As somebody with ADHD, maintaining organization is a seriously large job. As a novelist, I have even more pressure to keep organized. This article is going to talk about 3 aspects of my life.
Life
Writing
Work
I’m not a full-time novelist, but I do have a full-time career. My job is going to look different from yours, but I’m hoping if I share some tricks, you can apply at least a few of them to your own life.
Life
Here are my top 5 tips, tricks, and tools I use to remain organized in my life.
1. Calendars
I have about 4 distinct calendars in my life, I have one on the refrigerator to create fast notes, Google Calendars on my phone for reminders while I’m away, one on my desk at work for myself and coworkers to keep everybody in the loop, and lastly the app “Time Tree”. I adore using Time Tree because you can share it with friends and family and they can add to the calendar as well and you can be up to date with what everybody in your family/household is up to at any given moment. I have a 3-year-old child and its very useful for my family to see when we are working and whose picking him up from childcare. We can also plan in family time and other events.
2. Time management apps
I have a few tricks for time management. For one, I use the app “BeFocused” which works similarly to the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique relies on setting a timer for a specific period, working until the timer goes off, getting a few minutes break, and then going at it again. It’s effective to make me do stuff I don’t really want to do.
The second time management trick I do is use the website “Random.org”. I prepare a list of all the tasks I have to do, then shuffle the list using a random list generator, and do the items in order afterward. You can also run them through after each item gets done and do the one at the top each time. I then use the Random clock time generator to set times for when each thing needs to be finished or at least when I must stop to work on something else. I tend to work on the same thing ALL DAY if I lack something to tell me when to shift to the next thing.
3. Everything has a place
This one is fairly self-explanatory. Everything has a place. If I move something, it must go back to its home when I’m finished with it. If it’s practicable to have more than one of those items, such as phone chargers, ill have a few around the house so I constantly have one nearby. I’m also fond of carrying around a colossal backpack with my most used items inside it so I always have them with me. If I’m leaving the house I grab my backpack which always has my chargers, Chromebook, masks, and wallet inside it. I can’t get far without my keys so they have a home on the bookshelf next to the front door. Everything has a home.
4. Reminder apps
If my calendars aren't enough, I always double up by telling Siri to set up a daily/weekly/monthly reminder of what I need to get done. It might feel intrusive, but at least I won't forget to do something.
5. To-do lists.
This one is pretty simple. I like to make lists. There's something satisfying about watching a physical list disappear as I cross out all the items.
Writing
When I write, I tend to employ the same strategies I use with daily life, though I would like to add a few more.
1. Google docs
I use google docs for all my writing. This might seem overkill for some of you, but for me, I need to do this next part. I organize all my documents in to separate folders and on top of THAT, I have separate email accounts for different topics, that way all my stuff is organized by project and subject. I have an email for my writing, for my business, for personal stuff, and my PayPal account/money-related things. I have google docs, spreadsheets, and google drive accounts for all of these email addresses with the appropriate subjects saved in each area. As I said, that might seem like overkill, but it works for me.
2. Scrivener
I used to use Scrivener for all my writing, but it got too confusing for me and I couldn’t use it on my Chromebook, otherwise, I would still be using it. If it works for you then go for it. Scrivener is a great tool for writing. It keeps everything super organized and it has everything you need to compile your novel. Nanowrimo is currently giving away a discount to Nanowrimo participants. Go to Nanowrimo.org for more details.
3. Notebooks
Old school technique, but it works. I have a notebook for each project and write everything in there. It works beautifully.
Work
Lastly, let’s talk about being organized at work. I work a desk job but I’ll try to include some stuff for other types of work I’ve done in the past.
1. Calendars
I would like to mention again that calendars are very important and I hope I made it clear.
2. Sticky notes
I use sticky notes everywhere. I like to stick them where they are most needed. Need to call someone? Put it on the phone. Need to email someone? Put it on the computer. Yout get the idea. ;)
3. Emails
Email yourself a reminder. Sometimes I need to RSVP to my events just to remind myself they need to get done. The physical response makes it more real and easier to follow through on.
4. Stay clean
If you keep your work area clean, you’ll recognize where things are, and you’ll notice when things start becoming disorganized again.
I hope this helps and if you have any other tips, tricks, or tools for staying organized, email me at jasonsalvatore7876@gmail.com
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