How to Get Organized at Work

Getting organized at work requires specific strategies. Often work piles up and we can get to the point that, instead of working faster to get it all done, we get overwhelmed about where to even start and we wind up working slower. Have you ever just stared at your desk, or remembered that you completely forgot something important? Do you find yourself scrambling to get things finished at the last minute? Or do you feel completely stressed out at the end of the day because the work volcano sucked you in and you felt like you were spinning in circles all day trying to get things done? If the answer to any of those questions is "yes" then you may need to take a moment to step back and regroup. Taking the time to get organized at work can make a world of difference. It will allow you to get everything done, with less energy and less stress.

Instructions

1. To get organized at work, schedule time at the end of each day to check messages, like email, IM, text, etc. This could be two times per day if needed. However, constantly responding to messages throughout the day can prevent us from getting our actual job done. Set a specific time for this and, the rest of the time, put it in the background, unless the message is an emergency or from your superior and requires an immediate response.

2. Take a break and list everything that needs to be done at this time. Be sure to list absolutely everything and do not leave anything out.

3. Prioritize the things on your list. If things have a time line, then list it. You will need to factor in time lines, the need to please other important people, the need to just get some things out of the way, etc. Organize your list according to priority level.

4. List the things you need to get done on a calendar. Use a calendar with plenty of space on it to makes notes on. Start by writing in the things that have a time line first, then write in other tasks. Be sure that you do not put down more than you will actually be able to easily do in any given day.