high level tips from our air traffic controller - get yourself organized in the new year

the year has begun, we've set our goals and intentions, so now it's time to clean up and create space for the new. while you're dusting off the cobwebs on closet items you haven't touched in over a year, it's time to do the same with your work space AND the processes you've adapted to.

declutter to destress: clear the space to clear your mind

sometimes a task or project can be daunting because there is simply just too much "junk" in the way. start simple with a quick clean out of all the things that don't suit you and your new intentions - both physically and digitally. how do we do this? we make 3 piles: the get rid of's, the keepers, and the come back to's. first, start with your physical space. look at each item that surrounds you and ask yourself, "does this effectively help me achieve my goals?" if the answer is 'it could' or 'it might' then you've found yourself another project. set it in the pile to come back to. all the no's and haven't touched items can find a new home (and NOT your junk drawer either). give it to a friend, donate it, whatever it may be - just clear it out completely. now so the space is physically clear of all the unnecessary, let's move to the digital world. sift through that computer, phone, tablet of yours and do a nice clean. send items to the trash that you no longer need sitting on your desktop just in case something comes up, keep the files and programs that help you crush your day-to-day, and set the things aside that could use a little refresh.

repair and replace to ramp up to speed

so we got rid of all the no's, kept the yeses, and are coming back to the maybe's. here's where we ask ourselves: what can I do to this item, process, etc. to help me get where I need to be? for example: that planner that you always repurchase every year because you like to write things down works, but you often forget to bring it places and lots of events don't get written down. let's repair that process and consider using an online calendar - one that sets reminders for you, can be labeled and color-coded, and is with you at all times. this step can be a little tedious, but it's what makes a world of difference. adapting and changing how and why we do things is extremely necessary if you are actually serious about achieving the big goals you've set for yourself this year.

all is flushed out so we can keep good flow

now is when we can really begin diving into new ideas, projects, passions. getting in the groove takes time, which is why it's important to set yourself up for success before you dive in. once you're in the grind, don't forget to stop and check in - with yourself and with others. are the new replacement items working for you? are they meshing with your teammates and coworkers?

a few of the fundamental tips and tools I have found helpful

but remember, these may not work for you in the same ways they do for me.

01. If it's not in front of me, I forget. This means that if I put something in a drawer, close out a tab, etc. but plan on coming back to it later, there is almost a 95% chance I forget to come back to it, and about a 50% chance that I remember to write it down somewhere as a reminder. Sooo, when working on the day-to-day, I keep tabs open on my computer until I have completed the task. That way, before shutting the computer for a lunch break, or closing up for the day, I know what things I need to come back to.

02. Create calendar events, even if it's not an event. Our schedules are so busy, and there's lots to get done in a day. Make project deadlines and check-ins like appointments - set a date and time you need to do something or be somewhere, push the notifications ON to remind you before said date and time, and color code the event if you want to be super organized.

03. Use draft emails as templates. Before sending any lengthy email, or an email you could foresee yourself copying and pasting in the future, create a draft form. Take time to write something up once, then copy over to a new email - don't send this draft out. That way, you always that draft to come back to, copy, tweak a sentence or two, and send off to another client. No more sifting through an entire inbox, sent emails folder, client folders, etc. to find what you wrote that one time. Save yourself a little time and brain power, and just do it once.

04. Consistency is key, and everything has a place. There should be a rhyme or a reason as to why you put something somewhere. Whatever that reasoning is, keep it consistent. For example, let's say you are saving a file and for one project you create separate folders for each phase, but for the next project you save all in one folder with the phase as the title of the file name. Both are organized in some way, but not the same way. Over time, that will create chaos and uncertainty, especially when it's not an sole project!

There are always going to be new ways to organize our space, our thoughts, our energy, etc. The key is to continue to find what works for you, to stick with it, and to adjust whenever it no longer works. As Benjamin Franklin has once stated, "For every minute spent organizing, is an hour earned."