By Sarah Merz

I am a master at procrastination. Luckily, no critical deadlines have been missed because I’ve learned a few organization habits that are painless, help me tackle big projects in short order, and make me look a lot more organized than I really am. Take a look at my approach.  Maybe it will help you. 

Step #1:  Create a “Dump Box” as soon as you decide on a project

It is incredibly helpful to have all of your information in one place.  (In fact, this principle started the Franklin Planner back in the late 1980’s.)  Dump anything and everything related to your project in a box – pictures from magazines and catalogs, letters, scribbled notes on napkins, match-book covers. FranklinCovey has several great options for dump boxes, including the polished See Jane Work Basics Letter boxes.

Step #2:  PROMINENTLY label the box with the due date and the project name

Out of sight often means out of mind.   I place my boxes on my home office desk, on the kitchen counter, and in the guest bedroom, depending on project type. The label is a friendly reminder that the project due date is approaching.  Don’t use too fancy or too permanent a label since you’ll want to use the box again.

Step #3:  Build out a schedule of “to dos” and tape the schedule in the lid of the box

During a moment of inspiration, create a rough plan of what needs to be done and divide the tasks over the time you have until the project due date. My timetable doesn’t always work out as planned, particularly when working on projects like taxes. But, the schedule reminds me that I have multiple things to do before I can celebrate success. I tape the schedule into the lid of the box so it doesn’t get misplaced. Any schedule format that works for you is fine.

Step #4:  Phone calls first

Make required phone calls one of the first steps in the process.  There is nothing worse than scrambling to get a project done and realizing that it’s too late (at night or in the project) for necessary information gathering or sharing. The Internet and e-mail are great tools, particularly after business hours, but are not always sufficient.

Step #5:  Celebrate progress

Celebration is important.  In college, I tackled my weekly reading assignments by placing a bookmark several pages ahead in the assigned reading, and treating myself to an M&M or swig of soda only after reaching the marker.  The same concept can work for you—give yourself a reward when you complete a step of the project.  Don’t forget to cross the item off the schedule so you can enjoy that simple satisfaction, too.

Step #6:  Set the stage for the home stretch

For some reason, the last few steps of my projects always require a lot of stuff—a computer, an open work surface, an ironing board, a hammer, tape measure, and nails. I make prepping the work area its own task, since it often involves gathering, purchasing, and sometimes cleaning. I sometimes get so excited about a project during the preparation step that I roll directly into the final steps of getting the project done. 

Step #7:  Admire the end result

Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment and share it with family and friends, if appropriate.  I’ve started the habit of taking a picture of finished projects, like a knitted baby sweater or a well-labeled and annotated ring binder of cookie recipes. I send the photos to my older sister, helping to perpetuate the myth that I’m truly organized and “on-top-of-it".

Thanks Sarah!

Did you enjoy this article? Give it a cheer!