Getting Organized

I've been struggling for, well the whole summer to stay organized and get caught up. It just seemed like I would clean my office only to have it trashed 24 hours later (part of this was because I work from home and my dear family likes to pile things on my desk). I would work extra hard trying to get caught up, only to fall farther and farther behind. I mean, I had PLANS for this summer. I was going to get so much done. Yet, looking back, I can't tell you exactly what I did...

But no more

I spent Saturday getting organized. I cleaned my office space (a place for everything and everything in its place ensures that clutter won't build up), then I re-did my work schedule. Instead of designating work time from 9-3 every day, I broke it down. I got out my trusty (was) dusty day planner, and broke down my schedule (in pencil so I can mark daily changes). Here's what it looks like:

9:00 - Editing
9:30 - Designated Client Task (planned in advance)
10:00 - Social Media / E-mails
10:30 - Urgent Tasks
11:00 - Ongoing Tasks
11:30 - 12:30 - Lunch Break
12:30 - Editing
1:00 - Social Media / E-mails
1:30 - Marketing
2:00 - Daily Duties
2:30 - Clean Up

Once I had a plan, I got out a timer. Setting it for 30 minute increments to help me stay on schedule, I found that some tasks that I hated flew by while I waited for the timer to beep and others that I enjoy didn't take as long as I thought! Essentially, it's the same principle behind the Productivity Software that I have and never use... Anyway! It worked GREAT on Saturday and I'm already starting to catch up. I can even tell you what I did and when. I can't wait to see how things go this week!

How do you stay organized and productive?

Pin It