Writers are often creative and imaginative people. Unfortunately, that can also make them disorganized, at times. Creativity doesn’t necessarily have to mean clutter. In fact, surrounding yourself with disorganized files, a cluttered workspace, or other things that can contribute to a chaotic environment might do more harm than good.
As a writer, having some sense of organization is important. Maybe you need to make the switch to digital tools to keep you on track. Or, maybe cleaning off your desk is the best place to start.
Taking a look at where you’re struggling with clutter can help you to realize how much more productive you could be if you were organized.
With that in mind, let’s look at some organizational clips you can use to boost productivity and stay motivated while allowing you to keep your creativity intact.
Keeping Your Ideas in One Place
No matter what type of writer you are, you probably have a dozen ideas racing through your head at any given time. Maybe you jot them down as they come up, leaving little sticky notes all over your desk. Maybe you have multiple pieces started in your documents that you haven’t given a lot of time to.
While writing ideas down is a good way to remember the main idea, it isn’t sufficient for remembering the details. Plus, it can be easy to lose those sticky notes. Instead, why not keep all of your ideas in one convenient, organized location?
Using mind mapping software can make it easy to not only store your main idea, but any thoughts you may have had surrounding it. Mind mapping allows you to build out on your ideas and add key notes and directions. So, you won’t forget what you were originally thinking about or any subsequent ideas that went with it.
There are plenty of other software options that allow you to store your ideas in one place, including:
- WorkFlowy
- HubSpot Blog Ideas Generator
- MindMeister
- Evernote
Try to experiment with a few different programs to find the one that fits your needs. Even scheduling apps like and other types of assistive technology can streamline your writing process, especially if you live with a learning disability. As a writer, it can be tempting to avoid tech tools, especially if the “old school” way of doing things has worked for you. But, technology is changing the writing industry – in many ways, for the better. Use it to your advantage. You might be surprised how much easier it makes things.
Clean the Clutter From Your Space
Take a look at your desk, office, or wherever you do most of your work. Is it cluttered? Disorganized? Do you often have a hard time finding what you’re looking for? As a result, do you often feel overwhelmed or stressed whenever you sit down to work?
There’s a reason for that.
Studies have shown that clutter can harm your mental health. It contributes to stress, allows your mind to wander, and can even contribute to feelings of isolation.
Thankfully, cleaning the clutter doesn’t have to be difficult. Choose one section at a time to organize, making sure to put everything in its place. Once you know where everything is, neatly stored away, you might also feel some of your stress start to melt away.
Once you get organized, you can focus on turning your writing space into a reflection of who you are. Paint the walls a motivational color like blue or gray. Add your favorite artwork, decorations, and even some live plants. Turning your writing space from a cluttered mess to an inspirational work zone will not only boost your productivity but it can allow you to get even more creative since you’re less likely to be so distracted by everything surrounding you.
Develop a Routine
As a writer, your organization is about more than just your work area. It’s also about your daily routine. Yes, working from home allows you some flexibility. But, without a daily, consistent routine, you could quickly start to feel unmotivated and have trouble finding inspiration.
Having a daily plan is important when you work from home. It should include things like:
- Upcoming deadlines
- Projects you need to start
- Brainstorming ideas to bring to life
- Clients you need to contact
You can create your plan the day before so you have it ready to go the next day.
Just as important, however, is creating a personal routine. Try to go to sleep at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning. Create specific working hours during the day, and allow yourself some free time in the evening for a healthy work-life balance. Your routine will allow you to stay focused without feeling overwhelmed and unorganized.
Staying on top of things as a writer doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right space and the right frame of mind, you can make organization a priority, so you can concentrate on your work and boost your productivity.
BIO
Beau Peters is professional with a lifetime of experience in service and care. As a manager, he has learned a slew of tricks in the business world and enjoys sharing them with others who carry the same passion and dedication that he brings to his work.