Staying Organised in a Chaotic World: Tools and Tips for Success

Staying organised can be a bit of a love-hate relationship for many. Some people thrive on it, relishing the sense of control and order it brings to their lives. Others might find it a constant challenge, with to-do lists and planners feeling like an extra burden. In my case, I fall firmly into the 'love it' category. Ever since I was little, I've been drawn to tools that help me stay organised. I remember getting my hands on a "filo-fax" off a free gift with a magazine and using it religiously. It made me feel like my entire life was neatly contained within those pages, and it helped me remember things – a lifesaver, really. I've even passed on this love for organisation to my children, starting their weeks with a Sunday planning session using whiteboard-style planners. It's a great visual aid to keep us all on track, as long as we remember what day it is!

In my professional life, where I support numerous businesses on a weekly basis, staying organised is not just a preference; it's a necessity. The juggling act of remembering tasks, deadlines, and priorities for multiple clients can be overwhelming. So, over the years, I've developed a toolkit that helps me stay on top of things.

Here are some of the tools and strategies I use:

• Weekly Meetings to Set and Prioritise Tasks: One of my go-to methods is holding weekly meetings with my clients. During these meetings, I review the tasks at hand, set priorities, and create a roadmap for the week. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that work gets done efficiently.

• In-Person Meetings for Added Support: While virtual communication is great, in-person meetings can sometimes be more effective in getting tasks done. This is down to personal preference.

• Project Management Tools: To keep track of tasks, priorities, and deadlines, I rely on systems like Trello and my calendar. These platforms allow me to detail tasks,time block, assign responsibilities, and set reminders. Calendar integrations help me stay on track and avoid missing important dates.

• Message Reminders: In the age of constant communication, messages and emails can easily get lost in the shuffle. I make use of message reminders for clients to help them stay on track.

• Realistic Time Management: While staying organised is crucial, it's equally important to be realistic about time management. It's easy to overcommit and underestimate how long tasks will take. To avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance, I've learned to allocate sufficient time for each task and build in buffer periods for unexpected delays. Realism in time management ensures that I can meet deadlines without sacrificing quality or my well-being.

Staying organised in the world of virtual business support can be demanding, especially when you're juggling multiple clients and responsibilities. However, with the right tools, strategies along with consistency, it becomes not only manageable but also incredibly rewarding. Weekly meetings, in-person interactions, project management systems, message reminders, and social media management tools are all part of my tools for staying on top of my game as a Business Support - Virtual Assistant. So, whether you're a fellow organisation enthusiast or someone looking to enhance your organisational skills, I hope these insights help you navigate the chaotic world of virtual business support with ease. After all, when you stay organised, you're not just managing your tasks; you're mastering your success.