Do you have doubts about your ability to manage your radical paperwork optimisation project successfully?
Last week, I received an email from a subscriber who expressed doubt that he would ever be able to compile a VIP Directory himself.
He wrote that he had so much paperwork piled up, most of it in a very disorganised state, that it seemed impossible to sort it all out and collect only the very important stuff in one single place.
I wrote back to him, saying that he was definitely not alone and that his reaction to my introduction of the optimised paperwork system was a very common one.
It’s similar to the feedback I often get when I start working with a new client on their paperwork.
However, I know better. 😉
I know better because I know what so many clients say after we have finished working on their paperwork.
These are just two typical examples of clients’ feedback:
‘I feel I am finally well prepared for my retirement. And I feel lighter. It was not easy to make all these ‘radical’ decluttering decisions, but I did it. I learned a lot about myself and have built a good relationship with my past. I’m proud of myself and ready to go.’ (J.E.)
‘I feel so much better and more in control of my life now. I think it’s because I finally know what really matters to me. I still don’t like doing my paperwork, but at least the stress and frustration are gone.’ (A.F.)
I bring up these comments to encourage you to keep an open mind.
I encourage you to deliberately decide that you want to have positive expectations for your radical paperwork optimisation project.
I will not lie to you and say that it is not much work and that it is easy to do. That wouldn’t be fair.
Because in most cases it is a lot of work and it is not always easy to do.
However, you can believe me – and my former clients – that it is doable. And that you can do it.
I am 100% sure that you can create your VIP Directory containing your very important information and then successfully declutter all the other stuff that is not important (any longer).
I also want to encourage you by listing the four main benefits of the VIP Directory.
The key functions of your VIP Directory.
I suggest that you not just quickly read through the next paragraphs.
Instead, after reading about a key function of the VIP Directory, take some time to consider how this specific function will affect you and your relationship with your paperwork.
# 1 – The VIP Directory keeps track of and simply organises ALL your important personal information in ONE place.
It minimises the time and effort spent organising and locating important documents.
Having a VIP Directory allows you to access the necessary information whenever required, reducing stress and frustration.
Many of life’s important documents and data are housed directly in the VIP Directory. More complex information is organised in separate attachments to the directory or in designated external storage areas.
This means whatever information you need, you know exactly where to go and find it.
And whenever new documents or information need to be organised (because you decided they are very important and need to be kept), you know there is a ‘right’ place to store them.
# 2 – The VIP Directory is your reliable companion and supports you in your daily life.
As soon as important information has been added to the (physical and/or digital) directory, it’s always available to you, and you can trust that you will be easily and quickly able to find what you need in normal daily life and emergency situations.
You don’t have to keep important information in your head, remember the places where specific information lives, or worry about where to store or find information.
You can feel certain that you will find anything you need whenever you need it. This gives you peace of mind.
# 3 – The VIP Directory supports your loved ones in challenging times and acts as a legacy guide.
Organising paperwork and creating the VIP Directory benefits not only yourself but also your loved ones.
No matter what stage in life you are at, at some point, someone else will need to access and manage your personal documents and information. To help everyone be prepared for this situation, all you need to do is add your legacy information to the VIP Directory to transform it into your Legacy Guide.
It allows family members, caregivers, or designated individuals to access crucial information quickly during emergencies, estate settlements, or other critical situations.
# 4 – The VIP Directory helps you define and re-define your values and priorities.
Compiling a VIP Directory is also a process of self-reflection and self-discovery.
The directory is supposed to contain ONLY the very important, but it should contain EVERYTHING that is very important.
To decide what belongs in the directory (and what not), you need to be(come) well aware of what’s truly important to you, what your values and priorities are, and what your responsibilities (legal, social, etc.) are in this phase of your life. This awareness gives your life purpose and direction.
The process of sorting through your stuff and making lots of intentional decisions and choices is not easy and often uncomfortable – but it’s worth the effort: It leaves you with more self-confidence and clarity.
Also, the VIP Directory needs to be updated regularly because life is always changing. Existing information can become outdated, and new information needs to be added. Updating your directory regularly means that you automatically update your values and priorities regularly.
What do you think?
Which of the four key functions of the VIP Directory is the most important to you?
What are the results that YOU want to achieve that make it worth the time and effort you will invest in this project?
If you are interested now in starting your own Radical Paperwork Optimisation Project and creating your own VIP Directory, you can decide to take the first step now: the Retirement Readiness Check.
You can download it for free.
It will automatically sign you up for the Optimised Paperwork Newsletter –which will then guide you through the paperwork optimisation process. Into a well-organised and relaxed retirement!
Download the free check & sign up for the newsletter here.