We all know someone (it's us) who needs a little help getting organised, getting it together, being on time to class or work, or finishing assignments before the last minute. I've been using all of these little tools to help me get my daily life more organised, maybe you can too!
Number one: Stop procrastinating!
Easier said than done, right? I mean, if that's all there is to it, when why did some poor soul waste her time writing this post? Because 'stop procrastinating' is terribly broad advice. Let's go into more details.
Number two: To-Do lists
The first thing you do when you wake up, and the last thing you do before you lay your head down, should be writing a to do list. Whether it's on your phone or computer, or you like to stick to good old paper and pen (me), writing down a to-do-list is a vital part of your day.
Writing a to-do list at night time, will allow you to rest easy, knowing that in the morning, your list will be there for you. When you wake up, revisit that list, add to it, revise it, write down as much or as little as you need.
Even writing down very basic things such as this ↓ can help you to gather your thoughts and break the days activities into small steps.
- Wake up, turn on hot water, make coffee
- Check emails
- Check social media
- Shower, brush teeth
- Start writing that article
- Pack bag (laptop, charger, wallet, notebook, pen, phone, headphones - my mental list)
This is often what my daily to do list looks like.
I find that if I don't write down what I have to do for the day, I can't sleep, and I can't do my work when I sit down to do it.
Writing it down could be as simple as grabbing some scrap paper, your current planner, or your personal planner. If you're more into the tech side of things, there's some great apps on the iPhone pre-installed, as well as some great ones you can install yourself such as these below. ↓
Number 3: Plan out your meals
It's such an easy thing to do, and it can take out so much stress out of your week. Knowing what you're going to eat for lunch/diner today or tomorrow can help you save money and time going 'uhhh what should we eat?'. An alternative to this is keeping a running list (I keep mine in my planner) of places you like to eat/meals you like to cook, etc. That way when it comes time to decide what to have for a meal, instead of blanking out, you can choose from that list.
Number four: Budget
Whether you are paid weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, budgeting is something everyone should be doing.
Firstly, what is your (weekly, fortnightly, monthly) take home pay? If it isn't the same each month then write down what you think should be the minimum you take home each pay day (this helps you to set a goal as well). From that, break it down into the things you have to spend (bills, food, etc), and things that you want to spend (cigarettes, alcohol, entertainment). Keep track of how much you spend on each thing each month, and don't go over your budget limit.
Pro tip: use an online budget planner such as this to help you make a budget.
You can also use apps such as the GoodBudget app, which is very handy to use to help keep track of your expenditures each month.
From the Goodbudget app |
It doesn't matter what time you start work in the mornings, or how much you hate waking up early, you should be getting up at least one hour before you are meant to leave work.
When I start work at 8:30am I set my alarm for 7am, get up and fill the kettle and put it on to boil, put my coffee in the cup, and chuck on the clothes that I set out the night before (do that too). Then I sit down and open my computer to check my emails, my social media, and check my planner for my daily to-do list.
After I do all this, and have drank my coffee I get up, brush my teeth, throw my hair up and put a little makeup on my face and walk out the door.
When I start work at 8:30am I set my alarm for 7am, get up and fill the kettle and put it on to boil, put my coffee in the cup, and chuck on the clothes that I set out the night before (do that too). Then I sit down and open my computer to check my emails, my social media, and check my planner for my daily to-do list.
After I do all this, and have drank my coffee I get up, brush my teeth, throw my hair up and put a little makeup on my face and walk out the door.
Doing this small morning routine helps me to start my day with a clear mind, I feel like I have achieved something by ticking off a few little to-do's, and I know what I have to tackle later on in the day.
Number six: Set up your tomorrow, today!
Before you get in bed, after you've gone over today's to do list and written tomorrows, get out any clothes that you are going to wear the next day. No need to think about what to wear in the morning, do it before bed! Pack your bag with your water bottle, books, pens, meds, wallet, and anything else you need to remember. This saves so much time in the morning, and has stopped me forgetting simple things so many times.
Number seven: Set realistic goals
There's two reasons that people don't reach goals. One, they don't have their mind set to it, and two, they are aiming way too high. It'd be really easy for me to say 'Okay, by the end of the month, I'm going to be able to run a marathon'. But I am not a runner, and I'd be lucky if by the end of the month I could run a kilometre.
Set achievable goals, and allow yourself to be flexible with them. Can't earn what you set out to earn? That's okay, try again next month. Ate one too many pieces of chocolate today? It's alright, try again.
Number eight: When it all becomes too much, take a step back.
I know I can be a complete stress head when it comes to life. I always have projects going on left, right, and centre. And sometimes deadlines, pressure, expectations, responsibility, it can all become a little too much.
When you find yourself sitting there in tears because you're stressed, take time out. Nothing is worth that much stress on your life. Come away from it, put on some relaxing music and close your eyes. Remind yourself what you are doing and why you are doing it. Write down what you need to do in baby steps. Then come back to it when you are ready. Life never gives you more than you can handle.
What are your tips for organising your life? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! Leave a comment below, I'm always open to feedback, tips, ideas, or just a good old conversation! -Millie Burns
*a special thanks to Canva for the images in this post*
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