Work productivity, time management, organization, tools and tips

I actually stopped using any type of basket or bin on my desk. (I do have an In Bin that colleagues put things into, but it's emptied immediately.) In the past the things that went in the bin stayed in the bin. Why? Because it looked nice, because it looked like they belonged there, because it was neat and tidy. The thing that inspires me to go through my project and support materials is to have them in a (neat) pile on my desk. Why? Because it doesn't look nice, because it doesn't look like they belong there, because it isn't neat and tidy. I am motivated to deal with the pile because I want to clean it up. Therefore, a pile is frequently, but it is always changing because now I'm actually dealing those items. They're no longer permanent items in an attractive receptacle.

Beth,
I think this is a great idea! You've discovered what motivates you to deal with your paper, and created a method that works. Keep it up!

Organizing solutions are not one size fits all. Some people would be more motivated to handle paper in a pretty container because they're drawn to the way it looks and the attractiveness of the container helps them avoid dwelling on the ugliness of the pile while they're sorting.

So, it can work both ways. Experiment, as Beth did, and find your best way. Thanks for the idea, Beth!