Today's TQ

Daily Lessons in Intentional Excellence
Saturday, April 11, 2026

Who's In Charge Of The Paperwork?

Paperwork is best handled by having others handle it for you.

Overcome paperwork gridlock by using able assistants - human or computer - to manage the traffic flow.

Today's TQ Challenge: Make Paper Work Productive Work.

Choose to be PROMPT! How much time per week, on the average, do you spend handling paperwork that could just as easily be delegated to someone else?
Choose to be DILIGENT! Who else could share your paperwork with you?
Choose to be TIMELY! What simple system could you use for monitoring all the paperwork you've assigned to others?

Paperwork (a.k.a. letters, faxes, e-mails, forms, bills, newsletters, invoices, travel receipts, memos, contracts, proposals, time cards, budgets, reports, taxes -- all that stuff that you have to deal with) has to be completed. It has a purpose and a benefit. So organize it once and conquer it! Create a system. Sign it, send it on, file it or do whatever is needed to complete it productively with the least time and effort on your part.

"If at first you don't succeed; you are running about average." ~ M. H. Alderson

Think about it. How well and how often do you actually DO Organize Factor 8F?

"I stay up to date and on time with all my paperwork."

A high commitment (8F rated 8 or better) suggests the efficient processing of paperwork is one of your best organizational tools. Knowing that paperwork will never go away, you decided to conquer it. You transformed "paperWORK" into "paperFUN!" You created a powerfully simple system to process each piece of paper that comes your way -- allowing you the freedom to move on to more productive activities.

On the other hand...

A lack of commitment suggests you may believe that anything is more productive and enjoyable than paperwork. Even the thought of paperwork may drive you crazy -- and your first decision is to put if off. You are a master at "getting ready to get ready." You review each piece numerous times, then organize them into new stacks. These stacks continue to grow from additional notices, repeated requests and required written explanations for why things weren't done the first time you touched it.

What happens when you CHOOSE to do Factor 8F a bit more frequently?

Paperwork is completed in a smooth and efficient manner without undo burden or delay. You accumulate performance positives like "Prompt, Procedural and Diligent" -- immediately moving you towards the results you expect.

What happens when you FAIL to consistently do Factor 8F?

Paperwork takes longer to complete and causes more long-term suffering than necessary. Negatives like "Tardy, Indecisive and Undisciplined" start to take their toll on your performance -- quickly moving you away from the success you want.

Now Ask Yourself This...
Is Factor 8F Causing You Problems?

If you believe this factor is a key performance obstacle -- and that it's preventing you from realizing your personal dreams and goals -- then you need to improve it.

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