In the past I have really struggled with keeping on top of life and it’s not easy trying to juggle work, studying, a social life and a relationship. Sometimes I would have so much on that I would just completely forget things. Last year I even got kicked out of my own dentist for missing/ cancelling last minute, 2 consecutive appointments. It was at that point I was like... ‘Grace you need to get your shit together’ life was beginning to get the better of me and I crumbled under the pressure of it all. As you grow older, the more independence you have, the more things you need to organise and be on top of so it’s best to crack the code now before life gets any crazier with a 9 to 5, weddings and baby showers.
WRITE THINGS DOWN:
This is my BIGGEST tip to never forgetting an appointment, event or birthday again. Just write it down, whether it’s an annual calendar or a diary, just write it down. At the start of each new week check your calendar or diary to see what’s happening that week so you can prepare for what’s coming up.
Day to day writing lists helps me outline the things I need to do that day. It’s always simple things like: ‘Ring so and so’ or ‘Post package at Post office’ for example. I can be so forgetful so writing lists basically keeps me on track and there is just something so satisfying about crossing each thing off. Really helps you feel productive.
OR JUST USE YOUR PHONE:
Some people are not into stationary, wouldn’t carry around a diary or just can’t be bothered to write things down. So just use your phone to keep on top of things. Set reminders, put your appointments and birthdays in your calendar and use your notes to make lists, I do that a lot when I’m out and about.
If you don’t like moving between each app on your phone I recommend downloading an app called ‘Actions by moleskin’ (pics below). It’s basically a calendar, schedule, to do list and reminders setter all in one. Tried, tested and highly recommend.
CLEAN YOUR ROOM/MOST FREQUENTLY USED SPACE ONCE A WEEK
I know, I know, this sounds like effort and your used to cleaning once a month, if that. But one thing about me, and my friends could vouch is that my room is always relatively clean. Bed is made everyday without fail, clothes hung up or in washing basket and clutter out of site. This is key to being on top of shit because if the space around you is a mess than it makes it 10X harder to be organised. I’m no Mrs Hinch by any means and my room isn’t spotless but it’s organised. I have lots of storage boxes and I usually know where to find things with the odd exception. A clean room = knowing where to find stuff = less time wasted = more organised. Basically don’t let crap accumulate.
PLAN AHEAD
This has taken me some time to master and even now I can have my leave it till last minute moments. But planning ahead is undoubtedly the best way to get your shit together. For example if it’s your mate’s birthday at the end of the month, plan ahead. Get their present sorted early when you’ve got the cash, put some money aside if they’re having a meal or a night out and plan out what you’re gonna wear so you’re not rushing 10 mins before you’ve got to leave (I’ve been there). Or if you wanna go on a girls holiday in the summer, plan well in advance so you’re gonna have a date set in stone and then you can budget how you’re gonna be able to pay for it. My friend Robyn once told me “Prior planning prevents poor performance” and she’s so right, nothing can go possibly go wrong if you’ve planned ahead.
FIND A BALANCE
The key to staying on top of your shit is finding a balance. Don’t over do it or over stretch yourself. Never work too much to the point you never have time to go out but then don’t go out every night to the point you have no money to eat or do other things. Honestly finding your own personal balance will really make you feel in control of your life rather than stressed about it. You’ll feel motivated to do work, instead of dragged down because you’re overdoing it, you’ll be excited to go out with your mates instead of feeling shattered and being skint. Seriously this is probably the best tip I have if you maintain a balance between all the different aspects of your life you’ll feel happier and more fulfilled and I can promise you that
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