Getting organised

[riverpebbles]

I have been on an organisation kick for the last week or so and it has helped me feel so much better. Just wanted to share as I'm sure some people here will relate.

I've cleaned up my digital files and organised them. I've got some funky themes and colour coding of digital folders on the go because computers are just so aesthetically grim - turns out there are dozens of college students on YouTube who will show you how to make your computer desktop pretty.

I've started a bullet journal - not particularly pretty but what I need. I still use my digital calendar for the source but then can take from that to get a weekly / monthly overview, etc.

I've rationalised my task list and my reference/idea files to be treated differently, so I'm not swimming drowning in a sea of ' x needs new tights' alongside 'maybe paint the dining room this colour one day'.

I've started going through some paper files although that feels less urgent as it isn't too badly organised.

Have got more motivation to tackle things like a kitchen drawer or a cupboard instead of just being overwhelmed. Feeling more in control and ready for the new term. .

I like the idea of rationalizing my task list. I too have ‘send school dinner money in’ together with ‘think about Christmas decorations’ and ‘look at removing tree from garden’.

I wouldn't say it's perfect now? But it definitely feels much more like 'a list of things I can / should / must tackle this week' rather than vague ideas.

I also feel much happier with a written list rather than a digital one. It just feel more real and more satisfying to tick off.

I don’t like digital lists, give me a notebook any day.

“Vague ideas” - the story of my life!

I read Getting Things Done years ago, and it helped me realise I do need to write everything down. BUT he is quite keen that you should write down vague ideas as well and I'm starting to wonder! I should just acknowledge that most of them are passing fancies that should not be elevated to the status of a note.

I love lists

“Elevated to the status of a note” made me laugh.

I too have many passing fancies, some pass quicker than others. But I need to keep focused on proper ‘to do’ stuff.

@riverpebbles - I also like the idea of rationalising the task list... Years ago when I was being very organised with work I had a 'plans for the future' type list and if I did some training that suggested good ideas, or someone recommended a good website to look at or document to read then I'd add them to this list (with an actionable date if necessary). Then when I had time I'd choose something from the list to action. Something similar for home would be a really good idea, so you keep track of ideas, but they don't bog down your daily list.