How to Get Organized and Stay That Way

One way to stay on track to hitting your goals is to not only get organized but stay organized. You can have all the best intentions in the world of getting organized but if it only lasts one day, was it even worth the effort?

I must admit that I have not been very good at keeping myself organized for a while now. It’s easy to let things slip and then it just becomes routine not to do them. Uuugh. I have too many tornadoes swirling around in my head these days. So… It’s time to get back on track. 

In my last post, I wrote about how to get organized and free yourself from chaos. You should check it out if you also have too many tornadoes swirling around in your head!

So to help us stay organized we need a system. There are tons of different ways that you can organize yourself and you’re probably aware of most, but keep reading, I’ll bet you find something new and possibly some new inspiration to help in your journey. I’m excited to try a new idea that I found while researching this post. Read on to find out which one!

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Planners

Who doesn’t LOVE a good planner? A good planner will keep you on track and motivated throughout the weeks, months and year. But finding the right one is key.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a planner. Paper or digital? What about the size, is it too big or too small? Is there enough space to write in the boxes? Does it have other features that you may be looking for like meal planning or goal setting?

 And there are sooooo many planners out there these days. Sometimes it’s just trial and error to find one that works best for you and your lifestyle. 

For me, I have tried many planner apps on my phone and have never been able to stick with one. It just seems so much easier for me to pull out a pen and a piece of paper to jot down a quick note. But then keeping up with all the pieces of paper I wrote all my little notes on is another story. So what I normally do is make notes in my Notes app on my phone if I’m out running errands or at work and think of something that needs to be done. Then when I get home I put it in my planner.

At home, I use my Living Well Planner. This planner has it all. It’s a beautiful hardbound planner with tons of space to write. And let me tell you they have thought of everything.

The months and days are not prefilled so you can pretty much start using it at any time during the year. Each day is timed so you can plan hour by hour if that’s what you like to do. Time blocking is a great method to use with this planner. Each day also includes your 3 must-do tasks and a meal planner.

There are also sections each month for you to plan out your monthly goals and projects, plan your budget and expenses and express your gratitude on the reflections page.

This planner has everything you need all in one place. So it’s a great resource to have to keep you organized and on track throughout the year. You can get the Living Well planner at livingwellshop.co.

If productivity apps are more you’re thing or if you haven’t ever used them but would like to give them a try here are some of the top-rated apps for your smartphone.

• Evernote
• Cozi Family Organizer
• Calendars by Readdle
• Google Calendar

Now, something I recently discovered and I really would like to give it a try is a digital planner. This is totally different than an app. But it gives you the best of both worlds. It has the layout of a paper planner but it’s for an iPad. It works with any pdf annotation app such as Good Notes and apple pencil. Instead of pecking away at your small phone keyboard you use the pencil (or stylus) to write with.

I could definitely get into something like this. They sell different versions on Etsy. You know Etsy has the cutest things on there. I love browsing because I never know what I will come across–like digital planners. Who knew?? 

Bullet Journals

You’ve probably heard of a bullet journal before but do you know what they’re all about?

It can seem a bit confusing with all the symbols and “bujo” language they use but apparently, once you get the hang of it, it’s quite simple. It is a cross between a planner, to-do list and diary. You can make it as beautiful as you want, letting your creativity shine with colorful pens, doodles, handwriting, etc. You log daily, monthly and future tasks. And can personalize it to your own liking.

To be honest, I’m definitely not the go-to person for bullet journals so if this is something that you may be interested let me give you some resources.

Good Housekeeping has a great article called What Is A Bullet Journal? Or BuzzFeed has a detailed article you can read here.

To do lists – Focus each day

Staying focused throughout the day can be challenging, especially with social media and all the things to distract you online.

I know when I grab my phone to do something specific like look at my bank account, as soon as I open my phone up it’s like bright shiny object syndrome lol. I see all these other apps like Pinterest and start scrolling and looking at all the things I want to try or make or buy and no sooner than I looked down it’s already been an hour– lots of wasted time and nothing productive done.

Uuuugggh. By then I’ve already forgotten what I got my phone out for in the first place. Are you with me? I know I’m not the only one!

So to combat this problem it helps to have a to-do list. Plan your day out in the morning, write it all down so you can keep track and keep yourself accountable. Cross those tasks off as you go.

The Living Well shop has some great daily and weekly to-do lists. If your not so much into planners but still need something to help keep you focused these are for you!

The Weekly Wizard sticky notepad is a weekly to-do list that helps you prioritize your tasks for the week. There is space to list your most important tasks for health, personal growth, fun, and connections. Plan your week out on Sunday to be prepared for the week.

Then use the Do It Daily Sticky Notepad each morning to plan out and prioritize your day. Cross off those tasks as you go and enjoy your reward at the end of the day!

Again if you are not a paper person try these to-do list apps, but just remember not to get distracted by other shiny objects on your phone and stay focus on your tasks. 

• Wunderlist
• Todoist
• Microsoft To Do
• Post It App
• Do.list

Home Management Binder

You’ve probably seen these on Pinterest and they are super useful. I’ve had one for years but I’ve used it so much my binder is falling apart, so time to upgrade!

I have a great home management binder pack in the free Resource Library. You can get access to it here.

This is a place where you can keep anything and everything that pertains to you’re home and family such as information on monthly bills, pet records, kids schedules, work schedules, home improvement lists, menu planning, etc. It’s a great way to stay organized and have everything all in one place. Get a binder, dividers and maybe some plastic sleeves and voila!

Command Center

Having one spot that everyone in the family can go to to find information is essential. A corkboard or whiteboard will do the trick. Put it in a central location where everyone will be able to use it. You can put things up for the week like dinners, appointments, schedules, grocery lists, projects that need to get done, chore list, etc. The kids can add to it as well.  That way everyone is on the same page.

Take Away

Being organized can make such a HUGE difference in your life. And when you are working towards making your goals a reality, it is a crucial step. Being organized takes all of those jumbled up thoughts going on inside your head and lays everything out so that you have a clear focus. And staying focused is one of the ways we get things done! I encourage you to use some of these ideas and put together an organizing system that works for you.

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