Best practices for organizing your workweek
Today we'll talk about one of my favorite topics of all time: organization!
I haven’t always been super organized, but I’ve always loved the feeling of looking at a tidied-up home, desktop... don't get me started on calendars. I love to take at least 5 minutes each week, congratulate myself on how beautif...ops, on how much I’ve accomplished. But yes, also on how good it looks. I'm a visual person.
Over the years I’ve learned certain organizational strategies, especially when working in fast-paced environments and managing large teams. You won't get far without organization.
Click through for the top 6 strategies I use to manage my workweek — and life in general, to be honest —, calendar best practices, how to improve your organizational skills, and techniques to boost your productivity and decrease stress levels.
Write down a list of daily tasks and goals
Make a to-do list, but don't overdo your responsibilities! Keep your tasks and goals SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely).
Open a calendar of your choice and move to the next step! I recommend Gmail. ❤️🔥
Designate time blocks for each task & set reminders
Create event blocks for each of those tasks and goals gathered and allocate them to your weekly work times. Schedules decrease wasted time and help with your productivity. Respect your time!
Pro tip: It's easy to say "keep distractions at bay". But distractions will happen. Reminders will help you get back on track.
Forget multitasking
Multitasking reduces your efficiency and performance, so give your total focus to one task at a time. After planning your schedule, remind yourself of your goals throughout the day and keep in mind that you can revise them whenever needed.
Pro tip: It is wise to begin your to-do list with the most difficult task, which will help you direct your "start-energy" to them.
Declutter your digital and physical space regularly
Keep at sight only the necessary. Less stuff means less clutter. Having fewer items in your space will allow you to enjoy those things more and feel better about using everything you own!
Pro tip: Read more about Essentialism with Greg McKeown in his book Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.
Maintain what you've built
It's what people say: "It is more difficult to stay on top than to get there." Make organization a daily habit: keep your calendar up to date; at the end of the day, organize tomorrow's agenda; set recurrent events; every week, review which tasks can be streamlined or automated, etc.
Pro tip: "Staying organized will actually lower your cortisol levels — the body’s primary stress hormone" (SelectHealth, 2021).
Reward yourself
You've boosted your productivity, optimized your workday, improved your organizational skills, AND decreased stress levels. Keep that momentum going by recognizing your efforts. Celebrate your wins.
Here are 3 ways to reward yourself during a workday:
Take breaks
Eat your favorite meal
Listen to some music
The best compliment *in my opinion* is to tell someone they’re organized... Since today is #NationalComplimentDay, don’t miss the opportunity to send this to someone who'd love these tips and compliment them on how organized they are!
New ideas to the Universe
