The other day I did a massive closet clear out. My closet wasn’t in the worst shape, but it also wasn’t in the best — because it just wasn’t functional. Everything was all over the place, and there really wasn’t any rhyme or reason to where things were.

Though after I spent numerous hours sorting, organizing, stockpiling and throwing things away, I felt refreshed and renewed. I sensed a wave of relief and satisfaction come over me.

When our space is disorganized, we start to feel cluttered. It’s amazing what a clean closet can do to your mind.

So today I’m talking all about organization and productivity — the two things they say we need to have a good work life, school life and the like.

I’m definitely not an expert, but I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way that might just make your day much more productive and keep your thoughts and your space organized.

1. Make a List

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for stationary. Namely, anything that allows me to write lists. I’m not talking about storing information in your indestructible Blackberry. I’m talking about pen to paper.
I know what you’re thinking, “Come on. That’s so before the iPhone of you.”

I might have an ancient ways of doing things, but technology can only do so much. Yes. I did just utter those words.

But seriously. Being able to check things off a list is one of the most satisfying feelings, and you won’t get that buzz from your phone’s reminders list.

It also lessens distractions while keeping you accountable. While you can close out that list app and peruse Snapchat, that little list sitting on your desk isn’t going anywhere. It’s front and center and ready to go.

Try it out, and let me know how it goes. I get mine from Target’s One Spot section. They’re cheap, cute and get the job done.

After all I’ve said, you might be thinking that you are capable of storing the information you have in your noggin. And while you might be able to when starting out, I can assure you that there will be something that you forget whether you’re young or getting up in age.

The ghost of Jasmine’s past would have said the same thing, but she soon realized this was not the case after she forgot a homework assignment and the teacher wasn’t so gracious.

So take it from me. I promise I won’t steer you wrong.

Tip 2: Reward Yourself.

Like previously mentioned, I never wanted to write things down. I was like all those out there that thought it was a waste of time, but rewarding yourself for getting stuff done is a great way to keep the productive momentum alive.
When I’m at work, I reward myself with getting up and walking around the office (I have to get those Fitbit steps in) or eating one of my snacks in my lunch bag. Do whatever you can to spruce up your work flow and provide a freshness to any assignment you undertake.

Tip 3: Don’t Beat Yourself Up

My final and most important tip is one that many of us struggle with. We bite off more than we can chew. We overwork ourselves beyond the pressure we feel from our boss, project managers and teachers. Remember that you are human and that despite everything you’re given, there is a threshold. You can’t clean an entire house in one day. Well, you can, but you’d be horribly exhausted afterwards.
You might have to ask for an extension or take a break and come back to something that is irritable. That’s a tip in and of itself. When things get rocky and frustrating — just take a moment to breathe, and remind yourself that you can do this.

You’re a bonafide go-getter. So go out there and be a game changer.
If I can do it, so can you!

-Jas