In order to experience each day in a joyful and productive way, we need to be organized. It’s unlikely we can show up as our best selves and have the capacity to serve others when feeling overwhelmed. While I have favorite apps and techniques, my methods are certainly not the only ways to stay organized. I asked other business leaders what they are doing to manage an overflowing email inbox, to-do lists, and related time management tips in and out of my DoingCXRight® clubhouse community.
Below is a summary of our lively discussions. I encourage you to try one or all suggestions to get more organized. People will notice and appreciate it as you’ll be less stressed, more focussed and better able to enhance relationships with colleagues and customers.
10 Tactics To Get More Organized & Minimize Stress
- Intentionally set appointments with yourself. Wake up at least 30 minutes earlier than normal to prioritize your day. Popular books to help you include “The 5am Club: Own your Morning & Elevate Your Life” and also The Miracle Morning.
- Manage your energy. Self-awareness is key to being organized and efficient. If for example, you tend to get tired in the afternoon, schedule your hardest tasks in the morning.
- Leverage apps and tools to manage To-Do lists and workflows. My favorite app is called, THINGS, as the user experience (UX) is simple and intuitive. I also like Trello to collaborate with others and meet deadlines.
- Create transition time between meetings. Book 45 minutes instead of 60, and 20 minutes versus 30 so you can take bio breaks and regain focus on the next topic.
- Create email folders and set rules to automatically send messages to a designated place, such as items you are copied (CC). Don’t forget to check the folder later.
- Communicate and set expectations with others. Let people know the best way to reach you, such as text for urgent matters and 1–1 meetings for longer topics, to ensure nothing goes unanswered.
- Color code your inbox. Choose a bright color to clearly see messages from your boss, customers, and other important people that you don’t want to miss communications from. The same applies to calendar activities.
- Read books that focus on getting organized. A popular recommendation includes: “The 1-minute manager meets the monkey.” Also, check out Atomic Habits to break cycles that are not working for you.
Continue reading on my DoingCXRight blog and sign up for my newsletter for more tips to stay organized and improve experiences every day.
