February is approaching, and to many that means the end of attempted New Year’s resolutions and retreating back to old habits…but it doesn’t have to! Getting organized is a super important part of the New Year, and if you are anything like me a new planner and post it notes are something to look forward to. But staying organized and keeping up with your new habits isn’t always easy. Here are a few tips to help you keep up with new habits and be the best version of yourself!

1. Buy a planner that works with your day to day life.

If you need to plan out your day hour by hour, find a planner that allows for extra detail. For me personally, I need an hour by hour plan to make sure I don’t over schedule, or miss any appointments. Many people prefer a day to day planner, or one with a spot for weekly goals. If you are a “big picture” kind of person, this may be for you. Shop around! There are so many options, and the better your planner fits you, the more likely you will be to keep up with it.

2. Color coordination; friend or foe?

I admit I have been guilty of over buying all of those colorful pens and highlights in the office aisle at Target…who hasn’t?! If you are a color coordinating person, keep it fairly simple. Organize in a way that makes sense to you! Whether you coordinate a color for work, family, and friends; or most important to least important. The key here is to stay consistent.

3. Prioritize your time, and commitments.

When making your to do lists, always put the most important items at the top. Mark them off as you finish them. If you’re anything like me, you like incentives. Treat yourself to a coffee or fun break when you finished a big ticket item that you weren’t necessarily looking forward to doing on your list! It’s always nice to have something to look forward to.

Bonus* Another fun idea is to include your friends in a work related task. For example, networking or brainstorming: this is much more enjoyable if done over a Girls Night Out, or pot luck dinner with friends.