We all know the beginning of a new semester brings new hope and new habits. A new semester habit for me is always to become more organized. It's always been a problem of mine, and I have adopted some of these tips into my everyday life to help with organization.
1. Get a a planner.
Yeah, I know the routine. You buy a planner at the beginning of a semester and use it for two weeks and then forget about it. I used to be a victim of this way of life until I purchased an Erin Condren Life Planner. Each day of the week is divided into three different periods so like morning, afternoon, and night. The planner helped me become a strategic organizing freak. Between work, school, and making time for family, this planner became full. I appreciate planners more now because of how I stuck to it. Of course, you do not have to purchase an Erin Condren planner to be organized, but using one is crucial for me.
2. Back up everything.
I have become accustomed to never saving anything or backing up anything. When I write papers or speeches, I would just save whenever I felt like finishing. But, once in a while I would leave the computer and not save my paper. It is the worst feeling in the world to lose an important paper that you have slaved over forever. So, in order to stay organized and save your work, always carry a USB drive. There are cute ones where you could even carry them on your car keys or in the zipper of your backpack.
3. Set reminders.
For those of you with iPhones, there is a pre-downloaded app called "Reminders" where you can set alarms or reminders for anything you want. Since it's pre-downloaded, it's completely free. You can set yourself reminders to email a professor or do a psychology lab. It's convenient as well since it is on your cell phone!
4. Keep your room clean.
I know this one is tough, no seriously (believe me), but I genuinely think that having an organized and clean room leads to having an organized life. Just doing laundry and putting it away, making your bed, and opening the blinds is a great way to get a start on the day and feel productive. I get more done on a day where I feel like my life is actually together than when I feel like it isn't.
No matter if it is your first or your last, this semester is going to be the greatest one yet. Find an organizational routine that works for you and just stick to it. After all, you do know yourself best. The first semester of 2017 is going to productive and successful. I believe in you!
