Does life feel super busy at times? Are you busy juggling a million and one things - wondering when you can come up for air! If so, you’re far from alone. These days, we have to take on multiple roles and responsibilities - and it does take its toll.
Too busy can lead to chaos and overwhelm. With so much going on, it gets hard to find time to think. That’s why organization is key. Take back control of your life with these seven organizational tips. Not only will you get more done [in less time], but you’ll feel calmer too. Work-life harmony here you come!
1. Your day
The late Jim Rohn famously said, “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.”
Fortunately, you get to choose which one it is.
We all get the same 1440 minutes each day. Time is the greatest equalizer. It’s not the amount of time that counts. It’s what you do with it that matters. The right planner can help you figure out your day on paper first. Sure, the day may not run seamlessly, but at least you have an idea of what you can [or can’t] realistically expect to achieve in any given 24 hours. Don’t underestimate the productiveness of seeing your entire day at a glance.
There’s more…
Planning helps you figure out your priorities, empowering you to get the most important stuff done. It’s often OK to have loose ends and unfinished tasks as long as the pressing items are checked off.
With a plan to keep you on track, it’s a whole lot easier to stay focused and stop procrastinating. A solid plan could become the reason you start getting more done in less time. Maybe there is some space in your calendar for the things you love after all!
Self Planner or Self Journal - choose your perfect planner HERE.
2. Your week
Plan your day, and you’ll take care of the nitty-gritty detail. It’s a simple shift that gets you more organized while transforming what you can get done.
But don’t stop there!
You’ll increase your productivity and performance further still if you plan your week too.
Instead of taking each day as it comes, turn Sunday into the most productive day of the week. All you need is 30 minutes to figure out your priorities and tasks for the next seven days, and you can hit the new week running.
The Weekly Action Pad will help you do this too. This one-page success tool transforms your weekly to-do list into a prioritized plan of action for the week to help you hit deadlines, avoid the last-minute rush, and move closer to your goals. You’ll love it!
3. Your meals
When you’re beyond busy, it’s easy to let good habits slip.
Food can be one of those things. After a crazy hectic day, the last thing you want to do is cook something from scratch! It’s fear easier [and much more tempting] to order takeout or heat a ready meal.
Figuring out a menu for the week ahead can save you both time and money. When you know what you’re eating, you can plan ahead - even prep ahead of time. In turn, you avoid the need to dash to the grocery store to pick up some items [time you could better invest elsewhere.]
But that’s not all…
Plan your menu for the week, and you can batch prepare things such as veg. Chop in bulk then store in the fridge to cut the time it takes to cook drastically.
4. Your clutter
Although it’s weird, there’s something in the saying that a cluttered home equals a cluttered mind.
When you’re surrounded by stuff, it can be hard to think - because there are so many distractions. Something happens when you take the time to sort through the chaos, tidy up, and get rid of visual clutter. From messy desks, to odd socks, to discarded toys, books out of place, and disheveled cupboards and wardrobes… clutter does create a sense of chaos.
Which is why transforming your surroundings can change how you feel.
Even better, with clutter out the way, you may feel in a different frame of mind when you approach your workload. I know this is true for me. Somehow, I do feel calmer and more in control when my desk isn’t a giant mess!
5. Your morning routine
The way you start your day sets the pace for everything that follows.
It’s also the only time of your day that you get to control. The best-laid plans can be thrown in the air if life throws a curveball. In comparison, the mornings are yours.
So use them wisely :)
For example, use this time to get yourself in the right frame of mind. It can help to stay off social or email before you’ve done the things that make you feel good.
You can use your morning routine to practice mindfulness. You could journal, do some yoga or other exercise. You could read. Listen to something inspiring - or just enjoy an uninterrupted cup of coffee! When your cup is full, it’s a whole lot easier to rise to the day’s challenges - without losing yourself in the chaos of the demands.
Of course, we all have different responsibilities. Mornings can be taken over by parenting or a race to get out the door on time. But where there’s a will, there’s a way! Don’t dismiss the idea of getting up a little earlier to make time for you.
6. Your everyday things
Do you waste time looking for your everyday things?
I’m so guilty of this!
I can never find my keys, my purse, or my phone - and it’s not unusual for me to stress about being late because I can’t find the things I need.
There’s a super simple solution to this [that helps to create calm].
Simply designate a home for each item - so you don’t have to hunt around your home ever again. While you may only save a few minutes, don’t overlook the value of not having to stress.
7. Your thoughts
Did you know that each day, you’re bombarded by up to 70,000 thoughts? Some will be useful, but a lot will be low-level repetitive.
There’s a big problem with this mental clutter - it steals bandwidth from other things.
A cluttered mind doesn’t think as well as a clear head.
Which is why it’s smart to keep a journal or a notebook close to hand. Instead of frantically trying to remember things, just empty your head onto paper. You can use your journal in all kinds of ways. For example:
• Write a to-do list
• Journal your thoughts
• Create a shopping list
• Make a note of errands you mustn’t forget
• Find closure with a problem
• Park ideas for later
• Write your bucket list
• Work out what you need to say in that conversation you’re worried about
• Practice gratitude
• Etc.
We can’t escape the fact that life is fast-paced.
There will always be new opportunities, challenges, tasks, priorities - you name it. And while we can’t control everything that comes into our lives, we can set ourselves up to manage it all skillfully.
Don’t settle for the busyness. Instead, take a little time to figure out how you could feel more organized. It may just be the secret you need to live a more balanced life.
