Some people seem to be more naturally organized than others. I would say I’m the queen of organization. There is a motto that I love: A place for everything and everything in its place. Yes, I do like my things in place, so I know where they are when I want them. Who has time to search for things when you need them? Not me. I put things away so fast – I have been known to put an empty glass in the dishwasher while my husband, with his back turned, was getting something out of the fridge to put in that empty glass! I am also notorious for putting everything in drawers. I just want stuff out of my sight! Can anyone else relate?
If being organized doesn't come naturally for you, don't stress about it. You can, however, take control of your workday and your environment if you wish to. It's just a matter of creating a system. Being organized is about behavior and how you take control of your surroundings — or don't. Below are a few tips for getting (and staying) organized when the going gets tough.
Plan Ahead
Being prepared is the key to everything. It doesn't happen by accident though. Being prepared requires thinking ahead and anticipating obstacles.
I’m a planner. That’s how I can function. Knowing what is happening day to day helps me keep my head on straight. I typically plan trips and events way ahead and mark them on my calendar.
I also love to plan my meals. Meal planning may sound boring, but it will save you time, stress, and money. Even if you feel tired, you will appreciate the effort at the grocery store and when trying to figure out what to make for dinner after a long day. There are may meal apps that you can download. Many will make meal suggestions based on your preferences, and even provide a grocery list based on those meals. I don’t enjoy thinking of my own meals, so by having a meal app, the part of cooking that I don’t enjoy is removed. If you are interested in knowing which apps I use, please message me.
Turn off extra technology
Studies show that you lose focus and productivity if you try to multitask. If you've got a long list of things to do, turn off your email and set designated times when you will check it. Do the same with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Avoid TV and give 100% of your time and attention to the project at hand. You will wind up completing the project more efficiently and faster.
Studies show that you lose focus and productivity if you try to multitask. If you've got a long list of things to do, turn off your email and set designated times when you will check it. Do the same with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. Avoid TV and give 100% of your time and attention to the project at hand. You will wind up completing the project more efficiently and faster.
Once you've completed everything, you can go back to technology and enjoy your time on the phone or computer without guilt.
Prioritize
Don't try to be a superhero. Instead, look at your to-do list and rank each item. Cross off or move to another day anything that isn't essential. Check off anything that you've already completed. Delegate whatever you can. Only do the things that need to be done, and you'll feel more in control.
If it's not essential, ignore it.
De-clutter
Clutter is easy to create but it can be challenging to remove. Don't let it become a problem.
Take a few minutes each day to put things away and throw out junk. Put the dishes in the dishwasher. Deal with the mail immediately instead of letting it pile up on the counter. Throw out things you aren't going to use. Clean drawers and closets periodically. Toss, give away or sell (have a yard sale) items that you haven't used for a year or more.
Some people find a certain comfort in collecting things. There is a fine line, however, between collecting and hoarding. If you haven't used it in a year, you don't need it.
If you need help, get help. Use online storage tools like Dropbox and Google Drive to keep your computer desktop organized. For paperwork you don't want to discard, like receipts, use file folders and keep them in a filing cabinet. Hang on to things you need for your taxes. Mark and organize items in such a way that make it easy to find later. Organize your things for your relatives’ sakes, too, in case something happens to you and you can't deal with your own affairs.
Get up a little earlier
While getting up earlier may seem pointless, it can help you get a head start on your day if you use the extra time wisely. Create a morning routine. Practice healthy habits. Exercise, meditate, eat a healthy breakfast. Take a few moments to run through the calendar for the day, so you feel more in control.
By getting up earlier, you can start your day feeling both energized and organized. By completing essential tasks, you make sure that you and your family are ready for the day ahead.
Take care of you
Take care of your mental, physical and emotional health. Exercise regularly, eat healthy meals and practice meditation or mindfulness. This will help you feel more able to cope when things don't go as planned or when life seems to spiral out of control. And don't forget to get enough sleep.
No matter how organized and well-planned you are, there will be times when life gets busy. You may start to worry that you can't get everything done. But following these tips will help you stay in control.
Happy organizing!
This week on my Facebook page “Freedom-n-Joy Essentials” page, I am talking about oils for every bag. This is just another way to keep your life organized. If you fill a little bag with key oils, you don’t have to decide which oil you need when you leave the house. It’s that simple!!
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