Obstacles to Organization
Of course, we all want to have that perfectly clear desk, no post-it notes on the computer monitor, all of our files sorted neatly in filing cabinets or on our computers, etc.
Let’s face it, in our minds; time is far better spent on doing more “productive” things like making money or getting work done. With that said, we rounded up the top three reasons why you won’t get organized today, tomorrow or next week. But, pay attention, you’ll learn how you can overcome these obstacles as well!
Top 3 Reasons Why You Won’t Get Organized Today (And the Solution)
1. Emails
Emails are continuously flooding your inbox. How many of those emails are business related? A better question, how many of those emails are silly forwards from your friends and family telling you that you will have a pot of gold under your bed if you forward this email to 13 lucky friends?
Solution: Stop answering every email when it comes into your inbox. Prioritize your emails according to the importance and set time aside several times per day to answer those emails. All of the other, junk mail, used loosely, can be answered after you finish your work for the day.
2. Paperwork
Paperwork piles typically start off small. You say to yourself, “I’ll take care of this tomorrow and put it where it belongs.” In the back of your mind, you know you are kidding yourself. That small pile eventually gets taller and taller, and now it takes you 20 minutes to find that important document that your boss or colleague needs. Not to mention, you are missing deadlines because you have post-it notes four layers deep on your computer monitor.
Solution: Purchase desktop organizers and additional file storage systems. Sorting the paperwork on your desk will help you quickly find what you need and keep your day moving forward. Organizing your office is not a one-day job. It takes place over the course of several days. Trying to cram it into one day will frustrate you even more and continue to put off the inevitable.
Instead of post-it notes, write down important deadlines and projects in a notepad or day planner. If you are feeling up to it, you can use a calendar tool on your computer and completely eliminate excess paper. Most online calendar tools allow you to set reminders, so you don’t forget important events.
3. Poor Time Management
Time management is probably one of the leading issues preventing you from getting your work and organization completed. You walk into the office, share stories about your night out with your friends, grab a cup of coffee and run into “Suzie” who had the best night ever, than you mosey on over to the mail room to pick up your mail and finally arrive at your desk an hour and a half into your shift. You realize that your desk is covered in paperwork that you were not able to get to yesterday thus, pushing your deadlines back even further.
Solution: Meet up with friends and co-workers before and after your shift. Managers are paid to ensure their employees are productive and cost-effective. With every distraction possible around you these days in the way of cell phones, social media sites, and the likes, less time is being spent on day to day work functions. Use your lunch breaks to catch up with the crew.
