Being
more organized can change your life for the better and can even result in you
becoming more successful. After all, when you have things in order, you will be
likely to get more done and achieve more of
your goals. In fact, most highly successful people share the
trait of being organized in most aspects of their lives.
If you
want to experience this for yourself, then below are 10 ways you can
become a better organizer!
How To Be Awesomely Organized
1. Create a To-Do List
A to-do
list is extremely important if you want to keep your days in line and make sure
that you get everything done. While you certainly can keep a pen and paper with
you at all times, there are phone apps you can use instead. These apps track
your to-do list and even remind you about deadlines so that you
don’t forget things. There are also computer software programs you can use to
write and track things you need to get done.
Tip: Try to minimize this list to
four or less things, or else you could end up becoming overwhelmed.
2. Find Places for Things
At home
you should have things to put your trash, laundry, toiletries and other items.
In the office you should have bins for things you’ve done, things you need to
get done and everything else. Make sure you can easily access the things that
you use most often, as this will save you a lot of time.
Tip: Purchase organization products;
they are well worth the investment.
3. Get Rid of Clutter
A lot of
people hang onto things that they think they “might need/use” later on. Unfortunately
these cause a lot of clutter and generally never end up being used. Simplify
your life by getting rid of clutter and letting it go! When you’re not focused
on the clutter, you will be more focused on things you need to get done right
now.
4. Get Things Done Right Away
Procrastination
is only going to cause you problems, so this is a trait you definitely need to
change. Get things done as soon as you can, rather than putting them off until
later on. Not only will this help you be more organized, it will also reduce
the amount of time you waste during the day.
Tip: It’s especially helpful to do
things that you don’t want to do right away. Knock out the worst things first
so the rest seems easier.
5. Color Code Tasks
If you
truly can’t get to something right away, like a paper you have to review, then
put it into a color coded folder. For example, red could be urgent matters that
need to get done ASAP and green can be things you need to get done within the
next week.
These can
be kept in your briefcase, office or even your home to make sure you see them
throughout the day. If colour codes don’t quite get you there, then draw little
pictures on them to inspire you to work through your daily tasks, this works
for me.
Organization Quote #1
Early in
my career I felt that organization would destroy my creativity. Whereas now, I
feel the opposite. Discipline is he concrete that allows you to be creative. – Verna
Gibson
6. Keep a Schedule
Write
down dates of things that you have to do, like pay bills or turn in huge
projects. You should also keep track of meetings and set alerts ahead of time
so you are sure you are prepared in advance.
Tip: Use a dry erase calender so you
can easily add, remove and edit things on your schedule. Or use a phone app so
you can easily track and remind yourself of things you need to get done.
7. Create Small Goals
When you
make huge goals that are difficult to accomplish you could end up not meeting
them because you become overwhelmed. Small goals that you can actually
accomplish will result in getting more done and making sure you can complete
them as you anticipate. Keep goals written on your main calendar and make sure
to update them as you progress.
8. Have a Positive Attitude
Powerful people
have go-getter attitudes that are positive and willing to try. If
you just try being more positive about things that you need to accomplish, then
you will see a really huge change in the way that you get things done. If you
take a look at successful business owners, then you will see that they are
positive, energetic and have great attitudes about their work.
Tip: Watch videos or listen to audio
recordings of career coaches and motivational speakers to give you a new
perspective and attitude.
9. Set Priorities
You have
to take note of what your priorities are if you want to be successful. This
means knowing what you want and not being sorry for taking time out for it.
Everyone has priorities and they are all different, so it’s important to be
true to yours and what you want. You have to make a list, and make sure that
you start with #1 and work your way down. Put the most important thing at the
top, most of the things we keep putting off we usually push to the bottom of
the list.
This is
an absolute must for those who are procrastinators. When you find you have a
free day, write a new list (Your PUNCH! list) and put your most “put off tasks”
at the top and knock them out one by one, you will feel so much better for it.
10. Use Time Wisely
If you
find yourself daydreaming, then ask yourself what you could be doing instead.
Making more use of your time will ensure that you get more done and that you
don’t postpone important tasks.
Even if
you have to switch your cell phone off or unplug the TV for a few hours,
nothing moves unless you do. Block out distractions and get to working on the
most important tasks.
Organization Quote #2
Have a
time and place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you
will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are
always hurrying. – Tryon Edwards
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