If you’re like me, you may find it difficult to focus if your workspace is disorganized. In fact, research shows clutter does hinder our ability to focus. And if you need more proof, look no further than what’s trending on Netflix. Tune in and you’ll get your home “edited” in no time.

The reason many people struggle to stay organized is because they treat it as a one-off strategy. We’re eager to make the time to get super organized after moving into a new home or office (or nowadays, a new home office). But then life gets busy, paper piles up and we forget to use the awesome file-naming convention we were once so excited about.

Our efforts seem to be in vain.

Often, organization goes off the rails because it’s not built into a Proactive Routine. If you want organization to work for you, it’s important to make time for organization, just as you would block time for a meeting or project.

Staying organized is truly a valuable investment of your time. After all, the goal is to spend your time doing your best work, not looking for it!

Here are 4 strategies you can use to make time for organization – and make it stick.

    1. Set aside time every day or week to clean up your digital and physical space. You can set a reminder and block off the last 10 minutes at the end of each day, or if you prefer, you can set aside time on Friday afternoons to focus on organization. Use this time to clean off your computer desktop, your Downloads folder and delete what has accumulated in the Recycle Bin folder.
    2. Tidy your inbox to archive, delete or move emails into specific folders (and of course, you are already doing this as an Email Warrior). A clear inbox leads to better focus, clear decision-making, less time wasted – and more time for the things you love to do. (Much like staying organized!)
    3. Take a walk through your workspace or home to de-clutter and gather any loose items lying around. Things tend to get lost when they don’t have a home. Actively purge, digitize and organize the information and tools you use with a place for everything and everything in its place. Store items using clear bins and labels, file what needs to be filed and/or scan what you need using a tool like Evernote.
    4. Go paperless. Your time – and your colleagues’ time – is too valuable to spend searching for information. Your colleagues may need access to the same information you are storing – and they won’t be able to find it on your desk.

    Organization is not a one-off strategy. Like anything worthwhile, it must become a habit.

    I hope these strategies inspire you to use your digital and physical workspace to do your best work and achieve amazing results.

    How do you stay organized? Please share.

    Related: 5 ways to put more spring in your step this Fall