Life is a funny thing really. Well basically, your life starts when you let out that first cry in the delivery room. That screeching siren-like cry that informs everyone that you are here to share their oxygen. So just like that, you are cast into the world. Somewhere along the way, responsibilities start to pile up and before you know it, you are juggling a million and one things. Sadly, life does not slow down or wait for you to figure things out. It continues on its merry way tick after tock watching you flap around like a fish out of water.
However, there is little one can do about it. The only thing you can do is organize yourself in a bid to hold on to a little sanity in this chaotic beautiful mess we call life. So how do we go about it?
Work with routines
Routines are important aspects of everyday life. They provide structure and breed good habits. Routines ground your mind thus taking away any worry or anxiety about how to go about your day. Morning routines are especially very important as they play a big role in how the rest of the day will play out. As opposed to the normal duties that include showering, brushing our teeth and dressing up, one can add meditation, yoga, listening to podcasts, reading a book or even working out. Add whatever works for you in your morning routine and it will set you up for a calm day.
Evening routines help us unwind and look back at our day. These routines keep our minds organized since they help us navigate through the day. However, it is important to know that they are not set in stone, one can deviate from the routine if need be. They are just basic guidelines that help your mind organized.
Embrace lists
Lists are your friend. Your memory is not to be trusted. Make lists; to-do lists, shopping lists, house utility lists, any kind of list really. The main thing is to ‘write things down’. Schedule the tasks you need to do during the day or week e.g. meetings, conferences, dates etc. This way, you avoid mixing up any commitments or showing up late. Include deadlines for tasks and set alarms and reminders. Set aside time to work and time to do your chores too.
On the same groove of writing things down, learn to jot down your ideas. According to Colonial Life, successful entrepreneurs like Richard Branson and Bill Gates swear by their notebooks. Writing things down not only saves you from the agony of forgetfulness but is also allows you to visualize the idea in a bid to bring it to life.
Budgeting
Now, this is a habit most of us do not adhere to or skip altogether. ‘Life will figure itself out. I am just taking it a day at a time’ mentality. While in a way that can be a very free-spirited way of life, it can trap you in a stagnant life. Budgeting helps you organize your finances thus you can live within your limits. You can make payments on time and plan for the future easily.
Making a budget is however not enough. You need to be committed to it. Those shoes may look stunning but they may cost you a good investment opportunity and disorganize your future plans.
Learn to delegate
Now I know this may not be easy, especially for some controlling people such as myself. We all want the best possible results out of everything. However, we cannot do everything ourselves-we need help. Attempting to do everything yourself will only cause unnecessary strain to your brain which can affect the end results. Set out a plan and a workable timeline then delegate. This could be at work or at home. This way your brain can focus on other matters without strain.
Unwind
You are only human and you do not run on unlimited fuel. Find ways to relax-blow off some steam. Engage in activities that take your mind off the serious stuff. Have a laugh with some friends, watch a movie, go dancing, whatever keeps your mind at ease. Allow your mind and body to reboot so you can come back energized, calm and free of excess worry.
Organizing one’s life can sometimes seem like a boring and repetitive thing to do but it makes your life that much simpler. Do you not believe me? You should try it.
How can you be more organized while working from home? Working from home: 10 ways of making it work
