If you’re anything like me, I get a little ways into January and realize I haven’t kept my life in order like I’d originally planned when the year started. And now in need of some good organization. I start out with great resolutions, but then realize I’ve flown straight into February and my great intentions might not be having the impact I’d intended.
Here are 5 great tools that help me tremendously in keeping things in order, and making life run a little more smoothly.
1. A Notebook: I’m of course, a big fan of the Plywood Sketchbook, but TOMS Shoes, Behance, and just your run of the mill composition notebooks are also very helpful. [My favorite is when they have pockets in the back. Otherwise I have little papers floating around.] I need to write stuff down. In a meeting someone has a great suggestion I want to remember. For some reason I just LOVE having lists of important things in written form. Also, I want to be able to look back on important things from a month ago. A good notebook is essential.
2. Trello: Have you used it yet? I’ve tried other digital to do lists, but they haven’t worked for me. They try to incorporate to much fanciness and all I want is to be able to see what I’m supposed to be working on. Trello is super simple to use, it’s free, and it’s keeping me in order!
3. Botanical Paperworks desk calendar: I need a calendar at a glance on a regular basis. I need to be able to look up at my computer screen and see what day the 31st is, or how many days February has this year. These little plantable calendars are perfect for seeing the month at a glance. You can even get them customized for your business so you can help other people have a solution to their calendar needs.
4. Action Stickers: We like to use these pretty little stickers for retreats and special events when there are a few really important things we’re wanting to remember. I keep a running “to do” list in a notebook, and they come in handy to remind me what’s extra super important when setting priorities.
5. Google Docs: You probably already use them. They’re SUPER easy, and amazing because everyone you share on the form, document, or spreadsheet can see the very most updated document. They are very useful. If you have a question for me about anything I do, I can probably share a google spreadsheet with you about how I have it organized. It borders on obsessive, and might be slightly ridiculous, but I love them.
What’s keeping you on track? What helps you keep in the front of your mind what is most important?
