What exactly is organization? Before diving into any topic, it's essential to have a clear definition. Surprisingly, defining organization isn't as straightforward as it seems. Many definitions refer to an "organization" as an entity, but that’s not what I’m aiming for. After some digging, I found this gem:
To be organized means to arrange things in a systematic and orderly way, and to be able to plan things carefully.
I’ll go with that. Now, let’s break it down. The first part of the definition—arranging things systematically and orderly—is my ultimate goal. I aspire to have my life arranged this way. Does it always work out? Not so much.
Physical Organization
Let’s start with physical organization. I have a workroom/office area where everything happens. Over the years, this space has seen countless iterations of organization. Currently, I have shelves in what used to be the closet, housing many of my supplies, and bookcases in the corner for even more materials. Large plastic boxes store things I don’t use regularly, while smaller boxes hold other items. I do my best to group similar things together so I can find them easily. For example, my resin supplies occupy two shelves. However, UV resin resides in the closet. See the problem? Despite my efforts, things don’t always stay as organized as I’d like.
Do I need more room? Fewer things? Probably both. But creating requires "stuff," and let’s not even get started on my laser and its accompanying supplies—a space-hogging necessity. Physical organization is a constant struggle.
Digital Organization
Digital organization is another beast entirely. I rely on two main tools: Dropbox and Google Drive. While I appreciate their flexibility—accessible anywhere, capable of holding just about anything—they come with their own set of challenges.
Dropbox
Here’s a snapshot of my Dropbox:
It’s packed with folders. Despite my best efforts to keep it neat, finding what I need can be frustrating. I have to recall what I named a file, how I filed it, and where it’s stored. Sometimes, I’ll discover multiple folders for the same thing. That’s the pitfall: without a solid system for naming and filing, chaos ensues.
Google Drive
And then there’s Google Drive. Please, let’s not even talk about Google Drive. While it’s convenient to access files on the go, its organization system leaves much to be desired.
Files are sorted by "last used," which isn’t helpful if you can’t remember when you last opened something. Sure, I can search for files, but only if I remember their names. I’ve tried creating shortcuts in folders with clear names, but even that isn’t foolproof.
The Struggles of a Creative Mind
As I’ve progressed in my creative journey, I’ve discovered that the more I create, the more there is to organize. Design ideas, project stages, files, notes—where do they all go? Ideas strike at random times, and keeping track of everything feels impossible. Although my collection of files and designs is still relatively small, I can see the potential for disarray as it grows.
Day-to-Day Life
To manage my day-to-day life, I use two planners: one for personal life and one for work. My personal planner tracks appointments, bills, and errands. My work planner covers blog posts, social media schedules, design ideas, project stages, sales, and business-related tasks. Does it always work? Honestly, no. But I keep trying.
Your Turn
How do you stay organized—physically, digitally, or otherwise? How do you manage tasks and projects that span days or weeks? Share your suggestions, ideas, or words of encouragement in the comments below. Let’s navigate this journey together.
Thanks for reading,
Flo
