Our level of productivity is directly proportional to our level of organisation. The GO (Get Organised) habits will help enhance a person’s effectiveness while boosting their productivity.
- The PLANNER HABIT
Buy a planner – Everyone has one, and no one uses it, but you are the exception. People think it’s only necessary to involve a planner when there’s a big event in their lives. Event planners are necessary but daily planners are a must-have. Planners such as meal planners, time management sheets, project planners, holiday planners, etc. are highly recommended by productivity experts. Whether it’s an online or notebook planner, you days will be more efficient than ever if you develop the habit of always using a planner. Use a planner to organise daily, monthly, quarterly and yearly goals, tasks, events and activities. When I speak to students, I tell them, ‘don’t just wake up on Friday and feel like seeing a friend, rather plan a timed visit to that friend while writing your plan for the week’. Be sure to stop by the store and purchase a notebook planner today, or if possible, make one yourself.
- The CHECKLIST HABIT
Make a daily checklist – Did you know you have a chance of remembering your “things to do” list 5 times as much if you put it on paper? Do you also know that using checklists can help in harm and accident reduction? Since the human nature has the tendency to forget, checklists are essential reminders. Checklists help in controlling disorganisation that could result in colossal damages. Recently, there was a fire outbreak in Lagos State that affected an auto retail company and the news had it that products worth billions were destroyed by the outbreak that was attributed to electrical sparks. In similar cases, reasons have been electrical sparks from power outlets like sockets and switches. A company checklist can help remind an employee to turn off some electrical devices and outlets before the close of work. A home travel-checklist can remind a person of all the appliances to turn off or all the adjustments to make in the home before embarking on a trip. A vehicle checklist can remind a car owner of when his car is due for servicing and or when his car papers are due for renewal. You must check items off the list once accomplished.
- The TIME-MINDFUL HABIT
Keep an eye on your timepiece –One bitter truth I have learnt to live by after attempting a relationship with TIME is that “she” is not and will never be my friend. Time never holds-on for me, she never tries to keep up with my pace, she never gives me a break and she never stops to even smile at me. Sometimes I’m tempted to think time is an enemy, but no, time is only being real. That’s just the way she is. So I have learnt to be real like time, always focused, steady and moving. I am grateful because I now understand that TIME is of the essence.
Be punctual, and ensure you make it to all your meetings and events in a timely manner. Who said being “fashionably late” was in? Avoid distractions; they gradually chip at your time and eventually absolutely ruin your plans.
- The FILING HABIT
Use your file cabinet – That old, empty, metal case you have lying around…use it! Be sure to update it and it’s a great tool for you to use to put away those loose papers occupying your desk. Whether at home or at work, please file every paper-work. Paper disorder is a resource-drainer, a health hazard and a productivity killer. Like I stated in the article “PAPER-CLUTTER: A RESOURCE DRAINER” organise your paper-work in categories and sub-categories and always organise and file any influx of paper-work in the home and office. Create a system for disposing worthless papers, magazines or donating used and still valuable magazines and books.
- The CLUTTER-FREE HABIT
Do some needed cleaning – There’s TONS of things we have lying around that we don’t use anymore. It’s time to clean out those closets, kitchens, office drawers, etc. Sort through the stuff and get rid of all the clutter. Things we haven’t used or even seen in…um…um…okay, we can’t even remember! If your space is full of clutter, your mind will certainly not be as clear as possible. Clutter in the space breeds clutter in the mind. You really want to enhance your effectiveness, reclaim your productivity and enjoy simplicity? It’s simple, be CLUTTER-FREE.
Grab these 5 habits now and enjoy the rest of the year.
I wish you an exceptional 2014!
Your Productivity Coach,
Jesmine.
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