As we step further into 2022, what kind of resolutions have you made? If you’re still getting your bearings, don’t sweat! It’s not too late to commit to change, and there’s no better way to refresh and reset than through organization.
Getting organized may seem daunting if not outright stressful. But by taking it one step at a time, this gradual effort becomes natural. And we’re here to help!
Cut through the clutter and clear up your avenues for success with these five steps:
Write a to-do list
Long-lasting organization means understanding the routine you already have, and a solid to-do list enables you to do just that!
When you get started, focus on jotting down everything you need to accomplish. Prioritize your action items, like projects that were discussed in meetings, deadlines, campaigns or any other important tasks. When you start to get into the swing of this, consider color coding your list to help you establish priority (and add flair).
This gives you peace of mind, which will help you tackle the rest of your organizational to-dos, like:
Clean your inbox
Sorting your emails will help you deliver much-needed structure. Luckily, and through the power of automation, this process is easy!
Create folders to help organize your messages. For example, you could have a folder for training and another for your executive leadership. It’s also important to flag items that, though important, don’t require immediate attention. And consider forwarding certain emails to your stakeholders if you know they’ll be leading the project.
While you’re corralling your correspondence, your next step is likely a click away:
Update your calendar
A thorough to-do list is great, and a schedule makes it better.
Blocking out your workload will help you understand how long projects take and enable you to allocate the appropriate time to them. Establishing a rhythm is crucial to ensuring your organization, and a well-executed calendar is the consistent beat you need.
This is especially important when you’ve got tough choices to make and need to:
Reduce decision fatigue
Chances are, the top-performing employees you know don’t have a natural capacity to do more; they just know when to make the right call. As you pin down your routine, identify what things can wait so you can spend time on larger, more important decisions.
After all, you’re probably not a professional juggler, which is why you should try to:
Avoid multitasking
Sometimes bouncing quickly between projects feels like you’re getting more done, but you’re probably spending less time on what matters.
Taking one thing — or a large piece of a task — at a time is more effective than writing one sentence, responding to a single email or marking something off your list within a minute of one another.
Remember, organization takes time. But with these tips, you have the foundation you need to become a workforce all-star.
Speaking of all-stars, do you think you have a place among our stellar team? Apply now at paycom.com!
