Feeling overwhelmed on the job? Taking a few minutes to get organized could make all the difference.
E-mails coming at you from all directions, a presentation in ten minutes for a key client, and you haven’t even had your coffee yet. Taking a moment to organize paperwork or write a list may seem like a waste of time, what you’ll make up in efficiency is priceless.
Here’s how to get organized:
Write your To Do list. Microsoft Outlook has a great To Do List function that sends pop-up reminders at the appropriate times, so you can take your mind off less-important tasks, at least for now. Less mind clutter equals more productive work.
Organize paperwork. Plastic bins and file folders are your friend. Label as many folders and bins as you must, and find a system that works for you. Perhaps separating by due date works best—simply work on papers from the file with the nearest date. Maybe it would help to separate by project. Either way, stacks of paper everywhere with no rhyme or reason will slow you down each time you have to search for and gather what you need. (Hint: do the same for e-mails in your inbox. Create folders for messages relating to specific projects or topics for ease in searching and reference.)
Tackle unwanted projects first. That way you aren’t dreading them, which can slow down your day. If your cold calls are out of the way, it’s much easier to handle back-up paperwork or organize your company picnic.
Finish a task before starting a new one. Distractions are the quickest way to inefficiency. If a new task hits your inbox before you’ve finished your current task, pop it on your To Do list and finish your e-mail to corporate first. Then revel in the satisfaction of crossing one more item off your list.
Small rewards. If you’ve completed four items, reward yourself with a quick field trip to Starbucks, or ten minutes surfing the web.
Good luck! The more organized you become, the sooner you’ll find yourself on your way home (or to a soccer game, or happy hour, or the beach)!
