There's a lot to say about being organized. Some people feel there must be a gene for it and they didn't get it. Other people can be hyper-organized. There is a middle ground and it is one everyone should strive for. Why? Because we live in such a fast-paced world and there is always so much to get done. As homeschooling families, so much of our day is taken up by actual schooling, so that means less time for things to get done that need to get done. In this first part of a brief series on organization, I'll give you 5 reasons why being organized increases productivity.
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First off, let's get one thing straight! By productivity, I don't mean to sound like you'll be cranking out things in a mechanically sounding way. Not productivity in a business sense, but productivity in a way that puts you at peace. We all know that we have a lot to do every day, that's a given. Why not be a bit more organized so that you can get it all done in a more peaceful way?
With that said, let's get on with the five reasons.
Why Being Organized Increases Productivity
It Frees up Brain Cells
Let's face it, The more organized you are, the less time you will spend trying to find things and figure things out.
I like to refer to this part as having systems. The more systems you have for the routine things in your life like:
the less time you will spend having to think about it every day. That frees up brain cells to think about more important things, thus increasing your productivity.
It Means Less Trips to the Chiropractor
Being organized not only increases your productivity, it means less stress. Less stress on your body means less trips to the chiropractor (assuming you go to one :). This decreased stress is always a good thing!
Don't get me wrong. Being organized doesn't mean NO STRESS. There will always be stress. But it means you shouldn't be stressing out every day over
- what to eat
- what school needs to get done
- where the library books are
- when you're going to get to the grocery store
- where the bills are that need to be paid
I think you get it. Being less stressed about mundane things frees you up to be able to accomplish more in a day.
You Can Focus on the Big Things
Being organized means that you can put your focus each day on the big things that need to get done.
As homeschoolers, school is probably right up there at the top. But it could also be a vacation you'll be taking or a house project you're undertaking.
No matter what the big thing is, if you have a lot of the little stuff figured out, you'll have more time for the big stuff.
You might even get the hang of this organization thing, which will make your big things more organized, too. A more organized project gets done much smoother and faster.
Reporting for Duty, Ma'am
Ah, the beauty of being organized yourself is that other people in your family become more organized, too.
When you have a plan, or systems in place, everyone knows what the program is. You'll no longer have to repeat yourself - wait, that might be going a little too far. Maybe you'll have to repeat yourself less because, at least in certain areas, everyone will know the program. Of course, getting them to remember it and cooperate is a different story!
Having everyone know what to expect will definitely free up time and get things done faster.
School's Out for the Afternoon
What? Yes, I really believe that if you're organized, you'll be more productive and that will free up time! Think about it. If you have a basic plan for your schooling time, and everyone knows what to expect, you'll get done with your school work faster (again, assuming cooperation).
Getting done with the school work faster means freeing up more time for other things.
Our goal is always to be done with school around lunchtime, or shortly thereafter. This frees up the afternoon hours for lessons, appointments, errands, downtime, or whatever.
There are a few more steps involved in planning out your school time than some of the other areas, but taking the time to do that will pay you back in spades.
How do you feel about being organized? I'd love to hear your thoughts so please leave a comment and share your struggles and successes.
Next up, the main thing that keeps you from being organized and productive.