How to Be More Organized and Get More Done
Nov 21, 2024
TLDR: Feeling stuck? Start small. Fixing broken scissors or prepping overnight oats might not seem daunting on their own, but when life feels overwhelming, even the simplest tasks can seem exhausting, gigantic, or easy to put off. Taking tiny steps can help you get unstuck, feel more organized, and make progress, no matter the task.
How to Be More Organized and Get More Done
We’ve all been there: staring at a task that feels way too big, telling ourselves we’ll get to it later. But later comes, and… nothing happens. It’s not just you, it’s human nature. Starting something, especially when you’re feeling “at capacity”, can be the hardest part.
What I’ve learned is that you don’t have to tackle the whole thing right away. Sometimes, the best way to get moving is to just do anything.
The Power of Starting Small
When a task feels too big, breaking it down into ridiculously small steps can be a game changer. Here’s an example:
My scissors were broken, but fixable. I’d been annoyed about it for a few days, but whenever I remembered the task, the idea of digging out the super glue from the tool kit in the hall closet felt too cumbersome or distracting in the moment. Instead of continuing to wait for the perfect time to finish the task in one go, I took the smallest possible step: I moved the scissors to the middle of the table where I planned to fix them, and in the meantime, I couldn’t ignore them.
The next day, I pulled out the super glue from the closet, and it wasn’t that bad (obviously). With the glue in front of me, fixing the scissors was easy to finish that day. Why does this matter? Because separating the tasks of moving the scissors and finding the glue got me to a finished task that could have sat undone for weeks.
How This Applies to Everything - Including Breakfast
Take meal prep, for example. I’ve been there: tired, busy, and telling myself I don’t have the energy to make a healthy breakfast. But here’s how I broke it down once I made the decision to just do ANYTHING to get me closer:
I got out most of the dry ingredients one evening.
That small win motivated me to grab the tools I needed (e.g. measuring cups, spoons, and jars.)
The next day, I realized we were low on yogurt. I could’ve spiralled into “WTF, no wonder I never get anything done!” mode. (And let’s be real, I have been there many times.) Instead, I saved the drama, and just took the logical next step of adding yogurt to the grocery list.
By the end of the day, the yogurt was in the fridge, and I finished prepping the oats.
This process took a few tiny steps over a couple of days, but I got it done. Even better, I froze extras, so I didn’t have to worry about breakfast for five more days.
Pro tip: Freezing portions is perfect if you’re not a fan of eating the same thing every day, or if you just want to prep a lot at once and not think about it again for a while.
Why Small Steps Work
When you take tiny actions, even ones that seem silly, it works because:
It removes the pressure. You’re not committing to the whole task at once, just one small step.
It builds momentum. Once you start, even with something small, it’s easier to keep going.
It feels good. Checking off even the tiniest task boosts confidence and motivation.
Obstacles are steps forward. A small hurdle doesn’t derail you, it’s just the next step to work through.
Use This Strategy Anywhere
The beauty of starting small is that it applies to more than just broken scissors or oats. Whether it’s organizing your finances, preparing for a big conversation, or tackling a work project, the same principles apply:
Break it down into micro-steps.
Do anything to get started, even if it’s moving one item, doing a quick search, or making a list.
Celebrate progress, no matter how small.
Over time, small wins add up to systems and habits that make life simpler and more productive.
Your Challenge: Try It This Week
Pick one task you’ve been putting off, big or small, and take a micro-step. Maybe it’s prepping a week of breakfasts or tackling an overdue errand. Start with the smallest action you can think of, and let momentum do the rest.
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