Help With That

A Guide for the Organisationally Challenged

Let’s be honest. some organised people are born with label makers in their hands and colour code spreadsheets to relax. Then there are the organisationally challenged. Is your desk is so messy it looks like it has been burgled? Is your to do list multiple post it notes scattered across 12 locations? The struggle of being an adult is mostly keeping your brain focused (instead of thinking about snacks).

You don’t need to become a minimalist guru overnight to gain some control. Here are three simple steps to nudge you from overwhelmed to organised.

Step 1: Empty Your Brain

Sometimes our brains operate like a well oiled machine and other times like an over sugared toddler. All those thoughts, tasks and ideas just bouncing around. It’s exhausting.

Grab whatever you have to hand. A notebook, notes page on your phone or a huge sheet of paper. Next just empty it all out. Every single thing that’s ricocheting round. Big tasks, small errands, that amazing idea you had last night. Write it all down. Don’t think about it, just let it all flow out. (You might want to gather up all those post it notes and lay them all out).

The simple act of seeing it all laid out will feel surprisingly cleansing. Once it’s all out, you have a clear landscape to work with.

Step 2: Focus on the Next Actionable Step

Now that your brain has emptied out, that huge pile of tasks can feel daunting. So instead of the urgent vs important method, focus on identifying the Actionable Next Step.

Go through the list and ask yourself: “What is the next action i need to take to move this forward?”

For example, instead of “Write Blog Post,” consider the next actionable step. It might be “Blog Post Title” or “Brainstorm Blog Post Content.”

This method breaks down those large tasks into small manageable actionable tasks. By focusing on the very next action, you can avoid the overwhelm and start making tangible progress. It’s about taking one small step forward which builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment. It’s about tricking your brain into getting started.

Step 3: Create Dedicated Focus Blocks

Good intentions often fall by the wayside without dedicated time. To truly take control of the chaos, you need to schedule time for focused work and admin tasks. This means creating “Focus Blocks” in your calendar and treating them as your most important appointments.

Decide when you will tackle your Actionable Next Steps. it could be 30 minute blocks, hour long sessions or even a full day. Depending on your energy levels and the task at hand. Consistency is the key. Schedule these blocks regularly and protect them fiercely from interruptions and distractions.

During these focus blocks, silence notifications, close the unnecessary tabs and dedicate your attention to the task at hand.

Taking Back Control is a Journey

Moving from overwhelmed to organised isn’t an instant transformation. But by building these steps into your routine, you will start to feel a greater sense of control over your workload and time. It’s about creating a process to manage the chaos. This process gives you the mental headspace to get on with what you are good at.

If you need some Help With That? Let me know!