Get Organized and Get More Done

Getting yourself organized doesn't have to be a complicated process, nor does it need to take up an inordinate amount of time. There are different schools of thoughts on what are the "best" personal organization methods and systems for getting things done. However there is really no best organizational method that works for everyone. Whether complicated or simple, the system that helps you get things done in the most efficient and organized manner is what is best for you.

There are many different organizational systems specific to particular needs. For instance an appointment book or calendar is used for organizing important dates, appointments, and meetings. A personal finance bookkeeping system helps you keep track of your income, expenditures, taxes etc. Your filing system helps you store your important records, user manuals, receipts, etc. Your master list helps give you an overview of everything you need to do. However, your organization systems should not need to be an end in themselves. Don't get so wrapped up in the systems that the cost outweighs the benefit. It should not take more time to maintain the systems than working out the problems they are supposed to solve.

Make sure the system fits your own is style, your energy level, and your schedule. Some people function better in the morning than at night; others do much better in the evening than earlier in the day. Determine if you are a morning person or night owl, and then try to arrange your schedule around the general ebb and flow of your energy cycles. Schedule your important projects and activity during your peak hours when you function best. Schedule the more routine tasks during the low point of your energy cycle.

The most important key to getting organized is to start it now - not later. Procrastination never gets the job done. If you have a list of people to call, start calling now. If you have a bunch of e-mails to write, start typing now. Whatever the tasks, just get started.

If your work load seems overwhelming and you don't know where to start, think of the old analogy of how you eat an elephant. Remember the question "how do you eat an elephant?" The answer: "one bite at a time."

The point is this: don't try to do everything all at once. Divide your workload into small chunks that can be more easily accomplished. When you have completed one chunk of tasks, reward yourself with a break, a small treat or snack. Go to the next task chunk and get started. Keep working at it and before you know it you'll be well on your way to completing all the things you need to get done.

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