The Most Effective Organizing Tip: The Fast 15!

15 minutes! That’s all it takes.

I often talk about The Fast 15! because consistency and routine build habits. Keeping up with the systems you create is the key ingredient to productivity success. The upkeep (or maintenance) will help you get more done on a daily basis.

Here’s how to start…

Schedule a daily time for the maintenance and add these appointments directly into your digital or paper calendar. When an appointment is in your schedule you are more likely to perform such tasks. At first if daily is too much for you, schedule The Fast 15! on a weekly basis instead.

At the end of each workday, take 15 minutes to organize your desk and workload for the next day. It is as simple as it sounds, and will set you up for success the next morning. This way each day you start with a blank slate and you don’t have to worry about yesterday’s work.

Here are the steps you need to take:

• Review your calendar for tomorrow noting any big deadlines and meetings.
• Add important tasks into your schedule as appointments to be completed.
• File the folders and papers you no longer need that are on your desk.
• Take out folders and information needed for the next day so you are prepared when you arrive in your office.
• Clear your desk and put away any office supplies or items used during the day.

In addition, you can do The Fast 15! at home. Before retiring to bed, take 15 minutes to organize your home and prepare for the next day’s activities.

• Straighten areas by gathering belongings and placing them in their designated “home”.
• Neaten up as necessary to eliminate clutter in the frequently used rooms.
  • I like to give each family member a bin/basket with their name on it. Have each person gather their items from around the home to be put back into their own room.
• Review your family’s calendar to see what important appointments or activities are happening tomorrow.
• Prepare items for the next day and put them together in one place so they are easily retrieved on the way out the door.
  • Make lunch or put snacks together for tomorrow.
• Prior to getting into bed put together your outfit that you’ll wear the next day.

I would love to hear what you think of these tips or if you have any to add.  Please comment below on the blog

Thanks and Good Luck!!