I’ve wanted to start a meme for some time now and just haven’t been able to think of a topic that would really interest me and my readers that hasn’t been done before.  But with my desire to become paperless in 2008, and my huge need for some great tips, I’ve decided to start a meme on “How to go paperless,” or “How to be paperless.”

Here’s how it works. 

I’m going to tag five people to help me start this meme.  If you’ve been tagged and are willing to participate, write a post listing what you do, or ways you know of, to become paperless.  Shortcuts, tips, tricks - whatever you feel would be helpful.  You can write as much or as little as you want.  Then, provide a link back to this page so that I can keep track of all the tips and compile them at the end, and a link back to the person who tagged you.  Finally, tag 1 to 5 other bloggers you believe could and would contribute to the meme. 

The last time I participated in a meme, my Technorati ranking went from around 25,000 down to 7,000 something.  So everyone who participates benefits.

If you’re a reader who doesn’t have a blog, but would like to add your tips, just list them as comments on this post, or one of the linked posts.  If you’re a blogger who hasn’t been tagged but would like to participate, please do so.  I want this to be fun and include as many people as possible.

To throw the first pitch, here’s my list of tips.

1. Contact your credit card companies and sign up for online statements.  This also works for your cell phone, utilities companies, and just about any bill you pay monthly.
2. Contact your bank to sign up for online banking.  Most banks have this setup in an easy format these days, and even though our local, and very rural, bank didn’t have a clue at first what I was talking about, they eventually came around and I can now transfer funds easily.  The most difficult part was getting it set up.  If you’re in a larger metropolitan area, you’ll probably have an easier time of it.
3. Start using a word processor to take notes.  When I’m reading a book and learning something new, I like to take notes as opposed to just underlining text in the book.  Taking notes helps me remember the information better.  I used to do this on a legal pad, but then had to save that paper and usually had trouble finding the concept I was looking for when I needed it.  By taking notes electronically, I can now pull up the document and do a search on the keywords – very handy.
4. I keep very few catalogs on hand anymore.  Instead, I shop online.  The prices are usually lower because you get the latest markdown and most companies are constantly sending special offers, like free shipping and returns, for ordering online.  In fact, I’ve found that since most people and companies want to go paperless, there are all sorts of special offers for doing so.  I’m excited to hear what else is out there.
5. I haven’t done this yet, one of my readers gave me this idea several days ago, but I would like to have it done by the end of this month and that is – scan in all of my recipes.  This is going to make me weed out a lot of items I don’t use anymore, which needs to be done anyway.  Also, since I download a lot of recipes from the Food Network, I’ll now instead print them to pdf and store them in my Recipes folder instead of printing them out.  Even if I print them out to use in the kitchen, I can then throw that paper away.  Which actually, makes me wonder, isn’t there a way to avoid that step as well?  Hmmmmmm . . . . . maybe someone on this list can help me with that!

In that regard, here is who I tag:

First up is Rob over at Paperless Undergrad.  Rob, you’re my hero.  I’m counting on you for 20 tips and 20 tags, k?  Seriously, this is a great site that I personally need to, and plan to, dive into it very soon.  Hopefully, I’ll come out an expert.  But if I’m not back in 5 days . . .

Next up is Christine Kane who, I know, shares our passion for a clutter-free existence.  So tell us Christine, how does an accomplished musician and performer keep paper at bay?

I figure Aaron Potts over at Today is that Day should be able to help us out – being a guru of personal development and all.  Tell us, Aaron, how much paper do you have in your office?

Karen Lynch at Live the Power always takes a positive spin on things.  I know I can count on her for some motivation and inspiration.

And last but not least, I tag Ananga Sivyer at Living by Design, who always has great advice on how to live better in many ways. 

So that’s it.  If you’ve been tagged but have never participated in a meme before, it’s just that simple:  Give an intro paragraph listing the person who tagged you and this site.  List your tips, and tag someone new.  It doesn’t matter how many tips, or how many you tag, but the more the merrier.  I know that four of the five bloggers I’ve listed above have participated in memes before so you could also get great examples from their posts.

Thanks in advance to everyone who participates.  I know this will be fun and I look forward to hearing from you!

Until next time,
Have a joyous, paperless day!

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GET CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE NOW When you’re ready to create the life you want, purchase my latest book to get started on the right path. I share my latest success tips and how I’ve applied 20 years of solid business principles and the law of attraction to acquiring the life of my dreams. Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment is helping many others do the same.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Technorati Tags: How to go paperless, How to be paperless, paperless, Motivation, Education, Inspiration, Success, Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Posted under Motivation, Success

How’s this for irony:  I spent yesterday afternoon assembling a new filing cabinet for my home office.  My goal for 2008:  Put nothing in it!  Well, nothing new at least.  Let me explain.

For quite some time now, the “paperless office” has been all the rage in dentistry.  As a Dental Practice Management consultant, I facilitate dental teams on taking their practice to that next level.  Paperless, up to this point, has been an elusive dream.  Until this year.  This is it.  2008 is going to be great!  I can feel it!  My goal is to become the paperless authority for the dental industry.  And when I set my mind, body, and soul on something . . .  Well, if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, have read my book, or know me at all, let’s just say I always get what I truly want.  But then, don’t we all?  (But that’s another post!)

Since I always practice what I teach, I figure the first step would be to get some first-hand experience at becoming a paperless professional.  I’ll be blogging about it often.  If you like my posts on de-cluttering, this is taking that concept to the next level.

I’ve been gearing up for this for the past several months anyway.  I’ve already signed up for e-statements on my credit cards, I use Adobe and print to file any receipts I feel I need to keep.  Basically, anytime I get ready to hit that print button I stop and ask, “Do I really want a paper copy of this, or would digital suffice?”  You see, it’s really a matter of re-training your brain and developing a new system.

Over the next 30 days, I’m going to keep track of the steps I take, the trials and pitfalls, the lessons, the good, the bad, the ugly, the unfortunate, the advantages, and of course, the success stories and record them all here.  I’ll review equipment, storage options, discuss attitude, yours’ and others’ (that’ll be a long post!), and anything else that comes up in the process.

Wish me luck and feel free to comment with any suggestions you have.

If you’d like to sign up for retreat information as it becomes available, click here.

You can subscribe to this blog here.

GET CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE NOW When you’re ready to create the life you want, purchase my latest book to get started on the right path. I share my latest success tips and how I’ve applied 20 years of solid business principles and the law of attraction to acquiring the life of my dreams. Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment is helping many others do the same.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Technorati Tags: paperless office, Motivation, Education, Inspiration, Success, Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Posted under Dental Practice Management, Motivation, Success

As we begin the New Year, we typically spend a lot of time on goal setting and planning.  New Year’s resolutions are all the rage on the internet right now and you can get plenty of helpful advice all over the place.

Now that the eggnog is wearing off and we’ve had time off for play, it’s time to get back to work.  For me, that’s a good thing – a very good thing.  I love what I do for a living – do you?  I am so excited about the possibilities that this New Year holds – are you?  I am eagerly anticipating what I’m going to learn and the joy I get to experience on the journey.

Because my path and life’s work are my highest priorities, I find great personal satisfaction in taking action on my goals.  Not just any action, but Inspired Action.  Do the activities that take you closer to your life’s work the first thing every day.  Doing so gives you the energy, excitement, and enthusiasm to tackle anything else that comes your way.

Develop a ritual for connecting with your inner being every morning and asking for guidance.  For example, as soon as you wake up, ask yourself, “What one action could I take today that would bring me closer to achieving my ultimate goal for this year?”  Your Higher Self will answer.  Do that thing, then take the rest of the day as it comes. 

Before long, you’ll find yourself asking your Higher Self for such guidance throughout the day and accomplishing even more.  No matter what happens, if there is action you can take to correct a problem or make a condition better, you’ll be inspired to it.

Within every situation is the opportunity for growth, expansion, appreciation, and joy.  God designed the universe in just that way and we should honor it by deliberating recognizing when we wander off the path, and re-direct our attention, in a deliberate, methodical manner, back to finding the joy in every circumstance.  Most of the time, some action will be required. 

Live each day to its fullest, enjoying the journey.

Until next time,
Act Joyfully!

If you’d like to sign up for retreat information as it becomes available, click here.

You can subscribe to this blog here.

GET CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE NOW When you’re ready to create the life you want, purchase my latest book to get started on the right path. I share my latest success tips and how I’ve applied 20 years of solid business principles and the law of attraction to acquiring the life of my dreams. Wake Up and Create the Life You Want: A Guide to Self-Empowerment is helping many others do the same.  If you choose the downloadable version, it comes with my free report on “The Science of Getting Rich.”

Technorati Tags: Motivation, Education, Inspiration, Success Coach, Writer, Speaker,  Law of Attraction

Posted under Education, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Leadership, Motivation, Success