Don’t Procrastinate, It’s Time to Get Organized

How to Plan and Get Organized

Ever wake up and wonder, “Where did all the time go?” We’ve all been there. Time is a precious resource, and making the most of it requires a little strategic thinking. Imagine a day where you accomplish everything you set out to do, without feeling like you’re just spinning your wheels. It’s possible!

A few years ago, there was a clever commercial about “buying time”. Unfortunately, time cannot be purchased, but we can take advantage of time by using it wisely, making good choices and sticking to a schedule.

Let’s dive into some engaging strategies to plan and get organized.

Embrace the To-Do List

While we can’t buy time, we can make the most of it. A to-do list, whether in a journal or on your phone, is your roadmap to productivity. Add tasks as they come to mind to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

I find that the reward is in knowing that you have accomplished what you set out to do. Once you have a to-do list, start setting priorities.

Prioritize Your Workload Like a Pro

Prioritize your workload! Not just at the office, but at home, too.

If you are at home, make a list of what you need to accomplish for the day, yes, write it down. It’ll feel more urgent if you’re staring at a to-do list and you’ll feel more motivated to tackle some big tasks. There are two methods I’d suggest when determining the priority of each task:

• Perceived Value: Projects that can improve your financial situation or that will improve your overall well-being should be placed at the top, there is no excuse not to get them done.
• Time Required: This method is great if you are someone who is prone to starting a project and never finishing it. You know how much free time you have, so all you need to do is write down the approximate times each task will take and create a schedule.

I’m sure you know what your most important job at the office is, tackle it with good humor, hard work, and most importantly, get the job done.

Once you have your priority list, start at the top. Go down the list one by one, finishing each and going on to the next. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done, make a promise to yourself to finish one or two things on your list each day. Soon enough, you’ll be all caught up.

Defeat Procrastination

Are you a procrastinator? If you are, believe me (an ex-procrastinator) when I say that there is hope.

When distractions threaten your progress, try these quick fixes: shut down the computer, swap the TV for energizing music, and silence your phone. Technology can be a double-edged sword, but with a little discipline, you’ll conquer your tasks.

Finish Strong

Make every effort to finish what you begin. I know, I know, it’s easier said than done. I happen to be someone who struggles with starting a project and never finishing it.

My advice to you: stay focused.

If you must tear yourself away from what you are doing, get back to it before you quit for the day and finish it, if possible.

If there is no way that the task can get done in a day or with your time constraints, put the task at the top of your list and give a good chunk of your time to getting it done. Trust me when I say you’ll thank yourself in the long run.

Manage Your Time

I have learned to “walk with a purpose” especially when I’m at home. Whenever I enter a room I look around, take a moment to plan and then get hustling. I’ll straighten up the cushions, pick up the old newspaper and remove the clutter. This is what the organizational part is all about.

I’ve learned how to leave the room with a better organized appearance than when I walked in, that way, I won’t have to make the second or third trip back to remove clutter or straighten the magazines next week.

I take a couple minutes every day to put everything away, so I won’t have to sprint through the house, shoving everything in a closet or under the bed when my mom unexpectedly calls to say she’ll be over in ten minutes. Plus, all that time I spend organizing will benefit me in the long run (talk about way more free time!).

The next time you are in “organization mode”, calculate how long it takes for your home to be in tip-top shape. Then, imagine how great it would be to spend those precious minutes doing something else.

When you start organizing daily like I do, you’ll end up having quite a bit of free time, which is what planning and organizing is all about.

Ask for Support

It takes a lot of work keep your home looking beautiful. I envy the person who can do it all without falling apart in exhaustion.

You don’t have to go it alone. Enlist the help of your family or colleagues in maintaining a tidy and organized environment. A little teamwork goes a long way.

If you’re like me, then take my advice: it never hurts to ask.

I guarantee you, someone is willing to help, which is a million times better than trying to go about it alone.

The Three D’s: Dump It, Do It, Delegate It

If you want to learn how to be organized and stay organized, then you need to learn about the three D’s.

Dump It

Let go of the unnecessary. If it’s classified as “junk,” bid it farewell. Embrace the freedom that comes with decluttering.

Do It

Don’t delay. Stay focused and eliminate distractions. Dive into your tasks with determination.

Delegate It

Teamwork makes the dream work. When possible, share responsibilities. It lightens the load and ensures tasks get done efficiently.

“If It’s Worth Doing, It’s Worth Doing Well”

Remember, being truly organized is a journey. Prioritize, manage your time, and finish what you start. Treat others with respect, and overcome self-defeating habits like procrastination. As the saying goes, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” Embrace these strategies, and step into a more organized and productive life. Your future self will thank you!