10 Habits That Organized and Efficient People Have

Do you long to be more organized and efficient? I think this is a common desire, I know it is something that I am always tweaking in my own life. As a mom of eight, I can honestly say that being organized and efficient are essential skills in my daily life.

I have learned to become more organized and efficient over time, and I have some amazing skills to share.

Here are what I consider to be the 10 habits that organized and efficient people have.

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1. Work with a deadline

Just as with close-ended goals, having a deadline to meet is an automatic motivator. Of course we know that not everything will always get completed within the assigned deadline, but developing the habit of creating a deadline for tasks both great and small is so beneficial.

2. Develop a calendar, planner, and scheduling system that works for you

There can be one thing that will accomplish these things all in one or perhaps different systems for each one, but keep working with different ways in which to plan, schedule, and organize everything that you need to keep track of. I am completely a paper girl, and this has been my favorite planner thus far.

PlanAhead Mom’s 18 Month Planner, July 2015 -December 2016, Assorted Colors, Color May Vary (86364)

3. Write everything down

Write down your plans, your mission statement, write down your goals, bite-sized goals, steps of execution, reminders, and so much more. Keeping things in your head is a pretty good way to make sure that it is in your head that these things will stay. Writing things down serves as a call to action to complete that thing you’ve written down.

4. Focus on the task at hand

This is one of the main advantages to writing down your goals and action plans since you can stay on track without getting distracted and running off course. If you don’t have an organized and efficient plan of action written down, you are more likely to end up chasing after some squirrels that catch your eye.

5. Stay on top of paper clutter

Whether it’s mail, bills to pay, important papers to file, or papers relevant to your work or business, staying on top of them means they won’t ever overtake you. If your paper clutter multiplies like mine does, it can turn into a nightmare overnight. Therefore, staying on top of it in the first place is key.

6. Stay on top of digital clutter

Boy, do I need to work on this one. I am so challenged when it comes to organizing my email, photos, reminders, and messages and deleting the things I no longer need. However, I have discovered that when I do, my life is just less overwhelming.

7. Set limits

What are your time wasters? What are your money wasters? What is it that you give real estate to in your brain that you just shouldn’t? Set limits on these things. Then, live within these limits.

8. Live with less

The truth is, the less stuff you have the easier it is to manage. This is true for our kids (this is why I limit the amount of clothing, books, and stuff that my kids who are organizationally challenged have access to), but it is also true for adults. If you are having trouble keeping up with things, it’s probably because you have too many things in the first place.

9. Maintain a regular schedule

Schedules create order. Go to bed and rise at consistent times. Schedule household, work, and personal tasks on consistent times and on consistent days. Eating meals and even exercising at regular times are highly beneficial for both physical and mental health.

10. Don’t be afraid to say no

At times you will have to say no to others, but at times you will have to say no to yourself as well. Throughout this course you’ve taken the time and put forth the effort to make lifestyle changes, to be more selective and intentional in the things you do, and to make plans for the future while also developing new skills. Keep the momentum moving forward by not letting others or the impulsive decisions you make throw you off course.

I’ve talked about this book, The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands, so many times before, but it really is the best resource I have found in addressing this specific topic.

Are you ready to take this course to the next level? Then these 10 habits are a great place to start!

Does this making over your mornings idea interest you? Want to know more?

This is the focus of day 14 in Crystal Paine’s course, Make Over Your Mornings. This course may be just what you’ve been looking for. Click on the banner below to find out more about it!

The beauty of this course is that since it is a download, it is a one time purchase that you make and can then use again and again. In this way, you can complete it in 14 days, or, you can work through it more slowly if that appeals to you.

You still have time to get your mornings streamlined before the busyness of life completely takes over.

 

Looking for extra help with getting organized? I’ve created the perfect resource for you!