Organization is definitely one of my weaknesses. No one that knows me would tell you this though because I work so hard at being organized, most see me as super organized and neat all the time. This has been a learning experience and I can't say I have it down as of yet but I do have four recommendations to help in this new year.
One: To-Do Lists
Now this depends on what type of person you are, and not what type you want to be. I started a to-do list on my iPod since there were innumerable apps on there for free to do so and every time have fallen flat. It turns out, even though I use it for a lot, I don't check the to-do list. I want to, but I just don't. So I say trial and error on this but always keep one no matter what and be sure you can keep it in front of you. Here are some great products you can use or try out so take a look and see what is the right one for you.
On-Line
- Google Task Lists - Found under your calendar and can also be displayed on your calendar.
- Remember the Milk - Great syncing with all other to-do type apps.
- Ta-da List - a simple strait forward easy to use tool.
- The Online CEO - very unique and I love the scoring system.
- Carbonfin Outliner - my personal favorite and is not a uni-tasker. I am generally not a fan of uni-tasking apps. Also, uses https for security.
Read the book Making Ideas Happen and it will help you. Even after I thought I had figured out how processes work, this book had a lot to teach me about not only organization but how to get things done.
Three: Spare no Expense
Organizing your stuff is just as important as organizing tasks. One thing I have found in this area is to spare no expense. It is hard to put a price tag on increased productivity that comes from being organized. Sadly, you are not me and will most likely need different tools for this as well. Trial and error is the best effort here as well but don't keep the old tools around because they can actually add to you pain. My desk consists of three cups (dry erase,pens and pencils, and misc...), a phone, computer, a pad of paper, a 8.5x11 calendar, and a magnetic white board. That is it! Everything else is just mess for me. For you, this may be different so just keep working at it.
Four: Start at Work
Chances are you have a smaller area to control at work than at home. So this will help you start small. Just don't forget to get to your home eventually.
Conclusion. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.
Nice job. I'll try some of these b/c it seems I keep forgetting so many things lately.
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