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Tips for Staying Organized

Updated: Apr 5

Staying organized is essential for productivity, reducing stress, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Here are some practical tips, along with references and resources that can help you stay organized in both personal and professional life:

General Tips for Staying Organized

1. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar

  • Track tasks, appointments, and deadlines.

  • Set reminders for important events.

  • Color-code categories (e.g., work, school, personal).

Resource:

2. Prioritize Tasks with a To-Do List

  • Break tasks into manageable chunks.

  • Use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to decide what to tackle first.

Reference:Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press.

3. Set Daily and Weekly Goals

  • Reflect each morning or night on what needs to be done.

  • Weekly planning helps align long-term goals.

Resource:

  • Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt — designed for goal-setting and daily task tracking.

4. Declutter Your Physical and Digital Spaces

  • Keep your workspace tidy to reduce distraction.

  • Organize your computer desktop and files.

Tip: Use the "one touch" rule — deal with items (paperwork, emails) as soon as you touch them.

5. Use Time-Blocking

  • Allocate specific time slots for types of work (e.g., emails, writing, meetings).

  • Helps reduce task-switching and increases focus.

Reference:Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.

6. Implement a Filing System

  • Both physical and digital files should be categorized clearly (e.g., by subject, project, or date).

Resource:

7. Review and Reflect

  • Weekly reviews help you assess what’s working and what isn’t.

  • Reflective journaling can also help you stay mentally organized.

Psychological Tips for Mental Organization

  • Practice mindfulness to reduce cognitive clutter.

  • Limit multitasking to avoid mental fatigue.

  • Keep routines consistent — rituals create mental space for bigger decisions.

Reference:Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press.

 
 
 

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Richard Van Haveren, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist (GA:  #2458)

PSYPACT Certified

Phone:  678-462-3833

Fax:  678-205-4858

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Ste 401-403

Alpharetta, GA  30022

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