Let's Get Organized

Happy Wednesday! I'm sorry I missed posting yesterday. I tried really hard to get a post up here, but I was studying for a midterm I had. Good news, I feel confident I did well! While I was studying I was brainstorming for a topic to post about though! The topic that came to mind was organization! I did some research on the topic, as I wanted to give you guys more then just what I do, and found some tips on one of my favorite sites Lifehack.org. 

Organization is a lifeline for me. When I am not organized I get anxiety. This being the case I love to find new ways to effectively organize my daily life. However, these tips can help anyone; whether you're like me and need to be organized or you are someone who is trying to become more organized. 

So here we go!

1. Create a to-do list

I personally live by these! I actually have many at one time. I have the reminders in my phone filled out, I have a little electronic sticky note on my computer with the most recent upcoming things I get from my phone so they are visible, as well as I have a daily written out list. I do this to ensure I do not miss deadlines and things which I need to accomplish. 

• help you get tasks organized
• do not fall into trap of making list and taking no action
• write daily tasks to not become overwhelmed 

2. Find places for things

I try to always put things in the same place. Every day I put things such as my phone charger, my glasses, my purse, my backpack, my dance bag and so on in the same area. I do this because it creates a routine and limits the amounts of things I misplace or have to spend time looking to find. 

• find a "home" for belongings
• helps you locate them easier
• especially for items that float about home/office

3. Get rid of clutter

This is one of the most important ones for me. I try to always consolidate whenever possible. The less papers and or items not being used any more the easier it is to follow through with daily tasks without distraction. 

• dispose of obvious trash/recycling materials
• clear space of broken items and those no longer being used
• put items back when finished/consolidate similar items

Source

4. Take care of small things right away

I try to do this although it is hard. However, I do find I'm more productive if I do something right when I get it, if possible, as compared to putting it off.

• the longer you wait the harder it is to accomplish a task
• risk forgetting/overlooking item 
• if it can be done in less then 3 minutes take care of it then

5. Keep a schedule

This for me, much like my to-do list, is something I live by. I have a pretty consistent routine between school and dance, but there are always those things that change or are added and are easily forgotten. For example, even though I have classes at the same time every week I have them plugged into my calendar so I do not have the chance to overlap things.

• better organize and define time
• can be electronic or written whichever you prefer
• write out all activities no matter how well you think you know it 

6. Set priorities

This goes hand in hand with a to-do list. I write my daily list out dependent on the importance in which I should complete the tasks.

• helps focus intent and actions
• can apply to large life goals and smaller everyday tasks
• not sure what to prioritize? compare items against one another

Source

7. Save similar information in one spot

I have multiple folders created on Gmail so when I am looking back for a certain email I do not have to search through thousands but instead can go to a specific folder and have a head start to finding it. I also do this with my class work, each class has a folder of its own which makes finding assignments and handouts much easier. 

• allows information to be readily available
• also can help eliminate clutter
• complete tasks faster knowing where to look

8. Have a positive attitude

Finding an effective way of organization that works for you takes trial and error. I still discover new ways that work better for me all the time as well have old ways that let me down. It's important to stick with it.

• people don't just become more organized overnight 
• requires hard work and patience 
• it's all a learning process

9. Work with your personality

The way in which I organize myself works for me but may not work for everyone. There is not one way to be organized.

• organization comes in different shapes and forms
• preference for categorization, location etc. changes by person
• key is to find and make use of what works for you

Source              

Questions of the Day:

1. Which of these tips do you already do?

2. Which of these tips would you like to start to incorporate?

3. What other means do you use to organize yourself?

>>Also check out Ideas to Keep You Motivated<<