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5 Tips on How To Be More Organized

This post is sponsored by Erin Condren. My thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands I support.
Erin Condren Life Planner™
Planner: c/o Erin Condren (get it 15% off with  code GETSOCIAL15)
Striped tank top: Loft (old), similar here
Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch
Erin Condren Life Planner™ features

 

bookmarks with positive quotes

I don’t know about you, but I constantly feel like I have a never-ending list of “To Do’s” and I’m trying to multitask by doing several different things at once. At work, I’m managing different projects, tasks, meetings, and oh I have day-to-day stuff that has to be done every single day. Then when I get home, I have to cook, clean, run errands, etc, etc. Then I have this little hobby of mine called RD’s Obsessions, where I answer emails, handle social media, work on blog posts, and manage all the back end stuff that goes on when running a blog. I am also active with non-profit organizations and the list goes on.

On top of all of that, I still have chemo brain. Honestly, I’m already exhausted explaining all of this to you haha. But I know I’m not alone. We live in a world where there is not enough time in a day to get everything we need and want to get done.

Five Tips To Be More Organized
Stickers: c/o Erin Condren
Markers: c/o Erin Condren
Sticky Notes: c/o Erin Condren

One thing I know that has helped me stay on task and prevented me from being overwhelmed is staying organized. Being organized has helped me prioritize and manage my time wisely. If you constantly feel like you are running around with your head spinning, being organized will help you feel accomplished, prevent you from feeling overwhelmed, and also helps you get shit done!

5 Tips on How To Be More Organized

Five Tips To Be More Organized using a planner

1. Sit down and write a list.

Give yourself 10 minutes (and I honestly think it won’t take more than 5 minutes in reality) to write a list of ALL the things you want to get done. I usually create my list for the day first thing in the morning after I shower and settle into my desk at work. I write it all out! Also, Sunday I write down what I’d like to accomplish that week. This helps me create my daily lists.
Erin Condren Life Planner beside coffee cup

2. Define what can realistically be done.

After looking at your list, think about what you can realistically do in a day. Sometimes, I have to write out next to each item how long it takes to complete each task. This also helps me figure out what I can actually do and what I can sacrifice. This will assist in prioritizing. Remember, there are only 24 hours in a day and you also HAVE TO make time for a proper good night’s sleep.
Five Tips To Be More Organized
Clutch: c/o Erin Condren

 

3. Make a schedule and create deadlines.

Now that you know your to-do list and have defined what you can do in a day, put it in a schedule. For instance, at work, I devote the first half hour to answering emails, then the next hour I devote to daily tasks I have to complete, etc. I give myself mini deadlines (or I like to call it, daily goals) so I know I am accomplishing what needs to get done. Have a meeting or want to set a time to chat with someone? Put it in a calendar. It is the only way that you will not forget and it will ensure time is dedicated to it.

4. Stick to your schedule.

I get it, there are things that will pop up that will be out of your control. Some you have to put all your attention to. But most of the time, it can wait. Follow your schedule and then get back to it. I know when I check my emails, everything appears ‘urgent’. I stick to my schedule anyway. But if I get distracted by every email that comes through, I will never get anything done. It’s also okay to get off track here and there to handle TRULY urgent matters. But you don’t want to get knocked off your schedule constantly. Remember when I said I dedicate time to answering emails in #3? That’s how that gets handled!
Five Tips To Be More Organized

 

5. Buy a planner.

Want to know how Steps 1 through 4 can get done? By getting a planner! Writing it out and visually seeing what has to be done helps you become more organized and productive. Plus, you will not forget it. I have chemo brain, so I feel like I am always forgetting things. So I write down a lot of my to-do’s. If you’re on the hunt for a new planner, I recommend the Erin Condren Life Planner™.
Not sure if you remember, but last month I attended an event at Dylan’s Candy Bar hosted by Erin Condren and shared it on Instagram. But if you’ve never been to Dylan’s Candy Bar, I highly recommend it! The cocktails are amazing and the food is delicious! Plus, it is a candy store so it will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth nostalgia. If you also have kids, they would be in heaven. So basically it is a win for a family haha! I was introduced to all the features of the Erin Condren Life Planner™ at this event.
 
Life planner recommendation

Why Erin Condren Life Planner™

 
One of my favorite features is that their planners are customizable. If you know me, you know I love to customize! I love it when things feel special and made just for you! They have a large selection of different covers, and within those covers you can select different color options, different bindings, etc. The options are endless! It can be personalized, so of course I added my name on the front cover. But you can also use your initials, monogram, or even your blog’s (or business’) name. It’s totally up to you!
The Erin Condren Life Planner™ is made for you. So all these fun features can be tailored to your personality. Another cool feature, is that the covers are interchangeable! So if you decided you no longer liked your current cover and/or wanted to switch it up based on different seasons, you totally can! How fun is that! I know I am always changing my mind, so it’s great for someone like me haha.
No joke, this planner makes organizing more fun. The layout is great to follow and fits any lifestyle and it actually makes me feel better about my chemo brain. I know it sounds silly, but when your mind is foggy everything can be overwhelming. So having my planner makes it easier.
With that said, I highly recommend trying it out! You can get 15% off your planner. Just make sure you are using the promo code ‘GETSOCIAL15‘. You won’t regret it! If you do get one, let me know what you think and how you personalized and customized it! I’m a stationary junkie, so I love hearing this kind of stuff haha!
Five Tips To Be More Organized
5 Tips To Be More Organized

xo RD

Comments

  19. Laura Yoder says

    Love love love this post!!! I need to get my life organized right now – definitely need to start making some lists, I know that would help so much!

    Laura
    Black Coffee Beautiful

    Reply

  24. Ashley says

    I am obsessed with my Erin Condren planner and teacher plan book! They are perfect for keeping me organized all year long. It doesn't hurt that they are SO cute too!

    Reply

  35. Laura says

    I love my Erin Condren! I actually grabbed the one from Amazon, it's the hardbound one. I like that there's more room. I write so big that I run out of room! I love the cover of the one you got.

    Reply

  36. Susie @ Mile High Dreamers says

    These are fantastic tips! I LOVE making lists, but weirdly, I tend to forget about making them when I'm the most stressed out/busy. I'm definitely going to make a schedule for this coming school year because it'll be my first year blogging and teaching!
    And as a teacher, I'm always on the hunt for a better planner, I'll definitely be checking this one out!

    Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com

    Reply

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