PERSONAL

ORGANIZATION
COURSE CODE: PURC 105
 Introduction to personal organization
Personal Organization is a skill, and like most skills,
it can be learned. It's not about nature vs nurture.
It may be more natural for some people, but it can be
learned. Of course, learning always requires
curiosity, practice, trial and error.
GOAL SETTINGS
Goal setting and visioning are essential components of personal organization, helping you
clarify your aspirations, focus your efforts, and achieve success.
 Visioning:
Visioning is the process of defining your long-term aspirations, values, and desires. It's about
creating a clear mental picture of your ideal life, including your goals, values, and priorities.
Your vision serves as a guiding force, inspiring and motivating you to make decisions aligned
with your dreams.
 Goal Setting:
Goal setting is the process of breaking down your vision into specific, achievable objectives.
Well-crafted goals are:
1. Specific: Clearly defined and easy to understand.
2. Measurable: Quantifiable progress and success.
3. Achievable: Realistic and challenging yet attainable.
4. Relevant: Aligns with your vision and values.
5. Time-bound: Has a specific deadline or timeframe.
GOAL SETTINGS
Effective goal setting helps you:
 - Focus your efforts
 - Prioritize tasks
 - Track progress
 - Stay motivated
 - Celebrate accomplishments

 Benefits of SMART Goals

 Improved focus and direction
 Increased motivation and commitment
 Enhanced accountability and evaluation
 Better time management and prioritization
 Greater sense of accomplishment and confidence
Creating Action Plans
 - Break down SMART goals into smaller tasks
 - Develop a step-by-step plan
 - Identify resources and potential obstacles
 - Establish a timeline and milestones

Other things you can consider:

 Write down your SMART goals and action plans
 Make them visible and accessible
 Share them with a friend or mentor for accountability
 Embrace flexibility and adaptability
Time management essentials

Prioritizing tasks and activities

Prioritizing tasks and activities is a crucial skill for achieving your goals and
managing your time effectively.
Step 1: Identify Your Tasks
 Write down all the tasks and activities you need to complete
 Include both personal and professional tasks
 Make sure to include regular tasks, such as exercise, meal planning, and
self-care
Step 2: Categorize Tasks
 Label each task as:
 Urgent (must be done today or tomorrow)
 Important (contributes to long-term goals)
 Nice to Do (enjoyable but not essential)
 Delegate (can be done by someone else)
Step 3: Evaluate Task Priority
 Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks:
 Urgent & Important (Do First)
 Important but Not Urgent (Schedule)
 Urgent but Not Important (Delegate)
 Not Urgent or Important (Delete or Delegate)
Step 4: Create a Priority List
 Order your tasks based on their priority level
 Start with the most critical tasks first
 Break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks
Step 5: Focus and Take Action
 Work on your top-priority task first
 Eliminate distractions and stay focused-
 Take regular breaks to maintain productivity
 Use a planner, calendar, or task management tool to stay organized
 Set realistic deadlines and time estimates
 Learn to say "no" to non-essential tasks
 Review and adjust your priorities regularly
Time management essentials
Creating schedules and calendars:
Setting Up Your Calendar
 Choose a calendar format (digital, paper, or both)
 Set up your calendar with:
 Time blocks for regular tasks (e.g., work, sleep, meals)
 Space for notes and appointments
 Important dates and deadlines
Creating a Daily Schedule
 Start with a morning routine (e.g., exercise, meditation, breakfast)
 Schedule focused work sessions (e.g., 90 minutes) + breaks
 Include time for:
 Self-care (e.g., lunch, relaxation)
 Meetings and appointments
 Personal activities (e.g., hobbies, family time)
Time management essentials
Managing Time Blocks
 Set realistic time estimates for tasks
 Use time-blocking for: Focused work, Breaks, Self-care, Personal activities
 Leave space for flexibility and adjustments

Reviewing and Adjusting

 Regularly review your schedule and calendar
 Adjust time blocks and tasks as needed
 Reflect on: Progress toward goals, Time management challenges, Areas for
improvement
 Use a "Stop Doing" list to eliminate non-essential tasks
 Schedule time for learning and personal growth
 Set reminders and notifications to stay on track
 Make your calendar a habit by reviewing it regularly
Time management essentials
Common distractions may include:
 Social media
 Email
 Phone notifications
 Chatty coworkers
 Meetings
Identify personal distractions:
 Procrastination
 Daydreaming
 Snacking
 Browsing
Minimizing Distractions
 - Implement strategies to reduce distractions:
 - Turn off notifications
 - Use website blockers (e.g., Freedom, Self-control)
 - Schedule email checks
 - Find a quiet workspace
 - Set boundaries with colleagues
Managing Interruptions
 - Develop techniques to handle interruptions:
 - Politely decline non-essential requests
 - Use a "Do Not Disturb" sign or message
 - Set aside specific times for meetings and calls
 - Use technology to automate responses (e.g., email auto-responders)
Protecting Focus Time
 - Schedule dedicated focus time:
 - Set a specific time and duration
 - Eliminate distractions during this time
 - Use a timer to stay on track
 - Learn to say "no" to non-essential requests during focus time

Practicing Self-Care
 Recognize the importance of self-care in reducing distractions:
 Get enough sleep
 Exercise regularly
 Meditate or practice mindfulness
 Take breaks to recharge
 - Set clear boundaries with others
 - Use technology to your advantage (e.g., apps for focus, productivity music)
 - Reward yourself for staying focused!
ORGANIZING YOUR SPACE
Assessing Your Space
 - Identify areas that need organization (e.g., desk, closet, room)
 - Take inventory of items in each area
 - Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard
Categorizing and Grouping
 - Group similar items together (e.g., all writing supplies)
 - Label each group or category
 - Assign a home for each group
Assigning a Home
 - Designate a specific place for each item
 - Use storage containers and labels
 - Ensure everything has a designated spot
ORGANIZING YOUR SPACE

Creating a Maintenance Routine

 - Schedule regular tidying sessions
 - Set reminders to maintain organization
 - Make organization a habit

Optimizing Your Workspace

 - Position frequently used items within easy reach
 - Consider ergonomics and comfort
 - Minimize distractions and clutter
Other things to consider
 - Use vertical space with shelves or hooks
 - Implement a "one in, one out" policy
 - Make organization a mindful process