When it comes to getting organized, there are two big reasons most people struggle: perfectionism and procrastination.
In my experience, perfectionism hinders a lot of assistants in one way or another. We think our file folder labels have to be perfectly typed, so we keep stacking things on our “to-file pile” where they don’t get done at all. We think our procedures have to be beautifully typed and formatted or they don’t count. We spend countless hours on a presentation that was accurate and looked fine three drafts ago.
That perfection then leads to procrastination. It’s like a vicious and deadly cycle when it comes to getting organized. You might think your file folder tabs have to be perfectly printed labels, so you wait until you have time to create the beautiful labels. But this only adds to the clutter and disorganization on our desk. A handwritten file folder tab still identifies and organizes the information, so you – or anyone you work with – can find it. You keep putting off creating your procedures binder when your hand-written notes are just as effective as type-written ones.
That’s the point of organization – being able to find what you need when you need it. When there’s a massive stack of paper on your desk, it’s not organized, useful, or easy to locate for anyone. When you can’t remember how to do something that should’ve been documented in your procedures months ago, you’re spinning your wheels and wasting time and your company’s money trying to recall how to do your work.
Staying productive is crucial for admins who often have too much to do and too little time. This week, we’re talking more about the productivity “thieves” of perfectionism and procrastination and how you can take back your day. Our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages are full of tips and tricks to break the cycle and overcome stumbling blocks, and our feature article talks in depth about what causes us to procrastinate and ways to kick the habit.
There is no such thing as “perfect.” It’s a pointless pursuit, and the sooner you stop chasing it, the sooner you can become the amazing admin you were meant to be!
Supporting your administrative success,
Julie Perrine
P.S. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when your to-do list is a mile long. The key is becoming a master at prioritizing each task in accordance with your company’s overall goals, and where you add the most value in helping to achieve them. So how do you find the time to get the high-impact tasks done each and every day? Click here to find out!
