Photo via sigridandco.com
Even if you don't work from home it's important to have an area of your home dedicated to productivity. It's helpful for when you are trying to be productive because you have it to go to, but it also will allow you to separate your workspace from your relaxation space.
Dedicate a corner of a room or an entire room to your work- whatever that may be. If you work with your computer or tablet make sure this is where your charger is stored (don't forget to unplug it from the wall and save $$). Some sort of calendar should be here as well, even if it's your planner. Don't be afraid to add a snake plant or a pothos to your space, they are low maintenance and will bring in some life. If you're a vision board type of person this would be the ideal place to display it. If that's not your thing - it's not exactly mine either - try sticky notes placed around your workspace that remind you what you're working for.
Keep the space uncluttered. Try to streamline your workspace so that it works for you. If you have to have tangible files and papers try to create a below the desk storage or floating shelving that you can store a document box or multiple on. If you use a quarterly system try to create a box to consolidate the year. Try to dedicate a few supplies that you would regularly need available to the top of the desk. Anything that you don't need on a regular basis (at least once a week) should be stored and out of sight. No one is motivated by clutter, make it easy on yourself and your productivity.
Have a calendar system that is curated to you. For myself I have a whiteboard calendar and a planner. I do also use google calendar on my devices. It may seem like overkill but the more you write something down the more likely you are to remember it. My whiteboard is dedicated to events and bills/payment cycles. My planner has everything in it, its the first place I go to spill my plans. I use Google calendar for anything to do with my professional life as well as appointments. I wish I could tell you about some grand color-coding system that I have, but truly I prefer to write in black/blue ink and maybe use a highlighter if it's an important reminder. It's okay if you haven't settled into your system yet, it's going to evolve and change over time.
Use the space!! It seems obvious but we get caught up in working around the house. It's okay if you want to take your laptop outside with you so that you have some time for fresh air but try to avoid working in your bedroom and lounge space.
Follow the 3-minute rule. You know when you realize you need to do a task and you immediately go to write it down? Instead think about how long the task will take you. If it will take you 3 minutes or less, just do it! Also, to help you to analyze what all you have to accomplish start a 10-15 minute timer and get a pen and paper and write down everything you can think of that you have to do.
These are just a few things that I do to help myself stay organized and motivated. It's not always perfect and sometimes my desk gets a little messy. However, I do have a system that I can always apply on a Sunday afternoon to get my week ready. Thanks for checking out the blog!