Here are 10 things organized people do that you probably don’t do…
Ever wondered how some people seem to have it all together? You know the type—they never miss a deadline, their workspace is always tidy, and they seem to effortlessly juggle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat. What’s their secret? It’s not magic, but a series of habits and strategies that keep them on top of their game. In this report, we’ll dive into 10 key habits that highly organized people practice—habits that you can start incorporating into your life today to boost your productivity and reduce stress.
1. They Don’t Rely on Memory Alone
Organized people understand that our brains aren’t perfect storage devices. Instead of relying solely on memory, they use trusted systems to store information. Whether it’s a digital app like Evernote or a physical planner, they ensure that important details are recorded and easily accessible. The key is to choose a system that’s reliable, organized, and always within reach.
Tip: Start using a digital or physical note-taking system that syncs across all your devices, so you can access your notes anytime, anywhere.
2. They Label Everything
From files to storage boxes, organized people are diligent about labeling. This habit prevents the frustration of hunting for misplaced items and saves time when you need something quickly. Labels are especially important for items you don’t use frequently—by clearly identifying what’s inside, you’ll know exactly where to find what you need.
Tip: Invest in a label maker or use sticky labels to organize your storage areas. Label everything from cables to storage bins to ensure you can find items quickly.
3. They Build a Mindfulness Loop
Organized people maintain a mental checklist of the dependencies in their lives—things that need regular attention and maintenance. This “mindfulness loop” ensures that nothing is overlooked, whether it’s paying bills, maintaining relationships, or keeping up with work tasks.
Tip: Create a simple checklist of your regular responsibilities and review it weekly to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
4. They Always Have a Backup
The mantra “two is one, one is none” is a staple for organized individuals. They understand the importance of having backups for essential items. Whether it’s a spare battery, an extra set of keys, or a duplicate file, they make sure that if something fails, they have a backup ready to go.
Tip: Identify critical items in your daily routine and ensure you have backups for them, whether it’s a second charger at the office or an extra hard drive for important files.
5. They Customize Their Systems
Instead of blindly following organizational trends or rules, organized people tailor their systems to what works best for them. They experiment with different methods and stick with what makes them most efficient, whether it’s a unique filing system or a personalized morning routine.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to tweak your organizational systems until they fit your workflow perfectly. What works for someone else might not be ideal for you.
6. They Practice “Mise en Place”
This French term, which means “everything in its place,” is a guiding principle for organized people. Before starting any task, they ensure that everything they need is set up and within reach. This habit not only boosts productivity but also minimizes stress by reducing the chaos of a cluttered workspace.
Tip: Before you start your workday, take five minutes to set up your workspace with everything you’ll need. At the end of the day, reset your space for the next morning.
7. They Are Deliberate About What They Own
Organized people are mindful of the items they bring into their lives. They focus on owning things that bring them value, joy, or utility and regularly declutter to remove anything that no longer serves a purpose. This keeps their space organized and their minds clear.
Tip: Regularly review your belongings and ask yourself if each item still serves a purpose. If not, consider donating or discarding it.
8. They Plan Ahead, But Stay Flexible
Organized individuals are master planners. They map out their days, weeks, and even months in advance, setting clear goals and deadlines. However, they also build in flexibility to adjust to unexpected changes, ensuring they can stay on track even when things don’t go as planned.
Tip: Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your schedule, but leave some buffer time for unexpected tasks or adjustments.
9. They Prioritize Self-Care
Staying organized isn’t just about work—organized people prioritize self-care to maintain their mental and physical well-being. They understand that a healthy, well-rested mind is more effective at managing tasks and staying on top of responsibilities.
Tip: Incorporate self-care activities into your routine, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that help you relax and recharge.
10. They Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
Organized people know the importance of setting boundaries—both in their personal and professional lives. They’re not afraid to say no to tasks or commitments that don’t align with their priorities, ensuring that their time and energy are focused on what truly matters.
Tip: Review your commitments and identify areas where you can set boundaries to protect your time and focus.
Becoming an organized person isn’t about being perfect—it’s about developing habits that help you manage your time, responsibilities, and space more effectively. By adopting these 10 habits, you can start to see significant improvements in your productivity, reduce stress, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything at once. Start with one or two habits that resonate with you, and gradually build from there. Before you know it, you’ll be one of those organized people who seems to have it all together—because you actually do.