People who have good organizational skills tend to be efficient, punctual and reliable. Because they use a systematic approach to managing their time, clearing their desk, arranging their space, and approaching new projects, they can find what they need quickly and rarely have to cope with the stress of a looming deadline. Everyone can develop better organizational skills by taking stock of their current habits and then beginning to implement a few key new routines.
Instructions
1. Evaluate your current organizational strategies. Whether your task is to organize your closet or to organize a new file system for a business, first you must determine what, if any, system already exists. Perhaps your predecessor established a system that is no longer optimal for how your office works so no one takes the time to utilize it. A meeting with all the people who use the system can be scheduled at which you can brainstorm the features that a better system should contain. If your organizational task is more personal, such as your own desk or closet, for example, start by making a list of the things that must be organized there.
2. Recognize whether you think more linearly or more globally. Linear thinkers will do best with a system that is numbered or alphabetized, while global thinkers will do best with a more conceptual approach. Create labels or a diagram that will help you to determine the categories of items which you must organize. Write this down because it will become a plan for you to follow as you establish the initial system of organization. Save it in case you forget where you put anything or if you need to train others to maintain the system. If your organizational task involves other team members, show them the plan before making it final because their input will perhaps provide even better suggestions.
3. Buy items that will make organization easy such as hanging files, shelves, cabinets and storage boxes. Put labels on them so that you can easily remember where everything goes. Create the same files on your computer so that you will be able to store electronic documents using the same system as you use with hard copies if you are organizing papers for either the home or the business context.
4. Chunk the tasks so that they are achievable within the time that you are able to set aside for organizing. Start with the smallest chunk because even a small amount of progress will function as an encouragement for you to continue. Budget enough time to implement a new organizational system so that you do not become overwhelmed or frustrated. A great habit to develop is only to handle something once, before making a decision about whether it needs to be acted on, discarded or filed. Then do what is indicated. Should a future action be indicated, place it on your calendar or task list. Set a reminder and file the paper so that you can find it when you will actually need it.
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