It’s that time of year again when we begin thinking about getting organized for filing. Well, actually it’s early. I’ve found that most people won’t even look at their past year’s receipts until late March or early April.
We begin by finding as many receipts as possible, and to our amazement, many of those bills are unreadable because the ink has disappeared. So now what do you do about having a record?
Early April is usually the time that most of the “itemized deduction” citizens start to improvise the mileage on their cars — you know, the one’s where they ran out to buy something for the office, drove across town to speak with a client, the doctor trip, the trip to the volunteer center, or even that trip cross state for business. They bring out the map or go online to revamp the trip, attempting to sort through the total mileage used and insert the business numbers at the right place. Those that have a great secretary turn the job over to them — and just ask any secretary how much they enjoy this!!!
TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT
As I talk to users of my accountability system ( www.goodingaccountabilitysystem.com ), I instantly look forward to this time next year. Why? Well, even though they are all using the accountability system, it’s so new that they’ve only been using it for five months or less; and most still have their receipts in kitchen drawers, another popular filing place.
They all wanted to start the New Year off with a jump start, to be clear of the old and move right into the New Year organized with all their file labels set for “2003”. Instead, they are upset and disappointed about spending these first weeks of the New Year trying to sort out papers, bills, etc., from the past year, and are just now beginning to set up those “2003” labels.
Sound familiar?
Why am I talking about receipts, records, etc.? What does that have to do with an accountability system and living a problem free life based on your personal values?
My answer to you and to all those who find themselves in this position is this: If you had used an accountability system to its fullest potential from the beginning of 2002, you would be ready to jump into the new year within a matter of days, instead of dedicating the month of January, or March, or April, into organizing your past year. You would have your files set up and ready to start using on the first day of January.
Now, doesn’t that sound like the beginning of having a “problem free life”?
SELF-RESPECT
And having that mileage record accurate and provable is really being “accountable” on many levels. You feel honest when you check off the box that says you have proof because you are being honest, and your secretary (or whoever you’ve roped into helping you in the past) will be very appreciative. Remember the comic, Rodney Dangerfield, who was famous for “I don’t get no respect”? Well, don’t be surprised when you DO get respect.
Does all this sound just too good to be true? When you use an accountability system it’s possible, particularly if you combine it with an ACI Accountability Coach ( http://www.goodingaccountabilitysystem.com ) trained in using the system to its fullest potential. After all, if setting up a system that really works were easy, you’d have done it already, right?
ELIMINATE SOME OF THE HEADACHES
Will the coach just ‘make it all go away’? No, a coach won’t set up your files for you, nor will they make copies of each bill so that the ink doesn’t fade. However, they deliver to you a system that really works, and will hold a space of accountability for you, a place where you partner together to get your life fully organized in the present, look at the problems you’re facing; and strategize with you for solutions to those problems. Then you have a partner in accountability for taking those solutions into action steps, and taking those action steps to completion, and that means this time next year you won’t have the same headaches you’ve had every year at this time.
This year, as you pull scraps of paper out of your top dresser drawer–another popular filing place–why not try something different – an accountability system that really works. After all, if you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’ll keep getting what you’ve been getting.
Sandy Gooding is The Accountability Coach. Visit her on the web at www.goodingaccountabilitysystem.com and mailto: sandyg@gooding accountabilitysystem.com for FREE ezine. Start now to make a difference next year.
