Organization Makes Life Easier!
1. Don’t live your life according to your to-do list
This one might seem counterintuitive to you, it certainly sounded strange to me. However, I tried following a to-do list to make myself more organized, and I ended up stressing out about how much I needed to get done in a short amount of time. I was getting some strange anxiety about not being able to cross something off my list by the end of the day.
I quickly realized that sometimes life just gets in the way! Not everything can go according to plan, or according to a list, and you need to be ready to adjust and change your goals or tasks accordingly. If the idea of a to-do list terrifies you like it terrifies me, try only making a list for the week rather than each day, and only including the most important tasks you need to accomplish. That way, your list doesn’t get out of control, and you aren’t forgetting the important things you need to accomplish during the week.
If a to-do list works for you, but you have trouble following it, I highly recommend setting up a virtual to-do list. In our law school and legal careers, we all spend so much time on our devices that a to-do list is harder to avoid if it’s greeting you on your computer every day.
2. Limit distractions
Between social media, texting your friends, and the occasional online meme, distractions are truly everywhere! Unfortunately, your productivity suffers if you take constant breaks to check Instagram (unless of course, you’re looking at our Instagram: @mypracticepro).
If you have trouble limiting yourself, there are specific apps you can download and improve your productivity. You can set limits for specific apps that you use often, or just set a general social media cap for the day on your phone or laptop.
Sometimes, instead of going on your phone, you just need to switch up your activities. If you’re tired of reading for evidence and need a break, try switching over to outlining or reading for another class. Then, when you’re all done for the day, you can enjoy your downtime by relaxing and enjoying social media or watching your favorite TV show.
3. Work smarter, not harder
Important activities should come first! While it might be tempting to get a few smaller tasks done first and cross them off the list, chances are, those can be accomplished later. However, if you run out of time to finish the one big task you should have prioritized to begin with, you’ll likely feel much more stressed and anxious.
If your schedule permits, I would recommend getting a few larger tasks out of the way right after you wake up in the morning. This will ensure that you’re starting your day productively and puts you in a great rhythm for the rest of the day. Given the nature of school and work though, that might not always be possible, and that’s okay! Organization is a process, and one path doesn’t work for everyone. Don’t be afraid to play around with your schedule and find what makes you feel the most organized.
4. Have a place for everything
To kick-start your organization, try to devote a day to clean and organize your home. Now I’m not just talking about tidying up, but really finding a meaningful place for the items you use on a daily basis. The more organized you are, the less likely you are to leave your place a mess after you finish getting ready in the morning.
I feel like every day I come back from school, my room is an absolute mess because I couldn’t find what I was looking for that morning. I end up wasting time on cleaning when I could start on my homework and finish earlier in the evening. If all of your things have a dedicated space, you won’t waste time organizing throughout the week and you’ll always know where things are when you’re in a rush. I have recently started devoting an hour or two on Saturday morning to organizing my room for the following week, and it has really improved the organization of my day. The most important thing is to find a system that works for you and try to stick with it, but don’t be discouraged if this takes time!
