Piles

Originally Published August 14, 2018

In theory, the pile is a healthy way to keep track of the to-do list. While we’re in and out of the house, constantly shuffling through paperwork, receipts, books and notebooks, we create piles that represent what’s presently happening in our lives.

Piles contain forgotten ideas, unfinished tasks, overdue items and side notes. They become temporary homes for what is not yet complete.

So why do we dislike piles? When an object joins the pile, it almost instantly becomes less visible. The pile grows and the objects in it start to look heavier. Soon enough they’re being all together avoided. Make your piles a place for only what’s incomplete. Find a home for the things you own and when you’re done with them, put them back where they belong. What doesn’t make it back to its home right away joins a pile, and that’s fine. Make it a priority to comb through your piles at least once a week, tying up loose ends and refreshing your to-do list.

Written by Kenniese Franklin