Living an organized life can feel impossible with the plethora of things engulfing us every day. Often times, It feels like I can’t even get a chance to breathe but somehow I pull through.

Unfortunately, things around us cannot get done on their own, however, with the help of a few personal organizational systems, I am able to tackle these obstacles in a smoother fashion

1. Invest in an agenda

When I say I live out of this thing, I mean it. I use the agenda to not only keep track of my schedule, but I also write my homework, weekly goals and other personal information inside. It is my way of keeping track of all the necessary things in my life. Here are a few tips for actual use:

-use different colors to signify certain things i.e. work, homework, events, deadlines

-create a checklist system to visually show you what you have accomplished throughout the day/week (I highlight my finished products)

-Pick one that is aesthetically pleasing to your eye, for motivational purposes of course. (I personally love Lily Pulitzer)

2. Lay out everything the night before

I tend to stay up till ungodly hours of the night but despite the time, I still prepare everything for the next day. Though this may seem tedious, it truly helps ease the panic of the horrible morning rush day-to-day.

Nightly check:

-alarms

-outfit (thought out or laid out)

-pack lunch and/or necessary snacks

-pack backpack

3.Maintain a clean workspace

I generally have to tidy my room up daily due to the constant coming and going. Nevertheless it only takes a few minutes to pick up a few items off of the floor. If you continue to clean as you go,you’ll never have another mess again. For me, a clean room is like a sanctuary, it’s a place where I can finally relax without outside distraction.

4. Create or buy a giant monthly calendar

I have recently begun writing out my whole month in order to better prepare me of what is to come. This is a great, easy way to stay organized and be aware of everything that is happening.

5.Write out a detailed schedule

Even though I have an agenda and have recently started a visual monthly calendar, I also sometimes write out a more detailed schedule of the day in order to make sure that I actually have time to accomplish it all.

By blocking everything off hourly, I am able to get a better sense of what is realistic and what is not.

This is usually done on a simple sticky note or loose leaf paper. Though I may not reference it too much, the physical action of writing it out makes it clear what is necessary to do.

You may be thinking that these tips and tricks seem kind of excessive, but you'd be surprised by how these actions have substantially benefitted me in the midst of my chaotic life.