In life, it can feel overwhelming to keep on top of all that we have going on. We aim to manage our time, belongings, responsibilities, etc. as productively as possible. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this, there are some customizable systems that we can tailor to our needs. This list of systems covers a wide array of areas for organization and efficiency. Whatever applies to your circumstances is worth a shot!
1- Allotting different days of the week to different tasks
If you have no idea which tasks to do on what days, creating a system for this can take a big weight off your shoulders. For instance, maybe you decide that Tuesdays are laundry days, Wednesdays are cleaning days, Sundays are meal prepping days, etc. That leaves you with fewer decisions to make each week! This concept doesn’t just apply to household tasks—it can apply to any area of life where you have lots to juggle. Of course, your designated days don’t have to be set in stone. If something comes up during a given week that calls on you to rearrange things, by all means, switch it up! Having flexibility is important in setting yourself up for success.
2- Allotting different times of the day to different tasks
The same general concept as the last point applies here. This one is especially helpful for daily tasks. To give a simple example, some people prefer to take morning showers, while others prefer evening showers. Often times, it comes down to where it fits better into their schedule. In some cases, factors such as energy level required, amount of focus required, etc. will dictate where a task naturally ends up in your day. (My post Schedule for Success: Effective Ways to Organize Your Schedule delves deeper into this.) If it makes sense for you and your schedule, that’s all that matters. As I’ve said in several posts, time-blocking can be extremely helpful in staying on track and feeling all the more efficient. Again, maintain flexibility when needed!
3- Allotting different physical spaces to different belongings
It goes without saying that when everything has a place and stays in its place, staying organized comes a lot more easily! Sometimes the miscellaneous categories are the hardest to find a place for. Setting aside time to figure out what makes most sense and implementing it can work wonders for your sense of organization. It can take some experimentation to perfect this system, but the time you invest now means less time spent trying to remember where you put something!
4-Multitasking when you can do so efficiently
If two tasks can be done at once without interfering with each other, go for it! As per my post Productivity Tips: Get More Done, and Get it Done Well, pairing a task that requires something of you mentally with one that requires something of you physically is often the best route to go. Since they call on different parts of you, there won’t be a conflict between the two. On top of that, choose tasks that aren’t incredibly demanding. For example, if you really need to focus on proofreading an important assignment, that may not be the best time to pile on a leg workout. Alternatively, you can save the leg workout for when you’re listening to a podcast extracurricularly. All your to-do list items add up (even the fun things you choose to do), so whenever you can efficiently tackle two at a time, it will be a big help!
5- Taking things off your future self’s plate
This can be as simple as choosing and laying out your outfit the night before you wear it. Why scramble the morning of when you’re in a rush? More significantly, it can look like getting a head start on a project to avoid overwhelm as you approach its deadline. If it’ll make your future self’s life a little (or a lot) easier, it’s probably worth it!
6- Habit stacking
This idea was popularized by James Clear, and it’s a great way to ensure that you stick to all your desired habits. Essentially, every time you do one habit, it mentally prompts you to do another one. For instance, brushing your teeth could act as your reminder to floss and do your skincare routine. The key is to attach the habit(s) you want to form with those you already do naturally. Before you know it, those new habits will become second nature too!
7- Keeping records, schedules, inventory, etc. in writing
The best way for any of the above systems to stick is to put them somewhere concrete. You can declare that paperwork goes in a box in your closet or that evenings are for journaling and reading, but if you don’t lay it all out for yourself, you might lose track of what you’ve decided. You don’t even need a physical pen and paper if you prefer writing it on your phone or other device. In fact, sometimes digital records are handier and provide easier access. Plus, one less category of physical items to figure out where to store!
The bottom line…
Strong systems keep us organized and help us get that much further. So, give these a whirl and see what works best for you!
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