Tips for Organization and Productivity

Many things affect productivity: your environment, your motivation, even your mood. If you believe those outside forces decide how much you get done, you give away control. Psychologists call that an external locus of control. The opposite, an internal locus of control, is the belief that your own actions shape the outcome. Here are a few simple ways to build that habit.

Small steps make a path

Start with small achievements; they motivate you to aim for bigger ones. The easiest first step is to get organized. A clean, tidy workspace, where everything has its place, makes it much easier to sit down and get to work. If your surroundings work against you, change them, even if that just means moving to a quieter spot.

Set goals and track your progress

Milestones feel better when you planned to reach them. Keep a pen and paper nearby or use a checklist app. Before you start the day, write down what you want to finish by the end of it, including small things like answering one email or walking the dog. Ticking items off builds momentum.

Invest in organizing tools

If you multitask, tools that give your things a home make a real difference: a desk organizer, a phone case with a card slot, a bag with dedicated pockets. Use them to your advantage.

Looking for bags and accessories that keep you organized? Browse our backpacks, cable organizers and pouches.