Dec 12, 2019
The countdown to 2020 has begun! Before we know it, the ball will drop, fireworks will ignite the sky, and the new year will be here. Which means, it’s time to be more productive and organized in the office, so you can ring in the new year with zero stress.
Fill Up That Planner:
Writing down tasks, meetings, and social engagements are one of the best ways to organize your day-to-day schedule. Whether you are trying to make a deadline at work or going out with friends to happy hour, a weekly planner will make you feel like you have it all together. Plus, studies have shown that by handwriting your to-dos and tasks, you are more likely to remember that dentist appointment at 1:00pm on a Wednesday then you would if you typed it out on a keyboard.
It’s also a good idea to plan everything out a few months ahead. Remember to not only fill up your planner with work tasks, but to also schedule a time to see your friends, go to that Pilates class, or even a solo evening for you to decompress with a glass of merlot. You work hard, make sure to add personal elements to your planner that you can look forward to.
Declutter That Inbox:
It’s pretty easy to get lost in a sea of emails. Especially, if you don’t diligently archive or send them to trash. This month, plan to go through your inbox, delete ones that are not important, and declutter the digital chaos. Create different folders that allow you to archive important emails, that way you can always refer to the information later if you need it. Plus, it’s pretty cathartic to hit that trash can symbol.
Oh, and while you’re at it, go ahead and declutter your desktop as well.
Tidy Up The Desk:
After a year of sitting at your desk, churning out project after project, it can be difficult to find the time to tidy up your workspace. Documents pile up (and dust), along with an assortment of random writing utensils and Post-its.
As everything begins to wind down for the holidays, block out time to wipe down your desk, shred any unnecessary paperwork, and organize your drawers. Perhaps even decorate your space a little so you can start 2020 feeling fresh and inspired!
Stock Up on Healthy Recipes:
This seems like more of a personal priority, but eating right definitely affects your productivity at work. Begin to compile a list of healthy lunch recipes that you can quickly whip up in the kitchen the night before or in the morning. Say goodbye to quick trips to the convenient store or sitting in the fast-food line. Not only will you have more energy throughout the day if you bring in healthy lunches, but you’ll also save time with a detailed grocery list, so you won’t have to spend an hour searching for healthy ingredients.
Plan for Professional Growth:
You’ve made it another year at your job, congratulations! But, what professional goals do you wish to achieve in 2020? The end of the year is the perfect time to sit down with your employers and set career goals.
Typically, companies have performance reviews towards the end of a fiscal year, that way they can evaluate your growth over the past twelve months. Be prepared when you speak with your employer. Discuss your accomplishments from the year and provide a list of career goals you hope to achieve in 2020. Not only will this show gumption and motivation, but you’ll be able to establish different marks you hope to hit throughout the year.
By taking the time in December to do the above tips, you'll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Organizing your life now will help you recharge for 2020.