Have you ever noticed when you are organized you have more time to focus on what you really want to be doing? If you aren’t organized, there seems to be a continuous nagging feeling that you need to just get whatever it is done. This feeling doesn’t go away until you do. AND once you do, youmiraculously have more energy to put towards everything else! It’s like a weight has literally been lifted from your shoulders. Here are 5 steps to help you get organized so that you can do just that!
Step 1: Set aside the time. Schedule some time in this week that you will use to work on getting organized. When will it be and how much time can you allot to it? Keep in mind, the sooner you do this, the sooner you can have more energy for other things. You will be more productive in everything else you do once you get organized.
Step 2: Make a list beforehand. Take 10 minutes to think about what needs to be done. Make a list of everything you need to do. Then prioritize the importance of each task. 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important. I use an excel spreadsheet to help me keep track of this.
Step 3: Schedule all other tasks / appointments / clients around this time. Don’t schedule anything else in during the time you have set aside for this no matter what. If you put it off, guess what? It won’t get done! Treat it like a client appointment. Clearing up your mental & physical clutter is just as important in the long run.
Step 4: Get Going. Start going through your list from step 2 starting with the tasks that are the most important. Work your way through your list until the time is up that you set aside.
Step 5: Start these steps all over again. Chances are you won’t get everything done. If you’re like me your list is a mile long. BUT if you can schedule in time each week to stay organized you will feel much better just knowing you have a plan to tackle it, and not to mention how great it feels to actually cross off (or delete) a task!
“Many people seem to think that success in one area can compensate for failure in other areas. But can it really?…True effectiveness requires balance.”
– Stephen Covey