How to Organize

Question: How do you stay organized?

Answer: I don’t. I’m so unorganized, but I think I would waste more time organizing than it actually returns.            –Matthew, Class of 2014.

Many students have tried complex, color-coded filing systems or premium productivity apps guaranteed to turn their lives around, but tend to find them more work than they’re worth.  However, almost all Jefferson students can agree that a basic organization plan is important for success.  Organization also reduces stress and improves productivity.  Here are some simple but effective organization strategies suggest by fellow students and experts:

• Use the “bare naked filing system.”  Cal Newport introduced the wonders of bare naked filing in this Monday Master Class.  In this system, you’ll buy a box of manila folders and place them by your desk. Then you can store anything important in a new folder, label it, and put it in a pile.  If you already have a folder for a subject/project, then put the new papers into the existing folder.  This method seems so easy, but it works incredibly well!  You have instant access to your papers and a convenient system that takes almost no time to maintain.
• Capture everything on paper.  If you don’t write an idea or assignment, you’ll most likely forget it.  Have you ever listened to a teacher explain an assignment, but then go home and blank?  Start writing down due dates, assignment details, and other important information in a notebook, mobile app, or just on a piece of paper.  Your memory will go through the roof and your stress will fall dramatically.
• Dedicate 15 minutes each day.  Clutter accumulates. And no one wants to clean a room full of junk. Prevent that pile from even forming by spending 10-15 minutes each night putting away your spare papers, materials, and anything that doesn’t belong.  Put things in their proper places, file away your papers, and enjoy a clean desk from only a few moments of work per night.
• Make lists for each day. By making a list of everything you need to do in a given day, you’ll be able to plan your day effectively and reduce the stress of not knowing how much is on your plate.  Some students suggest listing tasks by class and then by date.  Others list them by priority.  But regardless of how you list tasks, lists provide excellent guidelines.

Have any other simple tactics to organize your life?  How important is organization to you?  Let me know your thoughts, questions, and ideas in the comments!