Get Organized Now: Tools to Help Plan your Day

Time study data collected by Pace Productivity indicates that the average worker plans his or her day for 2.3 hours per week. Studies also indicate that those who spend more time planning tend to be more successful. Here are some low-tech and hi-tech ways to plan your day’s agenda and stay organized:

Stack of 3x5 Index Cards: Use them to make notes and to-do lists. Write out a list everyday. Include specific items that can be completed, such as “Prepare exhibits for monthly report” instead of “Work on report.” Separate your list into A, B, and C priorities. These are very portable and easy to use.

Time Management Apps: There are tons of online time management tools and programs that are easy to use and will help you become more productive in your work. They include Google Calendar, RescueTime, NowDoThis, Toggl, Workrave, Backpack, Remember the Milk, and Evernote.

Filofax Personal Organizer: Sometimes it’s nice to keep all in a low-tech place, and this organizer will do just that. It will keep your calendar, to-do list, project list, inbox, notebook, important addresses/numbers, etc.

Notepad and Pen: Classic and simple.

Stickies: This Mac program is popular for keeping a running to-do list on the desktop. The most important tasks go on top, and stickies are deleted as tasks are done. You could opt to use Post-It notes on your physical desktop instead.

PDA/Smartphone: These popular devices offer a calendar, address book, to-do lists, documents/applications, alarm clock, calculator, phone and more. Popular brands include Blackberry, Palm, and Nokia.

PocketMod: This is a great new way to stay organized. For some PDAs are too expensive, and organizers may be too bulky. PocketMod allows you to carry around the day’s notes on paper, and organize them in any way you wish using various mods. It fits easily into a purse or pocket.

Behance Action Pad: The pad is a wonderful organizational tool for the creative work environment. It is part of the Behance Action Method line, which was designed to help creative professionals “boost productivity and make ideas happen.”

You should not try to adopt too many of these tools; pick a couple that appeal to you and stick with them. Good luck!