By: Nokomis Bramantecohen, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-Being Leader
Although it is commonly mentioned as the secret to success, the concept of organization is more important than simply meeting deadlines and acing tests. It is an essential skill that can benefit us in our personal, professional, and academic lives. Creating and keeping an organized environment can help us be more productive, feel less stressed, and balance the numerous responsibilities within life. I have developed a structure that helps me personally stay grounded, calm, and on top of my obligations, and because of this, organization has become a crucial component within my daily routine.
My Organizational System: The Three Planners
To manage the various aspects of my daily life, I rely on a combination of tools that cater to my different needs. For my day to day activities, I use a calendar in which I note down key commitments such as my class schedules, work shifts, field hockey practices and games, doctor and dentist appointments, and other broad activities and events. Using a calendar helps me see a visual layout of everything that I hope to complete within the month. This serves as the backbone of my system for organization, helping to ensure that I can plan out my time effectively and avoid overcommitment.
For academic-related responsibilities, I use another notebook/dedicated planner. In this notebook, I first write the date, and then I start listing the classes that I am taking. Under each class, I draw little squares and jot down upcoming assignments, so when I finish an assignment, the box gets checked off. In this notebook, I write down all of my assignments, upcoming exams, and project deadlines. Drawing the little boxes and then checking them off once they are completed makes me feel rewarded as it allows me to prioritize important tasks and track my progress. Having a separate space for organizing academic work also ensures that I can focus on my studies without feeling overwhelmed by other responsibilities.
In addition to my calendar and notebook/planner, I also use a large notepad (shown above) with a fun template, which serves as a complex to-do list. This to-do list is divided into various sections such as “Top Priorities,” “For Tomorrow,” and “Don’t Forget.” It also includes a general area to write down upcoming tasks and even a small notes section. This notepad is where I track my personal tasks that are not academic or work related. For example, I will jot down activities related to field hockey, household chores, meetings and calls, appointments, etc. here. These methods of organization help me create a nice separation of personal life and academic life, while maintaining clarity and focus on what needs immediate attention.
Finally, I use a journal to reflect on my emotions and process my thoughts in a positive manner. Journaling has been a valuable tool for my emotional well-being, and being able to dedicate a space to let out all of my different emotions allows me to see a new perspective on life. Having this safe space that allows me to be my most vulnerable self helps me manage stress and maintain my overall mental health!
The Importance of Organization
The benefits of staying organized extend far beyond school and into every stage of life. In high school and college, practicing organizational skills can help us manage coursework, extracurricular activities, and social commitments. However, as we transition further into adulthood, responsibilities and expectations tend to pile up. As for our future careers, managers and bosses often expect efficient time management, stellar organization, and the ability to juggle multiple tasks at once. Without strong organizational skills, it can become easy to feel overwhelmed or fall behind.
In the professional world, being organized can also help set you apart from other employees. Managers and bosses value people who can meet deadlines, stay on top of projects, and pay attention to details. Strong organizational skills often demonstrate reliability, which can help build professional success. In personal life, staying organized can also help improve relationships, reduce stress, and free up time for the things that truly matter, like spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies that you have an interest in.
Organization isn’t just about productivity; it is about creating a structure that supports your goals and well-being. It is a habit that evolves with you and adapts to your needs. Whether you are managing academic assignments, planning a vacation, or setting a long term goal, having a system in place ensures that you can approach challenges with confidence and are equipped with the tools to do so!
Building Your Own System
The beauty of organization is that there is no one specific way to do it, or rules and guidelines to follow. My system works best for me because it reflects my lifestyle and the areas in life that I try to prioritize. For someone else, their system might look entirely different, and that is okay! One of the best pieces of advice that I have is to experiment with various kinds of organizational styles and strategies, and find one that resonates with you. It may involve using a digital calendar, a bullet journal, or a really simple to-list written on a sticky note; whatever the method is, make sure that in the end it is helping you succeed, rather than stressing you out!
Having a calendar, planner, to-do list, and journal might seem extremely excessive to some, but for me, it is the anchor that helps keep me steady amidst all of the chaos (especially during midterms and finals). These tools not only help me stay organized, but they also remind me of the importance of planning and preparing ahead in order to achieve success and balance. They also motivate me into continuing to do and pursue the things that I am passionate about.
All in all, organization is not just a skill, but also a mindset. It’s a way to take control of your time and responsibilities so you can focus on your priorities in life. While the tools we use to help us stay organized may change over time, the rewarding feelings of preparedness and success remain the same. Organization is a skill that grows with you, becoming a lifelong asset that empowers you to thrive in every area of life!
