Have you dreamed of becoming an organized person at work or home but don’t know where to start? By reading this post you will learn 7 habits of organized people and will be motivated to adopt at least one of the traits.
I promise!
Organization is a trait that many individuals strive for. Organized people possess habits that make them more productive, have a greater sense of security, have more time for enjoyable hobbies, experience less stress, meet personal and work goals in a timely manner, and experience enhanced relationships.
Being organized also has positive mental aspects. According to Psychology Today, being organized helps our brain function in an enhanced manner as unorganized people often struggle to focus and complete tasks due to their environments and spaces being cluttered.
Being organized promotes positive sleep habits, stress relief, and an overall healthier lifestyle.
I could go on and on as the results are endless!
I have observed the following 7 organization traits in highly successful individuals.
After implementing these habits in my life, I have experienced immense growth in the area of organization and now reap these benefits!
1.They have a strong morning routine
Organized people have a strong morning routine as it can make or break their day. Often when awakening, individuals usually have a small window of time before their day begins. Organized people have a set time to wake up, avoid their phone or television when they awake, and have time allotments for self-reflection practices, self-care, and breakfast.
Organized people also factor in the time in getting children ready in the morning. As a mother of three, I would wake up before my children and complete my self-reflection practices and self-care practice, and pack lunches.
Completing these steps before waking my children allowed me to have a peaceful start to my morning.
When my children woke, I could solely focus on their needs.
Lastly, organized people build in a flex window of additional time to plan for any surprises. Read here on to how to set up a successful morning routine in detail
2.They Utilize To-Do Lists, Planners, and Checklists
Remember that organized individuals have a strong morning routine which includes a flex window of additional time.
Imagine the following scenario: A busy mom has a late start, runs behind schedule as she scrambles into work five minutes late. Frazzled, she sits down at her desk, starting her day. Upset that she has entered work late two days this week she struggles to focus on her daily tasks.
At approximately 2:00 she receives a phone call from her dentist’s office informing her that she missed her scheduled appointment. Disappointed that she cannot stay on track of tasks at home or work she bursts into tears.
Hopefully this scenario doesn’t sound familiar, but if it does, it is totally okay!
Implementing some of these habits are definitely going to help you and make organization a habit!
Organized people usually avoid these scenarios by having a list of items to complete for the day. Known as a checklist or to-do list, this can be done on a sheet of paper, in your phone, or document on your computer or tablet.
The list simply lists tasks that must be completed as well as appointments for the day. Having a list that you can visually see helps you remember important tasks.
In the 21st century, there are many technology devices that will help you compile a checklist or to-do list. I continue to prefer to use paper as physical writing helps your brain connect to the task.
Tip: Highlight important tasks and appointments!
3.They Prep For the following Day
Organized people always look ahead to the next day. Before retiring for the next day, they review and look over their to-do lists, planner, and checklists. This gives you an overview of the day and allows you to think of any modifications that may need to be made.
For example, if your have on your calendar a important meeting at work the next day you may want to adjust your alarm clock to arrive a work a few minutes earlier. Arriving early will allow you to look over the agenda which can relieve the amount of stress level that you may have regarding the meeting.
I like to have a to-do list for both work and home. Sometimes I list items on both lists. Any health appointments for the family are written on both lists so that I can remember the appointment.
4. They Chunk Activities
Chunking is a strategy in which you break activities into smaller sections.
Lets say your child has a birthday party coming up next month. Break the party planning process into smaller sections to avoid less stress. Week 1 you could select the theme and invite guests.
Week 2 and 3 you would write a list of all the items needed and purchase all the items needed and plan out any games.
Week 4 you would ensure that you have all the needed items. 2-3 days before the party you would set up as much as possible so that on the day of the party you experience less stress!
Does less stress even exist when planning birthday parties?
5.They Have a Mini-Cleaning Routine Throughout the Week
Remember the chunking strategy mentioned? Organized people thrive in clean, neat, and uncluttered spaces and have adopted clutter free habits. Instead of allowing their home and work spaces to become unrecognizable with clutter and dirt, they perform mini-cleaning routines throughout the week.
They may clean one room or day or area a day, chunking their cleaning process.
Also washing a few loads of clothes a week should be a priority in your mini-cleaning routine.
Remember to wash, dry, fold, and put up your clothes. Clean clothes in a basket creates clutter!
6.They Have a Place for Everything
Organized people have a place for everything.
When people have a place for items in their home and at work the amount of clutter is immediately reduced. In addition to reduced clutter, you are less likely to misplace important items such as your keys and wallet as these things will have a “home” within your home in which you will place these items everyday.
Labels work wonders in giving items a “home” within your home.
7.They Have a Strong Evening Routine
After the hustle and bustle of the day, organized individuals wind down in a way that results in a peaceful evening. They complete their mini-cleaning routine, lay out their clothes for the next day, and prep their lunch.
After completing the manual activities, they review the activities for the next day and unplug from technology devices before they prepare for bed. This allows their bodies to relax and prepare for a healthy night of sleep, setting the stage for the next day.
Final Thoughts
This blog discussed 7 habits that organized people often have, qualities that you can also possess.
Organizational habits will help your days flow so much smoother, I promise!
I would love to read some of your organization habits and routines. If you plan on trying some of the organization habits above or have organization tips that work for you, please let me know!
If this post has been helpful to you, these additional posts will also be beneficial!
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