There are three ways to do this:

1) Deal with it immediately.  If you need it and can use it right away, use it right now and then put it where it belongs.

2) Delegate it.  If someone else needs it, give it to him/her.

3) Trash it.  If you need it, keep it.  The minutes from that meeting in 2003 can go.  No.  Seriously.  No, really. I’m NOT kidding.  You don’t need them.  I promise.  Keeping such things is where clutter and distraction begin.  

When you can, choose #1 or #2.  

But everyone, I think, would benefit from practicing #3.  

Don’t be afraid to get rid of it.  

If you find out later that you needed it, I’ll get you another one. TZT