Do you hate the mail? Try this.

One very big key focus in my work with clients is understanding what triggers overwhelm and developing a system to get them – and keep them – out of it.

Dealing with the mail is very often one of these triggers.

And it makes sense doesn’t it? There are all decisions to make when dealing with the mail – What should I pitch? What should I keep? Where should I keep it?

Sometimes it is just easier to not deal. It is easier to let it stack up. But the challenge with this approach is that it creates lots of energy-draining anxiety.

And then we have to walk around with that stress everyday. And this can wreak havoc on our creativity and ability to focus in the present. It can make us irritable and feeling out of whack.

So what are your options? If the mail is driving you this bonkers and it still isn’t getting attended to, how can you ever get a handle on it?

I’ve compiled 3 of my best strategies for turning mail from an overwhelming project hanging over your head, into a neutral, naturally occurring routine that leaves you feeling in control.

1. Connect with your vision: Take a minute to close your eyes and feel into what life would be like (or what life is like) when the mail is under-control. What do you want your relationship with the mail to be like? Tune into the energy that lives on the other side of the mail pile.

This allows you to touch into your motivation around the mail. How would you prefer it to flow? How often do you want to interact with it? Allow yourself to get clear and excited at the possibilities.

2. Commit to small frequent steps: Decide in advance how often you want to check the mail, how often you want to open and review the mail and how often you want to actually deal with the actions (e.g. paying bills, reading, submitting paperwork, etc.).

Some might combine these steps and others might add in a different step or two. It doesn’t matter. Just get clear about your own steps for dealing with the mail and from there determine how frequently each step must be done in order to avoid feelings of anxiety.

3. Build-in exte
al support: Systems are made up of habits. When devising a new system it is incredibly helpful to encourage those new habits with exte
al support.

Here are a few of my favorites:

• Get a paper buddy: Often it can help us focus if someone else is in the room working or even doing nothing at all. Have a friend come over when its time to deal with your mail.
• Set up your environment: Put a garbage can where you can easily toss junk mail. Set up different containers to hold your sorted vs. unsorted mail. Or your filing vs. action papers. Support your new habits with the right equipment
• Hire a professional: Organizers and coaches and even some therapists are great support options when building new systems to keep you on track with your goals.