Staying organised in our fast-paced world can be challenging, but over the years, I've developed a system that works well for me. By combining insights from experts, here's how I keep everything in order.

One of the cornerstone principles of my organization system is inspired by David Allen. He emphasizes that your brain is not for holding ideas but for having them. Periodically, I perform a brain dump where I jot down every task, idea, and thought into an inbox. This initial capture is crucial as it gets everything out of my head and onto paper, freeing my mind for thinking.

I also use the Bullet Journal method. This analog system combines calendar and task management with mindfulness and customization. At the beginning of each month, I set up my monthly log that outlines major events and tasks. For long-term planning, I maintain a future log where I jot down events and tasks that are scheduled for the upcoming months. I use collections to group related tasks and ideas and an index to keep everything easily searchable.

For my professional life, I keep a dedicated notebook for teaching notes. Additionally, I use Google Drive to store and organize digital resources. On my phone, I use the ColorNotes app to quickly capture ideas and tasks that pop into my brain during the day. Every few days, I go through these notes and integratethem into my bullet journal, ensuring that nothing gets forgotten.

I maintain a whiteboard calendar for monthly planning. This tool is incredibly versatile as it allows me to easily wipe off and rearrange events and tasks as needed. The physical act of updating the board helps reinforce my schedule in my mind.

The foundation of my approach is to externalize everything. By capturing all tasks, ideas, and reminders in a system, I free up mental space. Consistency is key. I regularly go over and sort through my notes, tasks, and projects to ensure everything is up to date and accurately reflects my priorities.

By combining these methods and tools, I maintain a comprehensive and flexible organization system that adapts to my needs. This approach not only keeps me on track but also reduces stress and enhances my productivity. If you're struggling with organization, I highly recommend experimenting with these strategies to find what works best for you.