. So I am looking forward to getting this chore done.
I recently read an article that the average person spends ten minutes a day looking for items. That translates into six months out of your lifetime. I would rather be doing something else in those six months, wouldn’t you?