On the one hand, we need proven tools that can help people focus their energies strategically and tactically without letting anything fall through the cracks.  On the other, we need to create work environments and skills that will keep the most invested people from burning out due to stress. 
I don’t want to waste time thinking about things more than once.  That’s an inefficient use of creative energy and a source of frustration and stress. 
David Allen:  Getting Things Done – The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
(David Allen writes about the value of a ‘trick” – like leaving your briefcase by the front door so you won’t forget it when you leave the house.  My digital recorder container, which you will read about below, is such a “trick”).

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There are two kinds of people.  The organized, and the slobs.  They usually marry each other.

My wife is the organized one.  I am the slob.

For example when we went on our last vacation, she prepared a half-day by half-day itinerary.  You know, a very highly organized schedule.  I figured out how to upload it into iBooks into my iPad and my iPhone, and we simply checked the schedule every day to get going.  Oh, we still went off schedule a time or two – on purpose.  And it was not organized down to the minute.  But it was a wonderful vacation, seeing things and doing things that we would not have included without her research and organization.

If I had had been in charge of the vacation (as I was, at times, in the past) there would have been a whole lot more “what do you want to do today”  moments, with time just kind of disappearing by indecision.

Her way is better.

In the past, I lost everything (ok, at least, lots of things).  Sometimes, for short times, sometimes for long periods.  I finally asked my wife to help me.

For example, I use a specific digital recorder once a month.  I used to frantically search for it, practically every month.  (Yes, I know, I’m an idiot.  I told you – I’m a slob).  Now, it has it’s own specific place to rest during the month. And, more importantly, it rests in a neat little black webbed, zippered container.  The recorder is in the container, with two zip-lock bags.  One has new batteries in it, the other has used batteries in it, both clearly marked.  (Yes, my wife’s idea).  Now, I see that container, and remember “that’s the digital recorder.”  I no longer search for it when I need it – I just get it from its place.   I have other items, each with their own unique containers.  I cannot tell you how much better my life works with these little organizational tricks.

Now, think about the organizational processes at your work.  Does everything have its place?  Does every chunk of time have its plan, in advance, so that you know what you will do with your next chunk of time?

Organized is better.  Less clutter is better than more slob-ness (slobbiness?).  You really will get more done.

For 2013, focus on your processes – get better organized!

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{Check out the two earlier posts in this “For 2013” series:
For 2013, Focus on your Focus
For 2013, Focus on Your People}.