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Do you feel overwhelmed by the chaos in your life right now? You feel like you want to organize your life but have no freaking idea of where to start. It’s almost like you are running from one task to another and never seem to have a clear direction? If so, you’re in the right place.
If you’re wondering how I know this. It’s because because I was just like you, juggling a career and a family with too much to do and not enough time to do it. It felt like a vortex of chaos, chaos, chaos. The day I realized that I was one of those disorganized people was the day I did not pick my son up from school on time. That’s when I knew I needed to change my life… and fast.
So If you’re looking for a way out, this is the post for you. These daily habits will help you become more organized and restore balance in your life. They’re the habits I use in my own life to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and declutter my space and mind.
This blog post will help you;
Identify the most chaotic and disorganized areas of your life.
Create systems and guidelines to organize your chaotic life as a busy mom and career woman, such as how to plan decluttering sessions.
Finally have time to enjoy your life without the stress of forgetting tasks.
Create an organized life as a career woman and a mom for your family and professional life.
But first, let’s explore how chaos can manifest itself in your life.
Chaotic Lifestyle: What is it?
Chaotic living can feel like you’re in survival mode all the time. Not only do you have multiple responsibilities, but you’re constantly overwhelmed by the endless demands of your children, your career, your goals, your boss, your husband, and more.
It’s just so much!
But that doesnt mean that your chaotic life will manifest the same way as someone else. Infact, if you’re a busy career woman or mom, your chaotic life can manifest in many different ways.
For example, my chaotic life looked like this:
Always being late for practically everything.
Forgetting important tasks.
Unable to find time for myself.
Feeling mentally overwhelmed.
Constantly stressed and disorganized.
Losing my sense of time and feeling like I have no time.
Can you relate? If you can, drop your experience of livinga chaotic life in the comment section!
But with the right habits, I wasable to transform my chaotic lifestyle into a more peaceful and balanced life.
10 Daily Habits to become more Organized when you have a chaotic life
Create a Daily Routine
Writing down all the things you need to do each day is a great way to organize and streamline your life.
A good daily routine includes things like setting goals, setting aside time for yourself, organizing, taking care of yourself, and reflecting.
However, it’s important to note that finding a daily routine that works for you is a trial-and-error process. Instead of trying to copy someone else’s work routine or home routine, you can create a personalized routine for yourself.
But how do you do that?
Create a personal Development plan
Your daily routine can be the central theme of your personal development plan.
You can start by asking yourself, “What do I want mylife to look like in the next month, next two weeks, next three months?” and then break it down into daily habits and routines that will help you get closer to who you really want to be (in this case a more organized woman).
I have found that by starting with a personal development plan, you can quickly figure out what areas of your life you need to work on, what’s working, and what needs to go. That way you can focus on perfecting the habits or routines that you really struggle with.
Freebie on creating a personal development plan
How to use a personal development plan to create a routine
As a mom, blogger, and business owner, I was able to develop a daily routine using the same personal development plan template. My routine helps me overcome overwhelm, achieve a sense of balance, and get a sense of direction when I feel like im being pulled in different directions.
And its the same personal development plan that I’m giving you here for free.
You see when I first became a mom, balancing my responsibilities as a parent, running a blog, and managing my own business felt overwhelming.
I constantly felt like I was juggling too many tasks. That’s when I decided to create a daily routine that would help me bring order and structure to my life. But I didnt know where to start because I didnt know which habits I needed to organize my life.
So I started by creating a personal development plan. Then went on to listing all the tasks that were essential for each of my roles. Then I began experimenting with different schedules.
Through trial and error, I found a routine that allows me to allocate specific time blocks for my blog, business, and family, while also prioritizing self-care and reflection.
This daily routine is solely responsible for keeping me organized and has greatly reduced the feeling of overwhelm in my daily life. Though, it all started with this simple yet powerful personal development plan.
And finally, don’t be afraid to switch things up if you need to, just make sure you find a routine that works for you.
Benefits of Having a Routine
Having a routine is a great way to make your workday easier and more manageable.
It can help you build positive habits that will help you reach your goals.
For instance, if you start checking your emails at certain times of the day, it’ll become a natural and automatic part of your routine. This will save you mental energy and make your workday more efficient.
Plus, it can be tailored to fit your individual lifestyle, so you can get the most out of your routine and maximize your productivity.
If you want to make your daily routine more efficient and save more time, think about implementing time-saving habits. They’ll improve your workflow, reduce unnecessary steps, speed up the completion of tasks, and allow you to enjoy life.
You don’t know how much fun it is to complete a task knowing that it’s the last thing on your to-do list. Especially if you’ve been living a chaotic lifestyle for a long time.
Just think about saying that today you’re free. Or that you have the opportunity to spend precious time on taking a nice, warm bath with some candles. My God… I can’t describe it. It’s just incredible.
How to create Your Own Routine
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to creating a routine. It takes personalization and adaptation to create a routine that fits your goals and lifestyle. I know it sounds like I’m repeating myself, but it really is true.
So, how do you make your own routine?
Start with these Questions to create your own routine
1. What are your priorities and responsibilities?
Identifying your priorities and responsibilities will help you decide what tasks and activities you need to do each day. These are the habits that will make up your daily routine
2. What do you want to do or accomplish?
Take some time to think about what is most important to you and where do you want to spend your time and energy?
3. What is your energy level and natural rhythm?
Create your routine around when you feel most energized and focused. This will maximize efficiency and help you stick to your schedule.
Some of us are early riser and some of us are night owl. I’m a night owl – I get really energized at night. My mom is always up early and my friend is always up early.
I’m just saying that you don’t have to get up at 5am like most people do to have a productive morning routine. But if you are a morning person, getting up at 5 am will help you reach your goals and live a more fulfilling life.
Final step: Be flexible
Life is full of surprises, and it’s important to be prepared for what comes your way. It’s easy to slip into a routine that doesn’t work for you because you created a rigid routine. So make sure you’re flexible enough to adjust your schedule as needed.
And don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned. Keep in mind that your routine is one-of-a-kind. You have your own goals, your own values, and your own preferences. Don’t try to copy someone else’s routine or feel like you need to conform to trends. Stick to what works for you and build a routine that promotes your overall health and happiness.
Once you’ve figured out what habits you want to add to your routine, pick one and stick to it for a while. Once you’re comfortable with that, add another one to your routine.
Studies show that it takes around 66 days to form one habit, so make sure you stick to that one. Don’t get too complicated and add more habits – research shows that the time it takes to form many habits goes up by 1.5 times for each habit, making it 99 days.
How to Keep Your Routine Flexible when your life is still chaotic
To keep your routine flexible when life gets hectic, there are a few things you can do. One of the most effective strategies is to create “buffer times”.
Buffer times are when you plan to do nothing, or do what comes up at that moment. It’s like scheduling for the unexpected.
It gives you a cushion for unexpected events or extra responsibilities that come up, and it helps you avoid feeling overwhelmed or rushed. It gives you space to breathe and adapt to the next task you’ll be doing.
Here’s how buffer times look like in my google calendar. It’s just a white space between tasks that tell me I can do anything at this moment. I can clean up my kid’s mess, wash the dishes, put the dishes in the dishwasher – pretty much anything I want to do.
Don’t be afraid to change things up if you need to. Change your priorities and move around tasks or activities when you need to. This way, you can get the most out of your time and energy, so you stay organized and productive no matter what’s going on in your life.
To sum it up, having a flexible daily work routine is key to staying organized in a hectic life. If you’re willing to adapt, stay flexible, and leave room for change, you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way and stay on track with your goals.
When you’re intentional about being flexible, you can handle the chaos of everyday life without losing your sense of order.
Make To-Do Lists
If your life is chaotic, you’ve probably tried to make a to-do list more than once, but it never works. Even though to-do lists can be a great way to increase productivity and stay organized, especially when your life feels chaotic, it’s hard to understand why.
I recently discovered that if you’re disorganized, then your to-do list is probably disorganized, long, and unrealistic. So in this section, we’ll show you how to get rid of the to-do list that causes anxiety and unproductivity.
We’ll also show you how to create a better way to make to-do lists so you can actually get everything done by the time you’re done here. So keep reading!
Benefits of Writing To-Do Lists For you living the chaotic life.
If you’re living the chaotic life, writing a to-do list can be a real game-changer. It’s a simple yet powerful way to get organized and stay productive.
Writing down all the tasks you need to do on a daily basis helps you visualize your responsibilities and plan your time accordingly.
It also helps you prioritize and manage your time better, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, to-do lists are a visual reminder of what needs to be done, so you can stay on track with your goals and make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Writing a to-do list is a great way to break down bigger tasks into smaller, easier ones. Not only does it help you make progress, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment when you get something done.
It’s a great way to stay motivated and invested in what you do each day.
In short, to-do lists have a lot of great benefits. They help you stay organized, reduce stress, manage your time better, make you more productive, and give you a visual reminder of what needs to be done.
By adding this simple habit to your daily routine, you can turn your chaotic life into a more organized and productive one.
Tips for Making Effective To-Do Lists
1. Prioritize Tasks
Begin by identifying the most important tasks you need to do and put them at the top of your list. This will help you focus on what’s important and make sure that important tasks don’t get left behind.
2. Be Specific and Set Time Frames
Be sure to use clear, actionable language to define each task, and include deadlines to give yourself a sense of urgency. You’ll also know if you’re giving less time to something that needs more time and if you’re overcommitting to something you don’t have time for, which is a sign of a chaotic lifestyle.
3. Use a Digital Task Manager
Finally, use a digital task manager. Digital task managers are easy to use and give you the ability to add, edit, rearrange tasks, set reminders, and set deadlines. Popular ones include Todoist and Trello, as well as Microsoft To Do. I find that combining pen and paper with a digital task manager can help me in different areas of my life.
I use todoists and clickup for my blogging and business stuff, and pen and paper for my mommy stuff like housework and cleaning. It’s so much simpler for me to keep those two parts of my life separate.
4. Pen and Paper Method:
If you’re looking for a way to keep track of your tasks, some people prefer to write them down on a piece of paper. It helps them remember what needs to be done and keeps them focused. If you’re looking for something more tangible, you could use a planner or notebook to make your list.
Example of an Effective To-Do List:
– Complete report for meeting (deadline: 2 PM)
– Respond to urgent emails (deadline: 10 AM)
– Schedule client meeting (deadline: end of day)
Example of a Ineffective To-Do List:
– Work on report
– Respond to emails
– Schedule client meeting
5. Structure and Format
Create a list of tasks that make sense to you and organize it into categories, headings, and sub-tasks. Break bigger tasks down into smaller, easier-to-complete tasks to make it easier to get things done. You can also use colors or numbers to make it look more organized.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to create a list that makes sense, helps you prioritize, stays organized, and boosts your productivity.
Break Up Large Tasks into Manageable Chunks
When life throws you a curveball, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to tasks that involve a lot of steps.
Breaking up big projects into smaller, manageable chunks can help you get through them with more focus and speed.
For instance, if you have a big task to do that involves a lot of steps, like cleaning the entire house, you can break it up into smaller tasks. The smaller tasks can be like “cleaning the kitchen,” organizing the living room, tidying up the bedroom, etc.
This way, you can focus on one area at a time and make the task seem easier and more manageable. Just remember to break it down into realistic, manageable chunks that you can finish in a reasonable amount of time.
Why Breaking Up Tasks is Important
When you’re facing a big project, it can be really intimidating and overwhelming. Your mind starts to fill up with ideas of how to do everything at once, which can lead to confusion, stress, and not being able to do what you need to do.
Plus, you don’t want to be stuck with a bunch of stuff from yesterday that you have to move to tomorrow. It just makes you feel more and more stressed out.
But if you break it down into smaller tasks, it gives you a sense of success as each step gets done. This increases your motivation and encourages you to do more and more.
By doing that, you’re creating a virtuous cycle of productivity!
You can break up bigger projects by using build on build strategies, where each step builds on the next and the next.
For instance, let’s say you’re tasked with writing a blog post. You’ll need to break it down into 4 phases: research, writing, optimization, and marketing. The research phase builds on top of your writing phase, making it easier and faster for you to write your blog post.
The writing phase and research phase makes optimization easier because you know which keywords to use, and who your competition and audience are.
Writing, research, and optimization makes marketing easier and faster because you know who you’re targeting, what to say, and where to market your blog post.
Thats how the build on build strategy works in breaking down larger tasks.
How to Break Up Tasks into Manageable Pieces
Breaking up tasks into manageable pieces is an effective strategy to increase productivity and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Here are the steps to break up large tasks into smaller, more achievable components:
1. Identify the task: To do this, start by identifying the big job you need to do, like a project at work or cleaning the house
2. Analyze the task: Then break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Think about the sequence of events required to complete the task efficiently.
3. Prioritize and sequence: Think about what steps are needed to get the job done and organize them in a way that makes sense. For example, you can’t write a blog post if you don’t know who to write to, and you can’t clean the stairway until you’re done with the upper floor.
4. Set specific deadlines: Assign deadlines for each smaller task. This helps to create a sense of urgency and provides structure for completing the overall task.
5. Delegate and collaborate: If possible, delegate some of the smaller tasks to others who can assist you. Collaboration can help distribute the workload and make the process more efficient.
6. Focus on one task at a time: Instead of trying to do too much at once, focus on doing one thing at a time and then move on. This way, you’ll be more focused and less likely to make mistakes.
7. Celebrate small victories: As you complete each smaller task, celebrate small successes as they happen, which will give you more motivation and help you keep going.
In short, if you want to manage your workload and stay organized, it’s important to break it down into smaller tasks.
Set Realistic Goals and Prioritize Them
Why do people with chaotic lives struggle with setting realistic goals? This is the question I first asked myself when I wanted to change my life. For me to understand why I was having a hard time organizing my life, I had to know what was the cause of all the chaos.
For me, this is what I found out. I have a natural tendency of wanting to do it all. To be the super mom who never asks for help.
I dont want to look like im an incompetent mom but I also want to provide for my family. So what ends up happening is that I get pulled in multiple directions.
And because of all that pressure, I feel like im not doing enough, I can’t focus on one goal, accomplish it, and move on.
Everything seems to need to be done right this minute. Not tomorrow. Not Friday and certainly not in the next hour. So it becomes harder and harderto create a plan and stick to it.
If you feel what Im talking about, keep reading because I have a small little solution for you. It will help you set realistic goals
How to Set Realistic Goals
Start by dealing with your emotions.
To set realistic goals, start by addressing your feelings. When you feel like you’re not meeting your goals, it’s important to learn to be compassionate and understanding. It’s okay to have chaotic lives that come with challenges, and it’s okay that you can’t do everything. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished instead of dwelling on what’s yet to be done. Celebrate the small steps you’ve taken and the small successes you’ve achieved. Be thankful and recognize the hard work you’ve put in to make your chaotic life better.
Create themed days.
Create themed days. Monday is for content, Tuesday for cleaning, and so on. Even if you don’t get everything done, don’t worry, you’ll do it the same time next week.
Re-evaluate your priorities
If you find that you’re spending too much time on things that don’t add value, take a hard look at what’s really important to you. Re-evaluate your priorities and what’s truly important to you, so you’ll be able to focus on the things that really matter to you.
I use the Eisenhower matrix to help me focus on my most important tasks. It’s got 4 boxes for urgent, non-urgent, delegate and delete.
I use it for all the stuff related to blogging, and it’s really helped me figure out where my priorities are. For example, I recently found out I was spending way too much time looking at my Pinterest stats when it wasn’t even something I was focused on. I ended up spending 3 hours there instead of working on my content.
But because of this matrix, I ended up creating 80 posts in a week! That’s crazy I know but I learned how to shift my priorities and ended up getting my 50k pageview goal from Pinterest just by doing that.
It’s really important to set realistic goals and prioritize, especially if your life is a mess. It’s worked for me and it’s still working for me.
Though, I know the changes you want won’t happen overnight, keep at it. It’ll help you get to where you want to be.
Though, the best part is that you now know why you’re having trouble setting realistic goals. so it’s time to take the necessary steps to turn your life around and make it more meaningful.
Benefits of Setting Realistic Goals and Prioritizing Them
Having a clear idea of what you want to accomplish can help bring order and focus to your chaotic life. Setting realistic goals will help you prioritize the important tasks and give you a better chance of achieving them.
When you set goals that are achievable and tailored to the chaos you’re in, you’ll be more likely to succeed. Plus, it’s easier to figure out what you’re really focusing on and how it affects your life, so you can focus on the things that really matter instead of on the stuff that doesn’t.
All in all, setting realistic goals is a great way to become more organized and set realistic goals.
Also, setting realistic goals, allows you to include self-care in your daily routine, so you can recharge and get back to working at 100%, instead of being overwhelmed all the time.
Tips for Achieving Your Goals and Prioritizing Them Effectively
Although setting goals is the initial step, prioritizing them is just as important. Here are a few things you can do to stay organized and reach your goals:
1. List and categorize your goals
Start by making a list of all your goals and categorize them based on their importance and urgency. This will give you a clear understanding of what needs to be prioritized.
2. Determine the time frame
Assign a time frame for each goal based on how difficult it is to accomplish and its importance. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to each goal to avoid overwhelming yourself.
3. Focus on one goal at a time
Don’t try to tackle too many goals at once. You’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and overwhelmed. Instead, focus on one goal and put your energy into getting it done before tackling the next.
4. Break down goals into smaller tasks
Break goals down into smaller tasks & focus on one task at a time. These tasks will be prioritized based on how urgent they are and how much time they require.
5. Visualize your goals
Visualizing your goals can boost your motivation and productivity. Create a vision board or write down your goals and keep them somewhere visible to remind yourself of what you’re working towards.
6. Review and adjust priorities
Regularly review your goals and tasks to ensure they are still aligned with your overall objectives. Adjust your priorities if necessary, considering any changes in circumstances or new opportunities that arise.
Make a Meal Plan
Planning out your meals ahead of time is a great habit to make, especially if your life is a bit hectic. It’s a great way to save time, energy, and reduce stress.
Plus, it can help you make healthier decisions about what you eat, instead of engaging in mindless eating habits.
A meal plan keeps you organized by making sure you have everything you need on hand, so you don’t have to make unhealthy food choices when you run out of something.
Plus, it helps you manage your time better since you know what you need to prepare each day and you can prepare meals ahead of time.
With a meal plan, you can take control over your nutrition and have a more organized, intentional way of living your life.
What is a Meal Plan
Meal planning is the process of organizing your daily meals for a certain period of time, usually a week. This helps you avoid unhealthy eating habits. It also helps you make healthier choices by saving you time and effort.
What Is Meal Prep?
Meal prep is the process of prepping meals or meal components ahead of time, usually on certain days of the week. It allows you to have a variety of meals ready to eat throughout the week, so you don’t have to cook as much. It allows you to have pre-portioned and ready-to-eat meals throughout the week, reducing the need for extensive cooking on a daily basis.
How Do I Make a Meal Plan?
To create a meal plan, you’ll need to check recipes that match your specific dietary needs and preferences, as well as the ingredients you have on hand. Next, make a shopping list of the recipes you’ve chosen, making sure you have all the ingredients you need. Set aside a time for grocery shopping, and a time for prepping/cooking depending on whether you’re going to be meal prepping without cooking or with cooking
Here’s an example of my meal plan for a week:
– Monday: Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables
– Tuesday: Spaghetti with homemade marinara sauce and a side salad
– Wednesday: Stir-fried tofu and vegetables with brown rice
– Thursday: Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed broccoli
– Friday: Taco night with ground turkey, tortillas, and various toppings
– Saturday: Vegetable curry with basmati rice
– Sunday: Grilled steak with mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus
How to Plan your meals in advance
When I was looking for ways to become more organized, meal planning was the first thing I tried. It seemed like the simplest thing to do.
I also wanted a well organized and efficient kitchen.
When I started meal planning, I saved up to 3 hours a day. I know what you’re thinking, “But how did I do that?” Well, I always used to find myself running out of something before I even started meal planning. I would rush out in a panic, grab the one thing I needed, rush back, and cook.
That’s a lot of time wasted on the way to the store, in the grocery store, and you haven’t even considered the 30 minute distraction from the old lady behind the counter. So I learned how to meal plan. And this is how I do it today to this day.
Steps to take to meal plan
Check recipes
Use Pinterest to search for recipes that match your needs, preferences and ingredients. Save any recipes that interest you for next time.
Consider Allergies
If you or your children have allergies, prioritize meals that accommodate these restrictions. Look for alternative ingredients or recipes that are safe to consume. With a little research and creativity, you can create delicious and allergy-friendly meals.
Create a meal plan
Based on your selected recipes, make a meal plan. Think about how many meals you need, how long you have to cook, what your dietary needs are, and how much the ingredients will cost especially if you have a weekly grocery budget. This meal plan will help you plan your meals for the week ahead.
Update and check
Make sure your meal plan is updated regularly. Check your calendar for special events, events or conflicting commitments to make sure your plan is up to date.
Create a shopping list with all the ingredients
Once you’ve decided on your meal plan, create a shopping list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make sure you have everything on hand when it’s time to cook. Make sure to add any items you need to the list as you go about your daily routine. You can usually make a shopping list with a pen and paper, but if you’re like me, you can also use your phone’s notebook. It’s just easier that way if you tend to be forgetful especially at the start of having an organized life.
Meal planning is one of the most important things you can do to keep your life organized. It can save you time, reduce stress, and give you a clear idea of what you’ll be eating throughout the week. This is especially helpful for career women and mothers like me.
Benefits of Meal Planning
Planning your meals ahead of time will help you save time and money.
You won’t have to make last-minute decisions or cook every day, and you’ll be able to make healthier food choices instead of relying on fast food or convenience foods.
You’ll also be able to create a grocery shopping list and only buy what you need, which will help you save money and reduce food waste.
Plus, you’ll have a wider variety of meals to choose from, so you can enjoy them in a variety of ways. All in all, meal planning is a great way to make your life more organized and efficient.
Meal prep without cooking for fresh food
Once you’ve made your meal plan and done your shopping, it’s time to start meal prep.
Meal prep without cooking is a great way to make sure you’re eating freshly cooked meals rather than relying on reheated frozen options.
By batch cutting produce and using no cook meal options, you’ll save time, be more organized, and reduce food waste.
the only 2 tools you need for meal prepping for fresh food
This Vegetable Cutter
This vegetable cutter comes with different cutting designs, so if you want to dice your vegetables or get wedged pieces, the tool can easily do it.
To make meal prepping a lot easier on you, invest in this durable vegetable cutter. You’ll be doing a lot of produce cutting & prepping for a whole week, so it’s going to be a lot of cutting. That’s why you need this vegetable cutter.
Unlike other vegetable cutters, which struggle to cut hard vegetables like carrots and cucumbers, This one does it quickly and efficiently.
What I dont like about this vegetable cutter is that I use a bit more effort to cut up the produce, but that’s okay for me because using it has literally shortened my meal prep time from 1 hour to 20 minutes for the whole week.
Glass Storage Containers
I also use glass storage dishes to store and portion out my prepped ingredients.
Glass storage dishes make it easier to portion out and store your pre-prepped ingredients. If you’re on a healthy diet, include salads and wraps in your meal plan and meal prep. That way, you can store pre-cut salads, sliced cucumbers and other toppings in separate storage containers, so you can whip up a fresh and healthy meal in no time.
You can also store pre-prepped items like canned green beans, pre-cooked peas, or pre-cooked protein like grilled chicken or hard boiled eggs once you open the cans.
There are many advantages to meal prepping without cooking; but my two favorite ones are that I get to eat fresh food that isnt watered down by freezing and I get to spend a lot less time in the kitchen because of having pre-prepared ingredients readily available.
Online Grocery Shopping
If you are a career woman or a mom with a hectic schedule, online grocery shopping is the solution to your problems.
One of the biggest benefits of online grocery shopping is that it saves you a lot of time.
You don’t have to spend hours in the long aisles of the grocery store. Instead, you can browse and choose what you need from the convenience of your home or office.
You can also have your groceries delivered to your doorstep with just a few clicks. This means no more travel time and no more long checkout lines.
Plus, you don’t have to worry about forgetting essential items when you rush through the store. All you have to do is refer to your well-organized grocery list and make sure nothing is missed.
I usually take around 30 minutes to an hour if I have a lengthy list. Sometimes I’m a little more hesitant, so it takes me around 50 minutes . But its better than the 3 hours of grocery shopping when I do it physically in a rush.
Buut when my boyfriend does it, he usually does it in 10 minutes. He’s more of an in and out type of guy. So you can gauge what type of a person you are and figure out how much time youll spend online shopping for your groceries.
Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart Grocery are some of the most popular online grocery shopping platforms. These platforms have a wide variety of products and convenient shopping with tracking so that you can approximate how long your groceries will be delivered.
Walmart is the fastest in terms of delivery as I never ever finish a task before my groceries are delivered
Get a meal kit service
Although meal planning and meal prep has saved me a lot of time, it can be a time-consuming process, especially if you’re constantly trying to find ways to reduce the chaos in your home.
You’re spending hours researching recipes and making a grocery list. You’re also spending time shopping for ingredients and preparing everything ahead of time.
It can feel like you’re adding to the chaos, not removing it especially if you’re just starting out on this organized life journey.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution: meal kit services like HelloFresh.
Think of HelloFresh as meal plan and meal prep on steroids, where you don’t have to think much at all. It provides pre-packaged ingredients and easy to follow recipes, taking away the guesswork and saving you time.
With a meal kit, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything.
All the ingredients for each recipe are delivered right to your door, so you never have to worry about running out, running to the grocery, writing down a grocery list or researching different recipes.
It’s all done for you.
To make your cooking process even easier if you’re using a meal kit service, cook all the ingredients that need to be boiled ahead of time.
For example, if you have rice or pasta dish delivered to you by HelloFresh, cook the whole batch. That way, you’ll save time and make your cooking process less chaotic.
Use the O.H.I.O Only handle It Once Method.
You need to take the plunge and start using the only handle it once method if you’re struggling with a hectic life.
It’s a great way to become more organized and make better decisions in your day-to-day life.
This method encourages you to tackle tasks and decisions one at a time, so you don’t have to put things off or procrastinate.
In doing so, you’ll free up your mental space and reduce the stress of having unfinished business.
The first time I ever heard of this method was through the shineapp, and I think it’s a really cool way to incorporate it into your life.
One of the main points of this method is to get rid of stuff that you don’t need anymore.
This means getting rid of your physical stuff, digital stuff, and even nagging tasks in your head. This will help you create a cleaner and more organized environment.
Avoid Overcommitting
In order to understand why you need to avoid overcommitting, Ill show you exactly how overcommitting erodes your organnization skills without you even knowing it. Or rather, this is exactly how mine started.
It all starts with me wanting to be helpful and make a difference. I say “yes” to one project or task. I think I can handle it along with my other responsibilities.
But soon, one task becomes two, then three.
My willingness to help and my fear of failing others leads me to keeping on adding more tasks.
Before I know it, my schedule is a chaotic mess with overlapping deadlines, appointments and commitments.
I am in a constant state of urgency from task to task.
Time management and prioritization start to fall by the wayside as important tasks are pushed to the side or forgotten.
As the workload increases, my capacity to stay organized decreases. At this point, I am in a state of chaos.. My once efficient systems of organization have broken down to the point I have no time for my loved ones
The cycle of over-commitment becomes never ending. When I try to take control of things at this point, it only adds to my stress and anger. I start to neglect important parts of my life, spending less quality time with friends or family in the effort to keep up.
That, my friends, is how I became an overly disorganized person. By simply saying no, I would have never gone down a rabbit hole of disorganization, cluttered mind, confusion and chaos.
But how do you know that you’re overcommitting so that you can stop it before it gets to an uncontrollable state?
Signs you’re overcommitting
Recognizing the signs that you’re overcommitting is crucial in order to regain control and create a more balanced and organized life. Here are six common symptoms:
If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do and never have enough time to do it all, it’s a sign that you’re overcommitting.
When you realize you’ve taken on too much and that’s when chronic exhaustion sets in. That means you’re constantly rushing from task to task and don’t have time to breathe or take a break, it means you’re taking on too much.
If you’re running on low energy at a time you need high energy, you’re in a state where you don’t want to do anything, and everything starts to spill over, you’redefinitely overcommitting. And this point is what actually leads to a lack of organization in your life.
You may also have a calendar full of overlapping deadlines, appointments and commitments, and it’s easy to lose track of everything but most times, you lose track of the calendar and the appointments.
Everything just seems to be happening without your knowledge. You start asking people around you things like, “Did the plumber come?” “Who submitted the report?”
This is when everyone around you starts making comments about how you’re not being organized.
Finally, if you’re neglecting your personal life, this is a tell tell sign that you need to stop and re-evaluate your priorities.
If you recognize these symptoms, it’s the first step to getting your life back on track.
Use them to put a stop to the projects you can’t do right now.
And remember that you can’t afford to take on more work just so you can keep up with your current projects without taking away time from family or social life.
How to know which areas you’re overcommiting
To figure out if you’re overcommitting in any area of your life, start by taking a look at what you’re already doing.
Make a list of all your commitments, from work to home to personal to social.
Then, take a close look at each area and see if you’re spending too much time on certain activities or not giving enough attention to others.
Look out for signs like stress, exhaustion, and feeling overwhelmed, especially when you think about those particular areas in your life.
For example, if you’re not taking enough time for yourself or your relationships because you’re too busy with social obligations, that could mean it’s time to reassess your commitments.
It’s important to remember that no particular area of your life is more important than another. That’s why you have to learn how to balance it all.
What to do with the overcommitments you currently have to improve organization
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work you have to do, it’s time to take a step back and set some boundaries to reduce your workload and enjoy life.
1. Utilize productivity tools to automate tasks
Take advantage of technology to streamline your routines. Use tools like task management apps, email filters, and automation software to simplify repetitive tasks. For example, if you want to clean your home but have a pressing work task, get iRobot to clean your home as you work on your projects.
2. Ask for help
A lot of the time when we’ve overcommitted, we want to do it all by ourselves but its quite impossible to meet 2 week deadline of a 12 man project by yourself. So ask for help.
If you have a baby, ask your spouse to help out with the baby to allow you to clean the house.
If you have to write a blog post but need to shop for groceries, ask your friend, your sister, or your neighbor to do it for you.
3. Dont take any more commitments.
You’re running at capacity. It’s time you reduce the load so learn how to set healthy boundaries at work and at home. In short, get to know how you can learn to say no without being confrontational.
Plan Your day the day before
Planning your day the day before is a powerful habit that can greatly contribute to becoming more organized, especially when you have a chaotic life.
By taking a few moments each evening to plan out your tasks and priorities for the following day, you set yourself up for a more productive and efficient day ahead.
This habit allows you to start your day with clarity and purpose, knowing exactly what needs to be done and in what order.
By proactively planning your day in advance, you can allocate your time and energy effectively, ensuring that you tackle the most important tasks and make progress towards your goals.
With a well-structured plan in place, you can approach each day with confidence, reduce overwhelm, and make the most of your limited time and resources.
Use a Daily Planner
A daily planner is a valuable tool for organizing and managing tasks, schedules, and responsibilities in your daily life. It offers several benefits that can help streamline your day and improve productivity.
First and foremost, a daily planner allows you to consolidate all your tasks and schedules in one place. This eliminates the need for multiple lists or sticky notes, making it easier to stay organized. With a dedicated space for each day, you can jot down important appointments, deadlines, and reminders, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.
In addition to consolidation, using a daily planner promotes better time management. By assigning specific time blocks for different tasks, you can better prioritize and allocate your time. This helps prevent procrastination and ensures essential tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Furthermore, using a daily planner reduces mental load. Instead of remembering everything, you can offload your thoughts onto paper thus freeing up mental space.
There are various types of daily planners available to suit different needs. From traditional calendars to weekly planners designed specifically for career women or moms who prefer writing things down, you can find the perfect tool that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle.
Here’s how to effectively use a planner:
1. Use different planners for different areas of life – have separate sections for cleaning, work, household chores, and your personal life.
2. Assign specific tasks and deadlines to each section to keep everything organized.
3. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
4. Review and update your planner regularly, ensuring you stay on top of events and responsibilities.
5. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable ones to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
6. Make use of color-coding or highlighting techniques to visually differentiate between tasks and categories.
Use a digital Planner
With a digital planner, you can consolidate all your tasks and schedules in one place, making it easier to stay organized and productive.
One of the key advantages of a digital planner is its ease of accessibility. With physical planners, you run the risk of misplacing it or losing the pen you use to highlight different tasks or your baby simply tearing it up.
That’s why I find digital planners more convenient for my work stuff and physical planners best for my home duties. With digital planners, I love the fact that I can input tasks and schedules, allocate specific time blocks for each task, and have a clear overview of your day without flipping a page… hahahaha
Organize Your Mind
When your mind is out of whack, your life can feel chaotic and out of whack. You may feel stressed all the time, forget important dates and appointments, have trouble making decisions, and find it hard to focus on anything.
Signs that you have a messy mind include:
Having a cluttered physical space
Failing to remember important dates or important appointments
Feeling overwhelmed by how many tasks you have
Finding things hard to find
Multitasking without clear direction
Lack of mental clarity
Why is my mind out of whack?
Your mind may be out of whack for a variety of reasons, including:
Lack of time management
Poor habits and routines
Excessive mental clutter
Lack of effective systems to organize thoughts and tasks
How to streamline your thoughts and give yourself an organized mind
1. If you want to streamline your thinking and get your mind more organized, declutter and simplify.
Plan decluttering sessions if you feel like you don’t have enough time. Get rid of stuff you don’t need and organize your stuff in a way that works for you. Simplify your work and cut out any tasks that take up too much of your time.
2. Create routines and habits to help you stay organized and efficient. Set aside times for exercise, meal prep, and self care, and stick to them as much as you can.
3. Take breaks to clear your head and practice mindfulness. Meditate or journal to help calm your mind and make you more mentally clear. Keep track of your progress and make sure you’re learning from any mistakes or issues you come across.
Create a Journaling Habit
If you want to get more out of your life, forming a journaling habit can be a great way to do it. It’s a great way to organize your thoughts, set priorities, and track how you’re doing.
Journaling is a great way to take a step back and reflect on yourself, your feelings, and your life. It can help you make better decisions and manage your emotions better. Plus, it can help you stay motivated and motivated to reach your goals.
The journaling habit involves writing down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It’s a great way to free up some mental space and get your thoughts organized. Plus, it helps you understand your emotions better so you can better manage them.
Plus, journaling helps you prioritize and keep track of how close you are to achieving your goals.
By writing down what you want and what you’re striving for, you can divide your goals into smaller, achievable steps. This way, you can stay focused and inspired while making progress toward what’s important to you.
Revisiting your journal entries can help you get a better understanding of what’s going on in your life and show you what needs to be done.
It can also show you what areas of your life are the most messed up and what you should be doing about them.
Brain Dump to Avoid Forgetting
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the disorganization in your head or the amount of work you have to do, brain dumping could be the answer.
It’s a great way to get rid of all the stuff that’s taking up space in your head and make sure nothing gets forgotten.
A brain dump has lots of benefits, like reducing mental clutter, freeing up mental space, and improving focus. Writing down tasks and information helps you remember what’s important, so you can stay focused and remember to do the important stuff.
To make the brain dump process even more effective, try using a digital app such as Evernote, Google Keep, etc. These apps let you write down tasks, ideas and information quickly and easily, making your brain dump easier to access and manage.
So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or feeling like you’re forgetting something important, why not try a brain dump?
You’ll be surprised at how this simple exercise can help you clear your mind, sharpen your focus and stay organized in the midst of chaos.
Avoid Distractions
It’s important to stay focused and avoid distractions if you want to be more productive. When you’re distracted, it can really mess with your workflow and make it hard to focus on your daily activities.
To avoid this, try turning your phone off or putting it in a different room so you don’t have to check notifications all the time.
Plus, if you limit your social media use during work hours, it’ll help you stay on track. One of my biggest distractions is opening too many tabs while I’m working – it makes me feel like I’m doing too much and makes me easily distracted.
Closeothertabs is a great tool to help you avoid this and get all your work done in one go.
Also, if you want to stay focused, it’s a good idea to make sure your workspace is peaceful and tidy. Get rid of stuff, keep your stuff organized, and make sure you have a spot to work in.
That way, you won’t have as many visual distractions and you’ll be able to concentrate better. To help you stay focused, try to block out background noise or use noise-cancelling headphones.
Train Yourself into Deep Focus
Nowadays, with so many distractions competing for our attention, it’s more important than ever to train ourselves to achieve deep focus. Deep focus is when you’re totally focused on a task, free of distractions and able to focus on the present.
When you’re fully focused, you can put all your mental energy and resources into the task, which leads to better work.
I use a pomodoro approach to my 25 minute deep focus sessions. Pomodoro is a technique that says you can have deep focus periods and periods of mental rest. It was first developed by Francesca Cirilo when he was a college student.
There are lots of apps out there that use this technique, but I like the Forest app the most. I love being able to see my plant grow, and since I don’t usually feel good about completing small tasks, having a tree on my screen makes me feel great.
You can also try out different pomodora apps that are tailored to different people and different needs like for Stay At Home Moms.
Deep focus helps us think more deeply and come up with new ideas, which can lead to better problem-solving and creativity. To get the most out of it, it’s important to stay away from distractions and take breaks.
Taking breaks can help us avoid burnout and give us a chance to recharge our minds. Doing mindfulness exercises like breathing deeply or meditating can also help you stay focused and clear your mind.
Give Everything Its Place
When your life is a mess, it’s easy to lose track of things. From important documents to keys, you can lose a lot of stuff and end up in a lot of trouble.
One of the easiest ways to get organized is to put everything in its place. That means assigning a spot to everything you own, like your car keys, phone charger, or pen. Putting everything back in its spot will save you a lot of time when you’re looking for something.
It might take a bit of work to get used to, but it’ll become second nature over time. Plus, having a spot for everything will help keep clutter from building up and give you a sense of order.
Create organization systems
If you’re looking for a way to stay on top of your productivity and stay organized in your busy life, an organization system is a great place to start.
Notion is a digital tool that makes it easy to set up and manage various systems. You can customize templates and tasks, and use data organization features to make your daily tasks more efficient. Plus, you can use the wall calendar to track your monthly obligations and deadlines.
It’s all about finding the perfect system for you and adjusting and changing it as needed to stay productive and organized.
For your home
If you want your home to be more organized, it’s important to have good organization systems in place. Not only will it help you create a more clutter-free environment, but it’ll also help you live a more productive life. One way to do this is by decluttering.
Go through each room and get rid of what you don’t need or use, either once a month or once a week, depending on how much clutter you have. This will give you more physical space and help you organize your stuff better.
You might also want to consider donating or selling things that you don’t need anymore. Next, make sure you have a designated spot for each item.
For example, you should have a spot near the entrance where you can easily find your keys, wallet, or other everyday essentials.
You can also keep similar items together in storage containers or baskets, like cleaning supplies or kids’ toys. Labeling can also be a great way to organize your home. Make sure you and your family know where everything goes, so you won’t waste time trying to find something.
If you want to keep your home tidy, start by setting aside a few minutes a day to clean up and put things back where they belong. You can also set aside a few hours each week to do bigger jobs like dusting and vacuuming.
For your office & laptop
If you want to get your office and laptop more organized, here are some tips and strategies to help you out.
1. Start by getting rid of all the items you don’t need that are laying around on your desk.
Then keep things like pens, notepads, and reference materials that you normally use on a daily basis. Keep your desk neat and tidy by using organizational tools like dividers, glass containers & trays to organize your dedicated workspace/ desk space.
2. Next, organize your files. Make sure your electronic files have clear, descriptive names so they’re easy to find. You can also create folders based on different categories or projects.
For example, I use this folder for all my Pinterest pins since I usually batch create them. Finally, set up a workflow that works for you and stick with it.
3. Once you’ve organized your laptop, create workflow systems that make it easy to move from one task to another. Use productivity tools like Digital Calendars, Task Management Apps, and Note-Taking Apps to stay organized.
I personally use Clickup for all my projects and I have an automated system that automatically moves tasks when I complete them. That way I dont waste hours manually moving each task.
4. Keep your paper clutter to a minimum! Digitize your documents and store them in your computer or in the cloud. Put your important papers in folders or scan them to digitize them.
5. Clean up your digital space regularly by deleting old files, uninstalling apps, and organizing your desktop icons. Plus, use filters and folders to sort and prioritize your emails.
Get over perfectionism: Done is Better than procrastinated
It’s easy to let perfectionism get the best of us and hold us back from doing things we should be doing.
We all try to be perfect – even im guilty of doing that but it just makes us lazy and stops us from getting things done.
Don’t let perfectionism get you down – it’s better to get things done than to procrastinate. Accept that not everything is going to be perfect and you’ll be more productive and successful.
What perfectionism looks like
What is perfectionism?
It’s one of the worst bad toxic habits where you set too high of standards for yourself and want to be perfect in every area of your life. You’re afraid of failure and have a hard time accepting mistakes.
You set unrealistic expectations for yourself and push yourself to the limit. This can cause a lot of stress and anxiety because you’re putting so much pressure on yourself to be perfect.
You’re also afraid of making mistakes, so you avoid doing things because you’re worried you’ll make a mistake.
Perfectionism can also make your life more chaotic and less productive. You spend too much time on one thing trying to perfect it and don’t prioritize other important things.
How to recognize perfectionism as it is happening
To overcome perfectionism, it’s important to recognize it when it’s happening. Below are some signs of perfectionism and steps you can take to overcome it:
1. You’re setting unreasonable expectations.
perfectionists set standards that are almost impossible to meet. Realize when you’re not living up to your expectations and set goals that are more attainable.
2. You have an ‘All or nothing’ mindset.
You tend to view the world in a binary way, either perfect or failing. This mentality can sabotage your daily routine, as even small mistakes can be seen as huge failures.
3. Over-analyzing every single detail.
You’re always spending too much time on one task. You overanalyze, spend too much time thinking about one thing rather than doing it. Learn to break tasks down into manageable chunks and focus on progress instead of perfection.
4. Micro-managing other people around you.
Im actually guilty of doing this, but if you find yourself feelig like there is nobody who can do a task better than you can, then that’s a huge sign of perfectionism. For me, Ive learnt to allow people to do things and trust they will get it done without me being there because I cant do it all by myself. And realizing that I cant truly reach my potential without other people’s assistance.
5. Fear of failure.
Perfectionists often have a deep-seated fear of failure. If you care about something so much, you’re bound to fear failing in it. But you need to accept that failure is a part of learning and embrace it as an opportunity to learn. If you dont fail, you wont learn. And without learning, there’s no growth.
6. You seek validation and approval.
If you’re a perfectionist, you’re probably looking for people to tell you what you’re doing is great, but it can be hard to accept yourself for who you are. To help you feel more confident, focus on what you do well and what you’re good at.
Getting stuck in a rut of perfectionism can really mess with your productivity and stop you from getting where you want to be. To get out of it, you need to come up with ways to change it.
Here are a few things you can do to get rid of perfectionism:
1. Set realistic goals: Set goals that fity our skills and circumstances so that you can avoid frustration and disappointment.
2. Address perfectionist tendencies: Don’t be afraid to admit when you make mistakes and embrace the learning process. Challenge the all or nothing belief by acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and that failure is a natural part of growth and learning.
3. Focus on progress, not perfection: Instead of striving for flawlessness, shift your focus to progress. Celebrate small victories and acknowledge the effort and the energy levels you had to put into each task. Embrace the learning process and view mistakes as opportunities for growth.
4. Practice self-compassion: Don’t be too hard on yourself – treat yourself with compassion and kindness, and remember that it’s OK to make mistakes.
5. Seek support: Overcoming perfectionism can be challenging, so reach out to friends, family, or a therapist for support. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and help you stay accountable to your goals.
10 General Habits that Maintain Organization In Your Life
Once you’ve learnt how to organize your chaotic life, you need to learn how to form habits that will help you maintain an organized life. Remember, if you fall off the band wagon, your chaotic life will make its way back to you real quick.
1. Maintain healthy to-do lists. Avoid going back to creating the long never ending to do lists that just make you anxious instead of productive.
2. Always set realistic goals no matter the pressure you feel. If you can’t do it, delegate. If there’s nobody to delegate to, push it to your next themed day for that task.
3. Allocate time blocks. Schedule specific blocks of time for different activities, such as work, household chores, and self-care. Stick to these time blocks to stay organized.
4. Focus on one task at a time instead of multitasking.
5. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up your physical space. A clean environment promotes a clear mind and better organization.
6. Establish a morning routine. Start your day with a structured routine that includes activities like exercise, meditation, or planning. It sets a positive tone for the rest of the day.
7. Use a planner or digital tools. Utilize a paper planner or digital calendar to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and important events. This ensures you won’t miss anything important.
8. Prioritize self-care no matter your projects always remembering that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
9. Always reflect and adjust your habits and routines to see what’s working and what needs adjustment. Making changes based on reflection helps improve organization over time.
10. Maintain a dedicated workspace that allows you to deep focus and eliminates distraction especially if you’re a mom who works from home like myself.
FAQs
FAQs: Habits to Organize a Chaotic Life for Career Women and Moms
1. How do I organize a chaotic life?
To organize a chaotic life, start by creating a daily routine and schedule. Prioritize your tasks and break them down into manageable chunks. Make use of tools like to-do lists, calendars, digital planners and automations to keep track of your responsibilities and deadlines. Also, declutter your physical space and develop a system for organization.
2. What makes a person organized?
An individual is considered to be organized when they: have good time management skills have a well-structured approach to tasks have a clear idea of what is important to them develop habits over time have a system in place to organize tasks and information keep a neat and tidy living environment have a designated office or work time.
3. How do I stay motivated to stay organized?
To stay motivated, set realistic and achievable goals. Break big projects into smaller, achievable steps. Celebrate each success. Find a personal motivation or incentive system that motivates you to keep up with your organization. For example, treat yourself to something nice after finishing a difficult project.
4. How can busy moms stay organized?
Mothers who are busy can use calendars or planners that are specifically designed for the purpose of organizing family activities and timetables. By prioritizing activities, delegating responsibilities, establishing routines, and utilizing technology such as reminder apps and shared family calendars, communication and coordination can be improved.
5. How can a career woman be more organized?
If you want to become a more organized career woman, you need to start managing your time better. Break up your day into chunks and focus on tasks that are important and urgent. Learn how to say no when you need to, delegate when you can, and use tech tools like a digital calendar or project management app to keep track of deadlines and obligations.
By implementing these habits and strategies, career women and moms can better navigate the chaos of daily life and create a more organized and productive lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adopting daily habits to become more organized is essential for managing a chaotic life. Consistency is key in practicing these habits to achieve the transformative power they hold.
It is important to recognize that change takes time. By committing to these daily habits over an extended period, we can witness their transformative power. Gradually, we will begin to see the positive impact on our overall quality of life, leading to a more organized and fulfilling existence.
So, embrace the importance of consistency and commit to these daily habits. Through dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to create an organized that allows you to thrive in the midst of chaos.
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