{"id":11276,"date":"2023-04-06T05:29:28","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T10:29:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/professional-organizer.com\/WordPress\/?p=11276"},"modified":"2023-03-06T10:36:39","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T15:36:39","slug":"how-to-create-a-system-that-works-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/professional-organizer.com\/WordPress\/how-to-create-a-system-that-works-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a System that Works for You"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"how<\/p>\n

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“I need a system!”<\/p>\n

Creating systems is one of the best ways to be organized, save time and maximize productivity. A system<\/a> is a method or process that you create to carry out repeated actions in a consistent way. Even better, systems can be automated and streamlined to maximize efficiency. A system is the best way to save your sanity.<\/p>\n

There are systems to implement in all areas of your life. Home systems include meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning. Work systems include onboarding a new client or payment methods. Use this step-by-step method to create systems that work for you.<\/p>\n

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Reflect and take stock of the systems that are working<\/h3>\n

Take a step back and reflect on your current goals and projects, as well as self-care. Where you feel productive and energized, that’s a system that works for you. When frustration and fatigue bubble up, that’s an indicator that a system will help you. Review where there is an obstacle in your home tasks. That’s another area that can use an improved system. Start small by starting only one new system at a time.<\/p>\n

Example: Your laundry piles up but your dishes never do. What’s holding you back with the laundry?<\/p>\n

Example: You meet with clients daily but you have trouble billing them regularly. What’s the obstacle to billing?<\/p>\n

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Assess your working systems<\/h3>\n

Use your successful systems to create new ones that work well. Analyze what you are currently doing that leads to success. What and how many steps are you taking? What tools and strategies are you using? How can you simplify an existing system, improve it, and apply it to another area?<\/p>\n

Remember that simple, easy systems with few steps make it more likely the system will work and be consistently used.<\/p>\n

Example: What’s working? Dishes go directly into the dishwasher.<\/p>\n

Example: What’s not working? It is easier to meet with a client than stay at home to create the invoice.<\/p>\n

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Plan a new system<\/h3>\n

Now you are ready to create a process that streamlines your task. What’s the result you are looking for? What’s the least number of steps to achieve this goal? Would a checklist or template help if there are multiple steps? Is there a better tool to use for this than what I have currently?<\/p>\n

Example: Could the laundry skip the sorting stage and go directly into the washing machine?<\/p>\n

Example: Could you bill the client immediately at the end of the session?<\/p>\n

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Execute the system<\/h3>\n

Now you are ready to put your plan into action. Think of it is as a practice session for the first few times you work on your new system. Apply the process you created and evaluate the results. Make any adjustments as you work on your system.<\/p>\n

Example: Did the laundry get started? Did the laundry get completed and back into closets?<\/p>\n

Example: Did you receive payment regularly from clients with this process?<\/p>\n

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Continuous improvement<\/h3>\n

Now your system is working however there is always room for improvement. Are there ways to make this system even better by adding technology or delegating this to someone else? Once you have created one system, you may be ready to add more systems to your life. Small improvements keep your system functional and consistent.<\/p>\n

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Some of the systems that my clients have shared with me might be helpful to you!<\/p>\n