Are you dealing with clutter in your space? Have you recently told yourself that you need to throw things away in your home/office? Did you spend an inordinate amount of time last year trying to remember where you put things?
This is the year to get organized. You owe it to yourself to get through this year with better mental and physical energy. When you get organized, you will increase your productivity and your peace of mind.
This is a lesson that I began to live consciously a few years ago. Recently, I was reviewing one of my professional development books where I was reminded of this lesson again. In theory, it’s a good thing to do. Actually, it can be difficult to do. However, if you follow these three tips, you will find the strength to organize yourself this year:
1. throw all you can: No need to hold on to information you can get from someone else. (eg co-worker, colleague, family member) or somewhere else (for example, files, Internet, shared drives). Consult those places, if and when, you need the information. Things you haven’t used or used in more than three years, you can donate to family, friends or charities.
two. Keep what you use often within easy reach: It’s important not to waste time looking for things like your phone, that report, the file, the stapler, the Post-it® Notes, the pen, or the computer. If you use it regularly, it should be where you can easily access it.
3. Use a calendar system to keep track of your top priorities and responsibilities: I’m sure you’re like me. You find that there are times in the day, week, month, and year when you have a lot to do, but only a little brain power to remember to do it. This advice will help you remember the most important priorities and responsibilities that you want to fulfill. Use a wall calendar, desk calendar, year planner, The Happy Journal, Outlook, or your mobile device. Whatever you decide to wear, make sure it works for your style. Making it visible increases your chances of doing it.
What are your thoughts? Have you used any of these tips consistently? What kind of results did you achieve?
This is a new year and I know you want more of it. You have goals to achieve and things you want to achieve. So use these three tips as part of your plan to get organized!