Organizational Skills
How do you organize yourself? Are you the type of person who operates in chaos? Do you write things down? Does color-coding appeal to you? Are you so neat you can’t find anything; are you too sloppy? These are all important questions to getting organized!
What are some methods to use in getting organized? Here are some examples for you to consider:
Why is this important?
Knowing how you learn will help you adapt methods to support what you do best! If you are a visual learner, then writing things down in a planner or schedule may be a great way to get yourself organized; adding colors may enhance the visual approach! As an audio learner, you may have to record notes and reminders to yourself – call your cell phone and leave a message! You’d be surprised how easy it is to generate a “to do” list by talking out loud! If you like to use your hands, allow your creativity to design a tool to give you support – remember, this is created for YOU. However you choose to create a “to-do list”, if it is meaningful for you and supports your needs and learning style, it will be successful!
Here are some tips to getting started:
- What do you want to accomplish? Is it just to list items for completion? Are you planning to create a tool to help you list homework, chores, your job and co-curricular commitments, too? Make a list and number these items from most important to least important (task prioritization).
- How will you best utilize the tool you create to achieve what do you want to
- accomplish?
- Will your method be time-effective? You don’t want to spend valuable time working with something that uses your time more than your homework and other obligations require! Create a tool that is efficient FOR YOU!
- Once you have your plan – begin to put it in place! How? Start with the most important item and decide where, when and how you will begin?
- Where?Where is the best place for you to organize yourself, to study, to practice an instrument, or to do your chores/job.
- When?Look to your newly created list and assign a day/time you will devote to the task.
- This may take some additional planning depending on the task-at-hand. If you need to include other people in this part, such as your parents or group members, be sure to include their needs as well. This will help ensure your success.
- Try out your plan – take it for a “test drive” and tweak it where necessary. You will be able to make changes according to your on needs and style! You’re on your way to becoming more organized!
- Make sure to cross off completed tasks – this is a great feeling and is a visual reminder of your accomplishments.