3 Steps to Get Organized

By James Owens

Have you ever thought, “Wow, I have so much to do and have to do this, this, this, and this”?

If you’re nodding your head, then try these three simple steps to get organized.

  1. Create a “To-Do” box or bin.
  2. Create an effective filing system.
  3. Use checklists.

1. Create a “To-Do” box or bin.

A To-Do box—where you can file tasks others have asked you to do—will help you stay focused on what needs to be done at the moment. If you’re working on an e-mail to a publisher, get distracted with a fax you just received and accidentally send the e-mail to your best friend in Kentucky, you might want to consider doing some more organizing.

2. Create an effective filing system.

Oh, the joys of filing. Joy? Or pain? It really depends. If you are able to function with a basic filing system of, “To Do Now,” “To Do Later,” and “To Forget About,” then use whatever floats your boat. I recommend using a filing system that adds even one additional step: “Archive.” A filing system will help keep your workspace clean, tidy, efficient, and overall nice to work in.

3. Use checklists.

As doctors are now figuring out, that they can cut surgical deaths in half if they use a checklist,* Shouldn’t we take the hint, too? A checklist can help you take your manuscript from beginning to end, or help you know what you need to get done in your day, so you can get to writing that next bestseller.

*http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28662096/

James Owens is the office assistant to the manager of Notation Printing and Marketing Group. He’s 17 years old and attends White River Online Learning.

(By the way: are you looking for even more free tools, tips, and resources? Follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date on the latest)

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