Organization is the key to being productive. But what habits do people who are always organized have? Are they too organized that they make a big deal out of choosing the best coir doormats for their front doors? There are a few things that these people do regularly that may seem simple, but they’re crucial to staying on top of your hectic life. Here are 10 habits that successful people have in common:
1. They list their priorities and goals for the day, week, month, and year
Organized people don’t just have a place for everyday things like keys and phones – they also have a place where they can write down their biggest goals in life. Then, every morning or night before bed, these people sit down with that list and write out specifically how they plan on getting closer to those goals that day. It’s all about planning early and having a vision for the future.
2. They make a to-do list for each day and stick to it
There are lots of apps out there that can help you maintain a to-do list, but whatever tool you use doesn’t matter as much as your simply being diligent about checking off items from your list every single day before moving onto new ones. People who stay organized have a strict routine they go through every day that includes writing down what they need to get done. A daily checklist is essential!
3. They find a way to relax during the workday
This might seem counterproductive since organization requires so much focus and determination. But what most people don’t realize is that working harder isn’t always better in the long run. Successful people know when to step away from their tasks and relax for a few minutes. This is the only way they can recharge before they start focusing again later on in the day.
4. They make sure to take regular breaks from their work
Being distracted every now and then is good for your brain, which is why productive people schedule times during their day when they can do something completely mindless, like browsing social media or reading an article online. These “brain breaks” give your mind some downtime so that you may return to work feeling refreshed and focused once again.
5. They write down everything they need at any given time, keeping a written list for everything they need to do, buy or remember
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but some people still attempt to keep track of their plans in their heads. That’s not productive at all. Successful people always have access to this list so that they can look back every now and then when they need an extra reminder.
6. They use their calendar to block off chunks of time when they absolutely cannot be interrupted
Many business professionals rely on calendars to keep themselves organized, but that isn’t the only way you can benefit from it. Having a schedule that lists out your daily tasks along with specific times when you’re not available for anything else is extremely important. When you say “no” automatically due to strict scheduling, you end up having more free time in the long run.
7. They prioritize the tasks within their schedule based on what is most important and urgent at that moment in time
This goes back to that list of goals you wrote down at the beginning of this article. People who are always organized know that specific tasks will always be more important than others, so they make sure to focus on those first. That way, they’re able to cross everything off their list without feeling overwhelmed by deadlines.
8. They make a list of questions they need to ask before beginning a project
This is especially important for those who are still in school or learning a new job. Whenever you’re doing any research, it’s always helpful to come up with a list of questions that will help guide your search for answers. Then, once you have your results figured out, you can use your original list as a guideline so that the next person won’t have to re-do all of your hard work.
9. They manage their time better by staying off social media and not wasting time watching TV
As mentioned earlier, being distracted every now and then is good. But spending an hour or two each day browsing through Facebook or watching old episodes on Netflix is not. People who are always organized know how to keep their priorities straight, which means they keep themselves busy throughout the day without wasting too much time on mindless activities.
10. They make a list of things they need to get done over the next few days or weeks
Even though most people have a general idea of what lies ahead for them shortly, being able to jot down exactly what needs to be taken care of each week ensures that nothing will slip through the cracks along the way. This is especially important for business professionals who may have multiple deadlines coming up at once because it helps them focus on one thing at a time instead of everything all at once.
These are just a few habits that people who are always organized tend to have in common. By incorporating some (or all) of these habits into your daily routine, you’ll find that being productive becomes a whole lot easier. And who knows, maybe someday you’ll be one of those people, too.
