We live in world where information is oil. With the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), we have become digital hoarders. What do you hoard in this digital world?
A nice article about something you like – you save it!.
A nice dog picture that you have got on the internet – you save it and share it with your friends!
A website that is lovely- you bookmark it!
Hoarding is not a problem but not organizing it – is a problem.
.jpeg)
Because of not organizing them properly – what you end up with is - Folders everywhere. You can't find that important file you saved somewhere? Emails accumulating?
Well! Everyone is sailing on the same boat here. But here's the thing: Organizing your digital stuff is not just about being tidy. It can actually make your work WAY less stressful and much easier.
De-cluttering your system and online presence
So, you ask me – “Do I have to spend my valuable time to de-clutter my digital pile?” Yes, boss. You have to.
Consider your backpack. If it's full of wrinkled old papers, stale snacks, and books all packed in together, amidst that, getting your an important document that your boss shared with you to review, is a nightmare, right? Your digital life (your computer files, emails, apps) is the same backpack, but it is just online and virtual.
So, when it's disorganized:.jpeg)
● Things Get Lost: Vital assignments, sweet ideas you bookmarked, login information. zapped! Vanished in the mess.
Organizing enables you to quickly find things, meet deadlines, feel more relaxed, and even have more leisure time. It's like taking your brain on a little holiday!
Tiago Forte's Simple Idea: Organize for Action!
Tiago Forte, a professional organizer, has a great idea known as the PARA method. It isn't about having things look aesthetically pleasing. It's about making things easy so you can get things done.
He states:
"Organize for action, not for reference." - Tiago Forte
This is: Organize your folders and files in terms of what you're doing, not where things go. Consider what projects you're currently working on.
He also quotes:
"The goal is not to organize your information; it's to organize your attention." - Tiago Forte
Organizing your digital clutter keeps your eyes on what's important in the moment, without all the noise interfering.
Where to start organizing?
Don't worry, you don't have to do it all at once! Begin small. Choose one item below to do today:
Tame Your Files & Folders (Like Tiago Says - Think ACTION!):
● Take a look at what you're DOING: What projects are you currently working on? (e.g., "Science Fair Project," "English Essay," "Soccer Team Schedule"). Create a folder for each ongoing project.
● Put STUFF YOU NEED SOON in those folders: Anything you need for that task soon goes into its folder.
● STUFF FOR LATER? Create an "Area" folder: Things you have to keep but aren't currently using (like "Math Notes" or "College Stuff") go into a separate folder. Tiago refers to these as "Areas" – things you have to keep track of over time.
● Name Files Accurately: Don't save things under "Document1"! Name them so you can tell what they are immediately, such as "Essay_FirstDraft_May5" or "Science Lab Results."
● Delete the Trash! Be courageous. Remove old downloads, out-of-focus photos, or documents you absolutely don't need to keep anymore.
Clear of your mail box (It is like clearing what is on your work desk):
Unsubscribe from Annoying Emails: Look at emails from stores or websites you don't care about? Scroll down and click on "Unsubscribe." Do a whole bunch all at once!
● Use Folders or Labels: Create folders such as "Finance", "Important," or "To Do Later." Get emails out of your main inbox so it's less intimidating.
● Get Rid of Emails Quickly: Read an email? Do it immediately: Reply? Delete it? Send it to a folder? Don't just let it sit there.
Use a Calendar (Your Phone's is Okay!):
● SCHEDULE EVERYTHING in it: Homework deadlines, project due dates, club meetings, soccer practice, friendship hangouts. All of them!
● Set Reminders: Get your phone to buzz or ping before something's due. Life-saver!
● Check it EVERY DAY: Make it a habit to look at your calendar morning or nighttime.
Keep it Safe (This is Important!):
● Strong Passwords: Avoid using "password123" or your pet's name! Make them confusing (intermingle letters, numbers, symbols). Better still, consult a parent on using a assword manager (such as Bit warden – it's free!). It stores all your passwords securely so you don't need to remember anything except one!
● Turn on Extra Security (2FA): On key things such as email, enable "Two-Factor Authentication" (2FA). This implies even if a person gets your password, they require a unique code (oftentimes sent to your phone) in order to enter. Way more secure!
● Back Up Your Stuff! Use Google Drive, iCloud, or an external hard disk. In case your computer crashes, your precious files are backed up somewhere else.
Organizing your digital life may sound dull, but I promise, it's life-changing. You'll spend less time, misplace less, meet deadlines, and feel HUGELY less stressed about school.
.jpeg)
Your Easy Challenge (Choose ONE!):
- Invest 15 minutes TODAY: Organize your computer's "Downloads" folder or your phone's photos. Get rid of what you don't need!
Create ONE Project Folder: Consider one project you have going on currently (large homework, club project?). Create a folder for it and place all of the files for said project within.- Insert ONE Significant Date into Your Calendar: Have an upcoming test or project? Insert it into your phone's calendar IMMEDIATELY and schedule a reminder for one or two days prior.
- Small steps create BIG change. You've got this! Begin today, and your happier, less-stressed future self will be SO glad you did.
Reference:
Forte, Tiago. Building a Second Brain: A Proven Method to Organize Your Digital Life and Unlock Your Creative Potential. Atria Books, 2022. (or the specific year of publication if different)
Programme coordinator- Cambridge
Head - Career Guidance and Placement Service
Trainer - TIPS Learning and Research Institute
No comments:
Post a Comment