How to Stay Organized When You Feel Overwhelmed

We’ve all been there—staring at a never-ending to-do list, feeling like we’re drowning in unfinished tasks.

But staying organized doesn’t mean doing everything! Staying organized means doing the right things at the right time.

Here’s how you can take back control when life feels like a chaotic mess (at least this is what I do!)

1. Determine What Actually Needs to Be Done

Not every task is urgent or important.

The best way to seperate the wheat from the chaff is to ‘triage’ your to-do list:

✔ Identify high-impact tasks (the ones that actually move the needle).

✔ Cut out timewasters (bye, pointless meetings and endless email threads).

✔ Accept that not everything needs to be done today…or even at all.

💡 Pro Tip

Before jumping into work, ask yourself, "What’s the one thing that will make everything else easier or unnecessary?"

2. Schedule Time to Get It Done

If it’s not scheduled, it won’t happen. Period.

Here's how to make sure the important things get done:

✔ Assign time slots to your tasks.

✔ Set realistic deadlines—don’t assume you’ll be superhuman next week.

✔ Learn to say no (politely, but firmly).

✔ Keep meetings short, or skip them if an email will do.

✨ Real Talk

I used to overload my schedule thinking I’d magically "find" time.

Spoiler alert—I never did 😭

Now, I batch my tasks, block out deep work sessions, and protect my time like it’s VIP seating at a sold-out concert.

3. Focus Your Attention

Multitasking is a scam!

Instead of trying to get it all done at the same time try:

✔ The Pomodoro technique (25-minute focus sprints).

✔ Noise-canceling headphones (game-changer).

✔ Turning off notifications (yes, even Slack and email).

🚨 Reminder

If you’re constantly distracted, the problem isn’t time…it’s attention.

4. Process New Information Efficiently

Your digital and physical spaces should work for you, not against you.

✔ Declutter your inbox with filters and folders.

✔ Keep a "quick capture" system for ideas (I love Notion for this).

✔ Decide what to do with things the 2st time. Address it, decide what to do with it, and move on.

5. Close the Loop

Closing the loop means review what’s working (and what’s not). You can do this on an ongoing basis by:

✔ Streamlining inefficient systems.

✔ Automating repetitive tasks.

✔ Addressing bottlenecks…whether they’re processes or people.

6. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

Time management is self-management.

Prioritize:

✔ Sleep (because exhausted you is not productive).

✔ Nutrition (fuel your brain, not just your cravings).

✔ Movement (a 5-minute walk can reset your focus).

✔ Joy (because burnout isn’t the goal).

🔥 Truth Bomb

No planner, app, or system will save you if you’re running on fumes.

Take care of yourself first.

Final Thoughts

You’ll never get it all done. Accept that.

But you can get the right things done without drowning in stress.

Start small, protect your time, and watch your productivity (and peace of mind) skyrocket.

✨ What’s one habit that helps you stay organized? Drop it in the comments!