Want to keep your desk/finances/life organized to some extent this year? Here are five simple ways to stay on top of the paper flow.

1. Sort immediately. When you get back from a business trip, retrieve the mail, return from a meeting, take 5 - 10 minutes to sort and distribute the debris.

2. Have one place to look for things. Have one box, one shelf, one space dedicated to ongoing projects. One file called Memos. One Master List for all your To-dos. One calendar...you get the idea.

3. Take 15 minutes daily or 1 hour weekly as nonnegotiable 'me' time. This is the time to go through your to-do list, return those calls, file those papers, write that memo. This period of time is a closed-door, go to voicemail, non-interruptible time as important as any meeting with a client.

4. Have a bin marked 'To Read' and one marked 'To Take'. This is the ONLY place to put those items you want with you when you walk out the door - keys, important files. Grab something from the To Read pile too. Then you can make good use of down time such as waiting for your client.

5. Get moving. Get up from your desk for 5 minutes every hour and talk a walk, a deep breath and a good stretch. Priceless renewal.