- How to Get Organized
and Stay Organized in 2003
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(ARA) - According to AT-A-GLANCE,
the leading manufacturer of calendars and organizing supplies,
getting organized is one of the most popular New Year’s
resolutions. If you are looking to get out from under the clutter
and get your schedule in order, here are some quick tips (after
all, tax season is right around the corner, too!): |
Write down your goals -- Create a list of your professional
as well as personal goals and keep it handy at all times. Review
and update the list when necessary to keep it current and relevant.
Assess how you currently
use your time -- For
a few days, keep a log of how you use your time. This will help
you determine what activities are necessary as opposed to those
that do not contribute to reaching your goals. Eliminate activities
that are “time wasters” and focus your energies on
those activities that will help you reach your goals.
Take time to plan -- Take five to 10 minutes to plan
your day. It can be done the evening before or early that morning.
It is important that you do this during a quiet time, without
interruptions, so that you can focus on what you need to accomplish.
Learn to be flexible -- Things will happen everyday that
are out of your control. You can regain some control, though,
by realizing delays will occur and allowing for buffer zones
in your daily planning. This will help you go with the flow when
the unexpected pops up. There is always tomorrow.
Break down big projects -- Tackle the big events and projects
by breaking them down into smaller and more manageable tasks.
This helps alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed and will
keep you moving towards completion.
Utilize waiting or travel
time -- Listen to books
on tape while you commute to work. Keep a file marked “reading
materials” and insert magazine and newspaper articles that
you would like to read but never seem to have time to get to.
Take the folder with you when you travel. Bring mail and articles
or write correspondence to old friends and family members while
you wait at the dentist’s or doctor’s office.
Be considerate of others’
time -- Plan all meetings
and communications carefully. Check the email distribution list
before sending -- does everyone you have included really need
to be copied? Publish meeting agendas and stick to them.
Select the right planning
tool -- Try out many
varied planning tools and select one that fits your needs. Don’t
use one that simply looks nice or that your co-workers use if
it doesn’t fit your planning style. Things to keep in mind:
do you write large or small, do you like to plan by the day,
week or month, are you desk-bound or on the go, do you want to
plan personal and professional events together, how often do
you use/need reference information?
- The keys to staying organized
are planning in advance and developing a routine. By staying
ahead of the game, you can be prepared for what is coming up,
and can be better prepared to handle those situations that have
a tendency to pop up at the least convenient time.
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- _______________________________________
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- For more information, please
visit www.ataglance.com.
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- Courtesy of ARA Content
- _______________________________________
- POSTED FEBRUARY
23, 2003
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