[edtf]

Please share some of your tips for organizing and time management. I feel that this is a severe weak point in my life. I have always been overcoming poor planning and time management because I have good instinct and street smarts, but it is about time to make the best out of my abilities and be a better man.

Anything helps, strategies, software, books, etc.

I've been reading the book Getting Things Done, but it seems like its too rigid in its approach, maybe it would work better if I stuck to its model 100%.

[Heathree]

I think lack of organisation has something to do with being lazy, spending far too much time on 'easy' and unneccessary things rather then difficult chores. Its probably a mental (inner game) thing too. Of all the positivity associated with Internet, I bet people spent way too much time of things like Facebook, twitter, porn, YouTube and thereby reduce productivity.

[Frater]

You can find tips about that on Victor Pride website : he has a quite good program called 30 days of discipline : http://boldanddetermined.com/

Basically, the point is to plan your day the night before, get up early (like 5 or 6 AM), get things done in the morning, etc.

I find that goal setting helps a lot. Set precise and realistic goals for your week and then plan your daily activities accordingly.

[TonyD]

Using a daily journal has been a tremendous asset to me. I write the date on the top of the page and make a list of tasks/errands/meetings/people to call, and I prioritize based on importance (more important = higher rank). I spend my day completing the tasks and at the end of my work day I review the day's events, and compile the page for the next day.

If I didn't get to everything on the list, chances are that I at least took care of most of the important stuff. Also, crossing things off of the list makes me feel accomplished and confident.

[Ensam]

Write down three non-recurring things you want to get done everyday. Start doing those things.

As you think up other tasks during your day figure out when you want to get them done and then write them down on a calendar on the day you want to start them. Pretty soon your calendar will become your daily task list. Pick the top three things everyday and get those done. You'll find that you stop spending as much time worrying about what to do and more time doing it.

[Old Fritz]

I have a number of things that I do to stay organized. The first is that I have a personal journal for contingency plans and sheets where I make daily to do list. I also recommend keeping a ledger for finances so you can keep track of the money you have and spend.

i have a journal for my studying of spanish, japanese, etc. Also have a workout ledger.

I keep other types of journals but that's a start. Keep your areas clean and throw out what isn't useful.

[Enjoythedecline]

The best way for me is to use a check list. I'm using a free program called Wunderlist, it is available for computer/smartphones/tablets.

[edtf]

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions. I will try out your advice.

[Sombro]

[DJ-Matt]

Google phones have "Keep" which also does reminders.

[MargStone]

Think which things to prioritize first . List down these things or task for you to remember .

[AneroidOcean]

I am by no means a well organized person. That will change.

However, in the meantime the one addition I can make to this thread is a concept that is very powerful.

What is a priority? Not the thing that's at the top of your to do list, not the thing on the list marked with the highest priority, it's what you're doing RIGHT NOW.

If what you're doing RIGHT NOW is not your priority, why are you doing it

[Drazen]

Have a note pad on your desk to write stuff down. I also use the large POST-IT note pads frequently. That has helped me tremendously to write down tasks I need to do. It seems really basic and stupid, but it helps me more than doing "to do" lists on my computer with followup reminders.

[Impulse]

I'm not nearly as organized as I should be at the moment. My organization kicks in at times of need rather than at all times.

Something that's truly helped me with my organization would have to sadly be my Galaxy S3. I'm in no way a Smartphone Zombie..but I will say it can be an asset to the mind prone to disarray.

One app, 'Cal', has saved my ass on assignments and events.

[Cattle Rustler]

(08-22-2014 06:37 PM)Drazen Wrote:  

Have a note pad on your desk to write stuff down. I also use the large POST-IT note pads frequently. That has helped me tremendously to write down tasks I need to do. It seems really basic and stupid, but it helps me more than doing "to do" lists on my computer with followup reminders.

Same here, simple and old school works better than popping up an app, typing, then saving it.