Get Organized: Eliminate the Sticky Notes

Do you have days that you never seem to get anything accomplished? Many times, this happens as a result of poor planning and failure to maintain focus. Establishing systems is a key component to organization. A system for planning your to-do’s is critical.

I recommend utilizing a two-list system. This system comes in handy especially on those days you are bombarded with things from all angles!

The two-list system includes 1) a master list; 2) a daily list.

For the master list, I suggest a spiral notebook or steno notebook. Something that is bound together and doesn’t separate easily will do perfect. It is critical the pages stay together. The purpose of the master list is two-fold. One, it will eliminate all those sticky notes and scratch paper that get lost and misplaced. And two, it will allow you to have a place to “store” all those thoughts you have swimming in your head. In other words, it’s a dumping ground for the over flow of information in your head!

On the master list, list each and every item or task that you have to-do. Do not worry about priority…just write it down. Your master list will be your “safety net” to make sure things do not fall through the cracks. You could have 20-30 tasks or more on your initial master list.

It is critical you know the whereabouts of your master list at all times. It needs to be accessible so you can add to it each and every time you think of something that needs to be done.

Each day, review your master list and make your daily to-do list. I recommend this be accomplished at the end of each day, unless you are a morning person and prefer to do this early in the morning the day of. In either case, peruse your master list and come up with 6-10 manageable items to do that day. Keep your daily list accessible and as you complete an item be sure to cross it off the list. At the end of the day, carry any un-done tasks to the next day’s daily list. Review your master list, once again taking care to cross off the items completed and copy items to-do the next day to your daily to-do list. Continue to repeat this process daily. After 21 times or so, it will become habit. Just hang in there for a more organized day!