Staying organized

This blog was originally published on 10/10/2022. Additional content has been added. ​

Why do some people use labeled shelves, binders and notebooks with separate sections, or check for notes and reminders on their phones? 

The act of arranging and planning information - or organization - is not necessarily a simple one. Organization often relies on other foundational cognitive skills to perform the action successfully. 

For example, you may need to maintain as well as shift your attention between different tasks; remember specific items or details to organize; and demonstrate reasoning in terms of the best organizational methods to use.

Considering the mental energy and effort that is expended in the process, getting and staying organized is a cognitive accomplishment all its own, but it is often a challenge for many. 

If you are trying to increase your organization - or help someone else get more organized - perhaps start by considering “low tech” versus “high tech” options:

Low Tech:

• Simple shelving system that can be labeled or color coded
• Arranging tasks to complete or items to organize on “paper” (e.g., notebook, 
• poster paper, whiteboard)
• Keep a pocket planner to track obligations by day and time
• Use of baskets or boxes to differentiate between items that are and aren’t in use

High Tech:

• Label electronic folders on your device (phone, tablet, computer) to store like documents for easy access
• Use visual/auditory reminders (e.g., notifications, alarms) to inform you of upcoming tasks or events
• Maintain a digital “to do” list (like Google Keep) that you can take and update anywhere
• Keep a digital calendar to track events and tasks individually or to share with others

One method of organization (and time management) that I have tried over the summer is the Pomodoro Method. The underlying premise of this high tech method is:

Source: https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique

The Pomodoro Method helps me stay organized by selecting the most high priority tasks that I need to accomplish in the day, while also keeping me accountable to work in manageable blocks of time (instead of burning WAY past the midnight oil). As a result, I end up getting more work done and still have energy left to take part in activities I enjoy. 

The Pomodoro Method can be tracked with a phone or hand-held timer, but there are also tons of apps that you can choose from to track your tasks and productivity during the day.

These ideas certainly do not represent all of the ways you can get organized, but it is a start! 

How are you staying organized this time of year? Let us know in the comments!


References:

• Best Pomodoro Apps 2023
• The Pomodoro Technique