Tips and tricks to get your life in order
Hey friends and welcome back! As many of you know, I am an accountant and because of my profession I have to pay close attention to detail. I’ve translated some of the strategies that help me with work to all of the areas of my life and it has done wonders.
I can definitely say that I have achieved every goal that I’ve set out for myself and I believe that being organized has played a huge role in that.
Here we go!
For the Home:
1) Pick 2 days during the month to really clean your house!
This has worked so well for me. When I am working during the week, I get so involved in my tasks that it’s hard for me to stop and clean ANYTHING. I do not like multitasking because I usually do an “ok” job rather than a good job when I am mono-tasking.
2.) Pick stuff up during the week!
Even if it’s an out of place sock, or any crumbs from something you ate in passing – trust me! These little things add up and then when you go clean it up, it seems like a mission!
I actually use a little mental trick that helps me to do this daily. I pretend that I have a “magic” touch and that every room I walk into becomes clean. Lol, it sounds silly but it really does work for me!
3.) Make a chore schedule!
Maybe it can be bathrooms on Monday, the kids room on Tuesday, the kitchen on Wednesday and so on! It does not have to be a deep clean – just clearing things up a bit!
Now that I am working from home due to COVID, it’s very important that my house stays clean so that I can focus and not get distracted by – A MESS!
4) Declutter once in a while, will ya!?
I’m telling you, we need to make space for the new. It really is such a refreshing feeling to get rid of objects and clothing that is crowding our space. Donate it to charity or recycle it!
For work:
1) Use a calendar!
I usually like to write down all due dates on my calendar so I know in advance what days will busy for me at work. That way, I will make sure to plan ahead for that particular week. For example, in the GL accounting world (my profession), the beginning of the month is always busy as we’re closing the prior month’s books. For those two weeks I either make a meal plan or order take out because I know will be exhausted through out the week. I also plan more dates, family gathering etc during the end of the month where I know my work- life balance will be, well, more balanced!
2) Utilize your sticky notes for reminders and to-do lists!
I have different sets of sticky notes and in different colors as well. At the end of every work day, I usually write out my to-do list for the following day and in order of priority. That way, when I start work the next day, I already have it all listed out!
For important details regarding certain tasks, I will use a permanent marker and write it down on. A sticky note. I will then stick it to my monitor or somewhere visible so that I can be reminded of it often!
3.) Did you know that most employees spend 50% if their working time on social media? FIFTY PERCENT PEOPLE. I don’t know about you but if I was a boss – I would hate to be paying people a fully salary for only 50% focus. Put your phone down and focus! Try to get things done ahead. Hey, maybe you can even ask for more work if you’re having some down time. To most managers, that is a very good thing and can often lead to a promotion down the line.
For College or School:
1) Buy a a wall calendar and a planner!
You guys, my planner has my whole life in it. I do so many things outside of school that if I don’t write it down, there is absolutely NO WAY I will remember everything! It is so easy to forget due dates and assignments! Go through your syllabus and write down important dates on calendar and in your planner! I usually write down all my exam days, when homework assignments are due, and any quizzes and/or projects as well. Trust me, this only should take about 10 to 15 minutes and saves you a headache later.
2.) READ your syllabus thoroughly.
I have had a few courses where there was some important bonus points information hidden in the content of the syllabus. Professors want their students to succeed! Make sure you know how they’re grading you so that you can focus on the items that weigh the most!
3.) Check your email and blackboard (or whatever school uses for content and assignments) at least once a day!
I know it seems like it’s a lot but it becomes a habit pretty quickly. You don’t wan to miss any important information that the professor sends out. Also, it’s good to scan the work that needs to be done such as any powerpoints, discussions or assignments. Sometimes we think it will be easy roast, but then turns out to be a lot!
For goals:
This can be for any goal! There is no way that you WON’T achieve your goals if your guys do these steps below.
1) WRITE 👏 IT 👏 DOWN.
Are you starting to see a pattern here? Studies have shown that we are more likely to take action on anything if we simply write it down. I write my one year goals DAILY. In this manner I am able to remind myself of them everyday. I also write my 2 year goals, 5 year goals, and 10 year goals at least 2 to 3 times a year. It is important to track your progress.
2.) Pick 3 goals that are the most important to you and that if you achieved them, would make your life much easier! Now, write 20 different ways you can achieve those goals.
I know, I know! You’re probably thinking how can I come up with 20 ways? I can’t even think of 1! But I’m telling you, this trick makes you use your imagination and discover avenues you never even knew were possible! You can can end up achieving your 5 times faster than you thought with this one exercise. I actually learned it from the author Brian Tracy on his book called
3) Take action everyday! Try to do something everyday that will bring you closer to your goals.
And there you have it ya’ll! These are some of things that have helped to stay organized in all areas of my life. I think the main thing to take from this is that you need to plan ahead. Of course, sometimes life happens and things don’t go exactly as we imagined BUT we can also PLAN for that as well and know that whatever happens, we can step back, rearrange, and go another route. Just never give up! You can do it! I used to be extremely clumsy (still am sometimes) but by developing the habits above, my love has become much more structured and stable.
I hope you all enjoy! And let me know how it works for you!
