I'm posting this in work but interested in overall "life" organization as well. What do you do to stay organized? I am taking on more projects at work and can't figure out how to keep track of status of different things, to do lists, calendars, etc. If there is an app, a system, or anything else you do, please share!
-
I like Cozi, it is an app and is accessible on the web so I always have access. You can do multiple to do lists, meal planning, grocery lists, calendar and a few other things with it. You can also have a family account so your SO can access the grocery list or to do list.
Admittedly though I still do a paper list for each day, top 3 things are written at the top and then the extras are listed below. As libwas those top 3 get done I consider the day a success.
-
Work Organization:
It’s not a techie solution, but what works the best for me to keep track of projects (both short and long-term) and day-to-day case work I do is just to keep a running list in a spiral notebook that is always on my desk next to my computer. I leave a few lines between each entry so that I can put in subparts (and cross them off when I finish them).
When I really need to make sure I complete certain tasks during a day/week I also circle them with a pink highlighter so that they really standout and are easy to find.
If something absolutely has to be done that day, I’ll put it on a sticky note and attach that to the cover of my laptop in the docking station (attaching to a monitor would work too – somewhere where you really can’t miss it!)
I also use Outlook’s color-coding system for emails as well.
Oh, and I just take a few minutes each day (preferably when I first get into my office in the morning) to look at the list and any other stickies I’ve scribbed up and see what is still outstanding. Helps me to keep a global perspective.
Life Organization:
iphone “notes” – I keep separate to-do lists and grocery lists, great ideas, etc. I also just mostly fly by the seat of my pants.
-
For work, I put tasks that have hard deadlines in my outlook calendar, with reminders. I travel between two locations so I need my list to be accessible in both places, so I use a memo sized notebook for stuff.
-
For work we use Google so everything gets put on my calendar, color coded and I get access to other department's calendars as well. I use the task pop up within gmail to write down urgent random things I need to do. I also love post-it's!
At home, I use Google calendar and I also keep a spreadsheet of a "week at a glance" and I color code stuff. I also use the list app on my phone for various things.
-
I found I needed to move away from digital organization because I'd be in a meeting and forget what was on my list.
So I got a traditional spiral bound planner that sorts by month and week. For the week part, I'll put in any appointments/meetings, and then usually 2-3 priorities for each day. Then I can track their progress in that box, and mark them off when they're done.
And when I have future deadlines, I mark them down too, etc. In the "notes" section for each week, I list things coming up for the next week.
I also track school deadlines and DH's schedule (which changes daily) so that everything is in one place.
-
I utilize Outlook to the max for work organization - I put *everything* on the calendar with reminders (you can code to dos as "free time" so they don't show up as meetings). I have dozens of folders in my Inbox and I sort my email as I read it - makes it much easier to find things when I need them and to keep emails relating to different projects organized.
I also put hard deadlines or big meetings/events on my wall calendar so I can always see what is coming up.
I have a to do list by my computer and check things off throughout the day.
I take breaks every hour or so to get up, walk around, stretch, get water. Sounds silly, but it keeps my mind focused and gives me something to look forward to. On that same vein, if I am working on a project that involves writing, editing, or focus for longer than 5-10 minutes, I close out my email and set a timer for 20 minutes. I read a study once that said you are more productive if you only check email every 20 minutes because every time you multitask, you lose your focus and then waste time regaining it after you check your email.
-
@Cole: Thanks! I have looked into Cozi, maybe should go for it... seems like it will be handy once our kids start having more scheduled activities. Love the top 3 idea - will prob adopt something like that!
@yoursilverlining: Thanks for the details! I like to write things down but what I end up with is a messy paper with some things crossed off and I don't throw out the paper because it has a couple of things left that are written here and there that I want to reference... ugh
@looch: Good idea with deadlines in the calendar. I need to assign myself deadlines or I will never get anything done!!
@snowjewelz: I use google calendar for my own personal use and love it... but need to work on making it more functional for family, and talking nice with my work computer (mac) and work calendar (outlook)
@MaryM: I wish I could keep everything on paper because I think that would make a lot more sense for me.
@septca: Thanks for the details - I like having a wall calendar too, it seems redundant to have to copy things to it but it helps me to be able to look at it. I actually have an app that really helped me get things accomplished by setting a timer for 30 minutes, then noting each area I wanted to focus on for those 30 minutes (or less) - even if that area was goofing off online. It was nice to have a deadline. I like the idea of turning off email for 20-30 min.
-
@shellio: oh yeah... it's more annoying when it's different operating system. can you link up with other family member's google calendar? i would add work related items to my personal calendar and just color code it if it pertains to my personal life
-
I'm old school. I have an old school day timer to track stuff I need to track for my jobs (start/end dates, dates of important events on jobs, my hours per day, if I had any major communication with a client, etc).
I also keep a notebook, which is really more for tracking tasks that need to be done and taking notes in meetings. In my notebook, I use a * system. Anything with a * beside it is a task that I must complete. I have other symbols for things like telling someone something specific, noting important things and lots of shorthand. I make lists of things I must do, and I usually have a "calls" list running for people I need to call, and usually I briefly list what I need to discuss with them.
The third thing I have is a job board. It's just a big whiteboard on my wall that has a list of all my projects divided by phase (planning, operations, reporting). I usually list the names of the field people assigned to each operations job, and a brief list of important things (documents outstanding, equipment required, start dates, meeting dates). I also track my field personnel's vacations on that board as well. The job board is more a visual reminder of everything that's ongoing at one point. We work exclusively on specific job numbers at my company, so this works well.
-
@septca: I like your timer idea. When I have a big deadline and I've avoided doing the work until the last minute, I implement "DND" time. I minimize my email, hit DND on my phone and turn off my cell. I'm always amazed at how productive I am when I do that.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
10 comments