10 Ways to Build Organizational Skills

To the most organized of individuals, it seems almost silly that anyone would have to work on their organizational skills, much less not have any. But we’re here to tell you’re not alone. Organization isn’t merely keeping your clutter well-hidden in your home. It’s staying on task when you set out to do something — a feat that many young adults with disorders like borderline personality or ADHD can really struggle with. In 2011, U.S. News reported that neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and alcohol use made up 45 percent of all of such disorders in youths ages 10 to 24.

For many, it is far easier to stop pursuing all of life’s goals in general than to slack on just a few, as others do. Often, when someone appears to have just stopped trying, it’s due to emotional reasons that have clouded their judgment. Many times, these emotions are not irrational at all, but rather, they’re side effects of underlying problems like mental illness or substance abuse. Hence, why so many people falling into said categories are unemployed and seem to be behind the curve in their lives. CNN Money reports that one-sixth of all unemployed persons are substance abusers. Likewise, USA Today reports that 40 percent of mentally ill persons do not want to work, and only two-thirds of those who do can keep a job.

Where to Start

Before you can tackle the myriad of ways to organize your life, you need to think about why it is disorganized to begin with, and then set out on a mission not to repeat the behaviors that are contributing to it. When you’re ready to start clearing out your life’s clutter — be it physical, cognitive or otherwise — take baby steps. Rushing into projects like this can be overwhelming – a sensation that eventually causes most people to give up.

Below you will find 10 ways you can develop organizational skills — both on your own and with the help of trained therapists and life coaches such as those found at treatment centers like ours.

1. Keep track of important dates, appointments, and obligations on a calendar or in a daily planner.
2. Become a list person – create checklists for yourself so you can visually see what you have and have not completed.
3. Prepare for every day the night before – lay out your clothing, shower if appropriate, and even make packed meals ahead of time.
4. Practice organization by tending to chores that require you to categorize or sort items into different groups.
5. Your workspace should always be tidy – keep homework or career-related materials separate from household items; storing said work in designated folders is a great idea.
6. A filing system is ideal for household paperwork too.
7. Map out a daily routine by which you live your life and stick to it.
8. Stop multitasking – finish one task before moving on to the next.
9. Stop procrastinating. You might still reach your goals, but you won’t on the timeline you’ve set for yourself if you keep putting things off.
10. Last but not least, you must take care of yourself. When your mind, body, and spirit are not attuned, dysfunction sets in and often shows itself in your home, work and social life as an unorganized mess.

At OPI, we know you aren’t an illness, addiction, or failure at anything. We see you as brave — brave enough to make the call that will change the course of your life forever. The National Center for Children in Poverty points out that mental health disorders from adolescence will only worsen with age. Don’t delay; we’re here when you’re ready.