How To Stay Organized

Get A Planner

It might be very unoriginal to say get a planner or a calendar, but I do truly believe it is the best way to get and stay organized. I am more of a visual person when it comes to staying organized and I enjoy being able to visually see what events or tasks are coming up. Before my senior year of high school, I did not have any real structure to go by when it came to trying to organize my life. I always believed that I was young enough and smart enough to remember due dates, family occasions, and important tasks. I soon came to realize that as I became older, more and more information was being thrown at me and I just could not keep up at times. Our brains have several ways of storing and sorting information, two of those ways being short-term memory and long-term memory. When using short-term memory, our brains can only retain minimal amount of information and only for a short period of time. Unfortunately today, so much information is being dished out that it is very difficult to take in and properly digest. Long-term memory requires consistent review in order to withhold the memory for a larger period of time, but unfortunately not everyone has the time capacity to invent in order to store everything in their long-term memory. That is why a planner can become your own physical vault of information that you do not have to worry about forgetting because you know you have it written down somewhere and can find it again.

Make Lists, Lots And Lots Of Lists

I don't know about you guys, but I have always enjoyed making lists. List are simple, easy to make, and one of the best resources for staying on task. I practically make lists of almost everything I do. From school to shopping, I always make a list beforehand so that all my thoughts can be organized before I even start. The classic format for list would be a simple "To-Do List", a list where you write down simply what tasks you need to accomplish. I make To-Do Lists" all the time. I make one for work so that I can remember what I need to accomplish that shift. I also make a list for school and organize what class assignments I want to work on and in what order according to how long each may take. I enjoy lists because it keeps me motivated and it gives me a sense of gratification when I cross out a completed task. Anyone can make a list, whether it is on paper or in your head, lists can truly help you organize your thoughts and tasks in a way that can truly benefit you on a daily basis.

Make Time To Sort Your Thoughts

Lastly, I want to mention the importance of taking time to manage your thoughts. We live in a busy world and that in itself is overwhelming, but even our attempts to make sense of all that through organization it still can lead us down a rough patch. Being organized doesn't mean that there is any less amount of work, it actually might even mean that there is more work to be done, but it does assist you by giving you a nice road map. Since getting organized is tedious, I enjoy going to certain places to think. Some places I may go are: My room, A quiet place, the shower (and yes I did say the shower), and even my school band room. Find places that you are comfortable and relaxed because that will stimulate your brain to think clearly. I mentioned the shower and I feel as though many would agree, but the atmosphere created within the space is weirdly enough very stimulating for our thoughts. By taking the time to find a place to settle and do all the foundation work, one can create a very clear path to achiving your tasks and making sure you do not miss that important date.