That was an eye-opener—January flew by in a blur.
I started the year strong, full of plans. I wrote them down, stuck reminders on my walls, and hyped myself up.
Then January came in like a wrecking ball.
Between ward work, emergency room shifts, research duties, and spiritual commitments—not to mention endless meetings—it was a whirlwind.
But I made it. I dodged the wrecking ball and accomplished much of what I set out to do. Now, I want to share how I did it.
Here are five tips on staying organized, especially for healthcare workers and students.
TIP 1: Get a Planning Tool
I used to roll my eyes at people who bought planners at the start of the year. Those thick, old-fashioned books seemed like a relic of the past—boring and unnecessary.
I get it now. I was completely wrong. A planner is essential.
There are many ways to use a planner. Most people jot down future meetings and deadlines so they don’t forget them. I do that too, but my real focus is on daily goal setting.
Every night before bed, I write down what I want to accomplish the next day. When I wake up, those goals are fresh in my mind, and I have my list to keep me on track.
It’s simple, but it works. And there’s something incredibly satisfying about checking off completed tasks.
You don’t have to use a physical planner—many people prefer digital options on their phones, tablets, or laptops.
But I guess I’m part of that rare, old-school breed that loves the feel of pen on paper.
TIP 2: The 2-Minute Rule
“If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.”
I used to be a master procrastinator. If a task was small, I’d push it aside, telling myself, I’ll get to it later. Big mistake.
Here’s the thing—little drops of water make a mighty ocean. And if you’re not careful, that ocean can overwhelm you. A single drop? Barely noticeable. But ignore enough of them, and suddenly, you're drowning in unfinished tasks.
So, do it now.
This simple rule has already saved me countless hours and spared me from unnecessary stress. By handling small tasks immediately, I’ve freed up mental space for bigger responsibilities—without the constant, nagging weight of unfinished business.
Do it now. You’ll thank yourself later.
TIP 3: Delegate
Trying to do everything yourself isn’t kindness.
It’s inefficiency. It’s shortsighted. And honestly? It’s bad leadership.
Good leaders trust others with responsibility. The key word here is *trust*.
I’ve come to realize that my reluctance to delegate wasn’t about being responsible—it was about pride. Deep down, I believed no one else could do the job as well as I could.
"I’m the only one who can do it." Lies.
The truth is, people rise to the occasion when given the chance. Delegating isn’t just about lightening your workload; it’s about fostering growth in those around you. And often, the people you entrust with tasks bring fresh ideas and perspectives you hadn’t even considered.
This year, delegation has been a game-changer for me—especially with administrative tasks. Now, I have more time to focus on clinical work, research, and my passion projects.
Trust others. Step back. Watch them grow.
TIP 4: Say No!
Last year, I was a yes machine. Saying yes opened doors, brought opportunities, and helped me grow—but it also left me drained.
The yes strategy isn’t for the weak.
At the start of this year, I made a decision. I wrote down my priorities, and if something didn’t align with my goals, I would say no.
Simple in theory. Harder in practice. The tests came quickly.
At first, saying no felt harsh—almost selfish. But then I saw the results. I had time. I could focus. My plans were finally taking shape.
I’m still learning. Some requests are harder to turn down than others. But little by little, I’m mastering the power of no.
TIP 5: Rest
They call it a rat race.
Well, I’m not a rat.
I’ll run—oh, I’ll run. I’ll run hard, I’ll run fast, and I’ll give 110%.
And when it’s time to rest, I’ll do that too.
A friend once walked into the doctor’s room and found me lying on a bed, arms behind my head, eyes closed. We exchanged greetings, and he went back into the chaos of the hospital.
Thirty minutes later, he returned and saw me in the exact same position.
“Wow,” he said. “You’re really relaxing.”
“Yeah. I’ve gotta.”
I had spent my morning and most of my afternoon pushing hard, making sure every task was completed. My plate was empty, and in medicine, an empty plate never stays that way for long.
So I rested.
Relish the quiet moments. Don’t feel guilty for taking time to recharge.
Work hard. Give your best. And when the time comes—rest.
There you have it—five tips to help you get back on track if you’ve strayed from your goals this year.
Chin up. There’s still plenty of race left to run.
Put these into practice, and you’ll get there.
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