Staying organised is an essential skill that can benefit all areas of your life, and meeting work deadlines is undoubtedly one of them. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and careful planning to stay on top of things. But don’t worry – in this blog, we’re going to share some practical tips that will help you stick to your deadlines.
So let’s dive in and explore some of the best ways to keep yourself on track to staying organise at work.
Setting realistic deadlines
One of the biggest mistakes people make is setting impossible deadlines that leave them feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. To avoid this, make sure to set achievable deadlines that take into account your schedule, resources, and support system. Be honest about the challenges you’re facing and ask your boss for support or guidance. They may be able to provide additional resources or adjust your workload to help you stay on track. Remember, it’s better to address any issues early on rather than waiting until it’s too late.
Break down your tasks
Breaking down your big tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, allows you to take on an otherwise overwhelming task one piece at a time. This gives you a clear starting point and makes the task feel much less daunting. To get started, take a look at the big picture and figure out what needs to be done. Then, break it down into smaller tasks that you can work on individually. Depending on the project, this may mean creating a task list or a project plan. This will give you a roadmap to follow and help you stay organised and focused.
When breaking down tasks, aim to make them small enough that you can complete them within a reasonable time frame, this could be a few hours or less. This way, you’ll feel like you’re making progress and can build momentum towards completing the larger project.
Prioritising
To prioritise your tasks effectively, start by considering their urgency and importance. Urgent tasks are those that need to be completed quickly, while important tasks are those that have a significant impact on the outcome of the project or task. Once you’ve identified which tasks are urgent and important, you can then rank them in order of priority.
One way to do this is by using the Eisenhower Matrix, which divides tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. See the diagram below that explains how to use the Eisenhower Matrix:
By prioritising your tasks in this way, you can stay focused on the most critical tasks and avoid getting sidetracked by less urgent ones. This can help you stay on track and meet your deadlines without feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be completed.
Project management tools
There are a number of project management tools available that can help you stay organised and on track. Some popular options include Trello, Asana, and Basecamp. At Organise.Curate.Design we love using Asana internally, as well as with our clients.These tools can help you keep track of your deadlines, set reminders, and collaborate with others on the project.
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking can be tempting, but it often leads to decreased productivity and poor quality work. Instead, focus on one task at a time, and give it your full attention. This will help you complete the task more efficiently and produce higher quality work.
Take breaks
Taking breaks is crucial for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Schedule short breaks throughout the day, and make sure to take a longer break when you need to recharge. Use this time to step away from your work and do something you enjoy.
Staying organised and meeting work deadlines are essential skills that can benefit your personal and professional life. Another part of increasing your productivity and organisation at work is creating a workspace that suits your needs.
Having a workspace that’s organised and tidy can truly make a difference in how productive and creative you are, as well as your overall happiness. When you’re surrounded by a visually appealing and well-organised environment, it can have a positive effect on your emotions, reduce anxiety, and help you concentrate on your work better.If you’re looking to improve how your workspace looks and feels, here are some handy tips to help you get started:
Make It Your Own
Your workspace should be a reflection of your unique style and personality. Think about the colours, textures, and materials that you find inspiring and choose items that reflect your taste. By infusing your workspace with elements that speak to you, you can create a space that is both practical and visually appealing. Doing so inspires motivation and makes your workspace a place you enjoy being in.
Clear Out the Clutter
If you’re looking to boost your productivity and spark your creativity, then decluttering your workspace is a must. Start by getting rid of anything that’s no longer needed, and organise your supplies in a way that makes sense for you.
Pick Comfortable and Practical Furniture
It’s important to choose furniture for your workspace that is both comfortable and functional. Look for chairs that are ergonomically designed, desks that can be adjusted to your needs, and other items that support your posture and work style. A good idea to save some money is to check out Facebook Marketplace for these items before you decide to buy something new.
Get Creative with Storage
Keeping your workspace well-organised calls for creative storage solutions. You can make use of wall-mounted shelves, under-desk drawers, and other storage options to keep your materials and supplies close at hand yet not in your way. With the right storage, you can keep your workspace neat and tidy while still having everything you need within reach.
Bring Nature Indoors
Adding plants and natural elements to your workspace can do wonders for your mood and well-being. Not only do plants have a calming effect, but they also help improve air quality. Try bringing in some greenery, and let in as much natural light as possible.
By following our tips, you can transform your workspace into a place that inspires you and helps you stay focused on your tasks. So why not take some time to give your workspace a little makeover and see the positive difference it can make in your work life?
